2021 Volvo XC90 Review
Price Range:Â $18,900 - $43,590
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2021 Volvo XC90 Review
Pros
- Elegant interior and exterior styling
- Precise handling
- Spacious second- and third-row seating
- Many standard safety tech features
Cons
- Comes up short in performance and real-world fuel economy
- Some touchscreen controls can be hard to use
What's new
- T8 plug-in hybrid model now known as Recharge
- Minor changes to standard feature availability
- Part of the second XC90 generation introduced for 2016
Overview
A three-row SUV with a spacious interior and style to spare, the 2021 Volvo XC90 is well suited for luxurious family duty. It's Volvo's biggest vehicle and it gives you seven-passenger seating plus more available cargo space than its smaller XC60 sibling.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
55 listings
- $30,995great price$4,322 below market
- 42,045 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use
- 7 Seats, 19 City / 28 Hwy MPG
- Dulles Kia (6 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Leesburg, VA
AWD, THIRD ROW, CLEAN CARFAX, MOMENTUM, 360 CAMERA, DEALER SERVICED, LOCAL TRADE, CLIMATE PACKAGE, ADVANCED PACKAGED, APPLE CARPLAY/ANDROID AUTO, 19" ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (19 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: YV4A22PK6M1688312
Stock: DX16604A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 11-30-2025 - $33,500great price$4,160 below market
- 33,390 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use
- 7 Seats, 19 City / 28 Hwy MPG
- Don Beyer Volvo Cars of Falls Church (19 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Falls Church, VA
VOLVO OF FALLS CHURCH!!! Climate Package, Heated Rear Seats, Heated Steering Wheel, Heated Windshield Wiper Blades, Navigation system: Sensus Navigati...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (19 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: YV4A22PK2M1751390
Stock: T29919V
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 11-15-2025
Every XC90 comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This might seem odd given that six-cylinder engines are the norm for this class, but Volvo has applied enough techno-wizardry to make it work. There are actually three engine versions, which Volvo calls the T5, T6 and Recharge (formerly called the T8). The Recharge is a plug-in hybrid with an impressive 400 horsepower plus 18 miles of electric range. Volvo made noticeable improvements to the suspension and brakes last year that significantly elevated the hybrid's standing in our eyes.
With that upgrade in the rearview mirror, and a next-generation model a few years away, not much changes for the 2021 model. Adaptive headlights, a wireless charging pad and front parking sensors are just a few of the newly standard features, and the interior trim and upholstery color combinations have been shuffled slightly.
Otherwise, the XC90 is the same as it's always been, which is to say a fully competitive luxury crossover SUV with a surprisingly affordable price tag. It costs less than other three-row SUVs yet offers a broader range of standard safety and convenience features. At the same time, the XC90's distinctive exterior and cabin designs help it stand out. Whether you're looking to make a statement or simply save a few dollars, the pull of the XC90 is hard to resist, even in this illustrious class.
2021 Volvo XC90 trim level differences
The 2021 Volvo XC90 is a three-row midsize luxury SUV. It comes with one of three available powertrains that Volvo calls the T5, T6 or Recharge (last year's T8). These powertrains can then be matched to one of three trim levels that influence how many features the XC90 comes with. The trim levels are Momentum (called Inscription Expression for the Recharge powertrain), R-Design and Inscription.
Which XC90 trim does Edmunds recommend?
A large people-mover like the XC90 requires an engine that can carry its weight, and we're not convinced the base T5's power is sufficient when you've got your XC90 laden with passengers and cargo. As such, the next-level T6 is worth the upgrade for its ability to accelerate effortlessly. We think it's also worth paying extra for either the R-Design or Inscription trim level. Both cost roughly the same and add a healthy list of features.
Compare 2021 Volvo XC90 trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

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Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$186/mo  for XC90 T5 Momentum
XC90 T5 Momentum
vs
$219/mo
Avg. Large SUV
Reliability
The 2021 Volvo XC90 has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 6 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, ranks it #17 out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#17 out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$621/yr
vs. $602/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
Frequency
1.68x/yr
vs. 1.09x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
Severity
10.9%
vs. 9.4%
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
6Â recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:Â
- 25V179000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:Â
- R10312
- Manufactured from:Â
- 2019-06-04 to 2021-11-29
- Number of vehicles affected:Â
- 7483
- Defect Description:Â
- Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2020-2021 S90, 2020-2022 S60, V60, XC60, XC90, and 2022 V90 plug-in hybrid vehicles. The high-voltage battery may experience a short circuit within the battery module when the battery is fully charged and the vehicle is parked.
- Defect Consequence:Â
- A short circuit in a high-voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.
- Corrective Action:Â
- Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy has been completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the high-voltage battery module as necessary. In addition, dealers will update the software to monitor the battery. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 28, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10312.
- Recall Number:Â
- 23V827000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:Â
- R10259
- Number of vehicles affected:Â
- 2911
- Defect Description:Â
- Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2015-2024 XC90 vehicles. The second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts may not be tightened properly.
- Defect Consequence:Â
- An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash.
- Corrective Action:Â
- Dealers will inspect and tighten the second-row seat belt buckle anchorage bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10259.
- Recall Number:Â
- 23V001000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:Â
- R10213
- Number of vehicles affected:Â
- 74
- Defect Description:Â
- Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2022 V60CC, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. During steering gear assembly, double screws may have been assembled on top of each other, which can cause a screw to fall into the gearbox housing.
- Defect Consequence:Â
- A screw inside the gearbox housing can cause the steering wheel to lock up and increase the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:Â
- Dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10213.
- Recall Number:Â
- 21V716000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:Â
- R10120
- Number of vehicles affected:Â
- 9
- Defect Description:Â
- Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 S90L, 2020-2021 XC60, and XC90 vehicles. An improperly welded rotor and shaft may separate within the integrated brake system.
