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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $51,051–$65,672 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2021 Volvo S90 is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.6/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.7/10, while Safety at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.0/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety is a notable gap at 6.7/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
Few rivals match it for performance: 8.0/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining sedans to actually drive. Technology scores 6.8/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $51,051–$65,672, 24 MPG, seating 5, the Volvo S90 sits in the premium tier of the sedan category. Its value score of 8.7/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2021 Volvo S90 will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on technology and safety if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good sedan should — quietly and competently.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Volvo S90 ranks #494 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 62% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $51,051 starting price is about 85% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Volvo S90 scores 7.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.6 — and starts roughly $5,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.9/10 | $57,783 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.9/10 | $57,783 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.8/10 | $56,100 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.7/10 | $54,417 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.8/10 | $52,734 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.6/10 | $51,051 | |
| 2020 | 7.6/10 | $49,368 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.5/10 | $47,685 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.4/10 | $46,002 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.4/10 | $44,319 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip 15/09/2021 · 21V716000 | 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. |
|---|---|
| Electrical system / Software 24/03/2025 · 25V179000 | 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… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
We rate the 2021 Volvo S90's reliability 7.0/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
2 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 7.6/10 overall, ranking #494 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 62% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2021 Volvo S90 starts at $51,051 and ranges up to $65,672 across trims (MSRP when new). At 24 MPG, expect roughly $2,188/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Volvo models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.