- Defect Consequence:Â
- Separation of the rotor and shaft may cause a reduction in braking assistance and a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:Â
- Dealers will replace the hydraulic unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10120.
- Recall Number:Â
- 21V682000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:Â
- R10111
- Number of vehicles affected:Â
- 19149
- Defect Description:Â
- Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 XC40, XC 40 Recharge, V60CC, V90, V90CC, XC90, and 2021-2022 V60, XC60, S60 vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Defect Consequence:Â
- An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Corrective Action:Â
- Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 13, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10111.
- Recall Number:Â
- 21V001000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:Â
- R10068
- Number of vehicles affected:Â
- 2883
- Defect Description:Â
- Volvo Cars USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 Volvo V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. The Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) control unit may not have been properly attached to the car body and may detach during a crash.
- Defect Consequence:Â
- A detached SRS control unit can decrease the performance of occupant protection systems such as air bags, seat belts, and high voltage battery disconnect, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Corrective Action:Â
- Volvo Car will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, tighten the SRS control unit mounting screws, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 19, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10068.
Warranty
4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 12 years / unlimited miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 4 years / unlimited miles
- Free maintenance Warranty
- 3 years / 30,000 miles
Volvo XC90 Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(55%)
4(13%)
3(11%)
2(13%)
1(8%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Disappointing
2 out of 5 starsJB, 09/03/2021
2021 Volvo XC90 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A)
Two months in of which one month in the shop for repairs. A faulty "module" that's responsible for switching between electric and fuel. Basically the car arrived with a faulty module, was not tested by the dealer, leased to me and promptly returned by me. It took two more modules to finally get a good one. So far that is. Because after owning 12 Volvos during my life so far, this should … have been the crown jewel. Instead I hear myself saying; don't get this one. Me? I was born in a Volvo. Yet, here we go. The car is definitely unreliable. It sputters. And when it works it really does. Should a nearly $80K car give you that feeling?
Perfect Blend of Tech and Luxury
5 out of 5 starsTexas Pilot BB, 02/08/2020
2020 Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription Twin Engine Plug-In Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A)
We bought the XC90 T8 6 Seat Inscription. So much has changed since our 2013 XC90 was manufactured. Compared to the previous interior, Volvo has truly stepped up the design and you now feel like you’re in a true luxury car. The seats are very comfortable, the leather is supple and the inlays and trim are elegant. The shift knob is made of Swedish Crystal which is an elegant touch.
The … exterior styling is, in my opinion, at the top of the competitors...not to rounded off and not too boxy. The grill has been refreshed slightly and looks elegant without being too gaudy like some other manufacturers.
Pure electric mode gives me a range of over 20 miles which is perfect for trips to the store and back or to drop off the kids at school. Compared to solely electric cars, acceleration is sluggish in pure electric mode. Put it in hybrid mode and it is remarkably quick.
The primary reason I bought this car was to keep my family safe. Google the independent crash tests by IIHS and compare to the BMW or Audi and you can see for yourself the design of the XC90 is safer. Volvo also has a marketing video touting the engineering that went into making this the safest SUV in the road.
I’ve owned Audi’s, BMW’s and Lexus vehicles and this is, hands down, the best car I’ve owned. It perfectly balances styling, eco-driving, and comfort without making a sacrifice for safety.
The only negative I will mention is the passenger cup holders in the six seat configuration seem like an afterthought and will likely be broken by my kids...but that should not stop anyone from seriously considering the 2020 XC90.
Very disappointing from Volvo
1 out of 5 starsNathan B, 08/11/2022
2021 Volvo XC90 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A)
In the positive column, I would say that I love the spaciousness and the comfort of the ride. The handling for a big car is very good and the acceleration is far better than expected.
However, none of this matters if the car spends more time in the shop than with you at the wheel. A few months into ownership, the all electric miles per full charge decreased. Less than a year in the … fuel cells had to be replaced twice. Now, the too soon for market hybrid engine bit the dust. The vehicle has been in the shop with the latest event for over a month!
This is my second (and last) Volvo. As much as I wanted to like it and to overlook the functionality of the touch screen in favor of the smooth ride, there is no way to get around having a car that breaks down all the time. Two thumbs down on this Volvo hybrid!
Electronic nightmare
3 out of 5 starsGran01, 01/13/2021
2020 Volvo XC90 T5 R-Design 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Our NEW Volvo XC 90 has been in for service 5 times since purchased. So far everything has been an electrical problem...AC won’t turn on, screen goes blank, blinkers out, brights won’t work, mirrors won’t adjust, phone calls out and rings and you can’t cut it off, AC won’t turn on...worth mentioning twice when you live in Texas.
Twice, these things have gone wrong right before a road … trip, being the main reason we bought it. My list is extensive. Very inconvenient! They do resolve the problem each time but this is not what we expected with a luxury brand new vehicle.
We contacted Volvo USA but they are unwilling to help in anyway.
This is our fourth Volvo, never before have we experienced such issues. Customer service??
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Volvo XC90, so we've included reviews for other years of the XC90 since its last redesign.
2021 XC90 Highlights
SUV
T5 Momentum
| Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $49,000 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $186/month |
| Seating | 7 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 41.8 cu.ft. |
front wheel drive | |
| Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the XC90 models:
- Volvo On Call
- Notifies emergency services in the case of an accident or stolen vehicle and allows for remote door locking and unlocking.
- 360-Degree Surround-View Camera
- Displays a 360-degree (aka bird's-eye) view of the car, showing obstacles around the entire car, not just those behind it.
- Lane Keeping Aid
- Makes small steering corrections if it senses that the vehicle is drifting out of its lane without a turn signal activated.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover19.1%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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