2023 Volvo S90 — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
Sedan

2023 Volvo S90

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $54,417–$72,982
Fuel Economy 26 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Sedan
Est. Annual Fuel $2,019/yr
The 2023 Volvo S90 scores 7.7/10 at Carivo, ranking #428 of 1310 sedans, with 3 NHTSA recalls on record and an estimated $2,019/year fuel cost.

Key Specifications — 2023 Volvo S90

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSedan
Base Price$54,417–$72,982

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2023 Volvo S90

Our scoring places the 2023 Volvo S90 at 7.7/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 9.3/10, while Value 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. We score reliability at 7.6/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The 9.3/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.

Performance scores 7.0/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. The cabin tech earns 8.3/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.

Priced from $54,417–$72,982, 26 MPG, seating 5, the Volvo S90 sits in the premium tier of the sedan category. The value score of 6.7/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 3 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.

Our take: The 2023 Volvo S90 is a solid, well-rounded sedan that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is value — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.

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 →

How It Ranks Among Sedans

The 2023 Volvo S90 ranks #428 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 67% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is 0.2 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $54,417 starting price is about 97% above the segment's median of $27,664.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →

5-Year Cost Snapshot — 2023 Volvo S90

Fuel (75,000 miles)~$10,095 ($2,019/year at $3.50/gal)
Recall repairs$0 — 3 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
InsuranceVaries widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying

We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.

Which S90 Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2020 Volvo S90 scores 7.6/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.7 — 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.

YearScoreStarting 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 (this review) 7.7/10$54,417
2022 7.8/10$52,734 Read review →
2021 7.6/10$51,051 Read review →
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 →

Pros & Cons — 2023 Volvo S90

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing

NHTSA Recalls — 2023 Volvo S90 (3 on record)

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 with our free VIN recall checker.

Engine and engine cooling / Engine / Engine control module (ecu/ecm)
20/10/2022 · 22V793000
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2022-2023 S60, V60, S90L, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. An electronic control module (ECM) software error may prevent the combustion engine from starting, causing a loss of drive power.
Back over prevention / Software
08/05/2025 · 25V282000
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, C40, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40 and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in…
Back over prevention / Software
23/12/2025 · 25V908000
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2024 C40BEV, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40, and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is…

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

Own a 2023 Volvo S90 that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →

Common Questions — 2023 Volvo S90

Is the 2023 Volvo S90 reliable?

We rate the 2023 Volvo S90's reliability 7.6/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).

How many recalls does the 2023 Volvo S90 have?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Is the 2023 Volvo S90 worth buying?

It scores 7.7/10 overall, ranking #428 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 67% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.

How much does the 2023 Volvo S90 cost?

The 2023 Volvo S90 starts at $54,417 and ranges up to $72,982 across trims (MSRP when new). At 26 MPG, expect roughly $2,019/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Which S90 years should you avoid?

Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest S90 years we've rated are 2018 (7.4/10), 2017 (7.4/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.9/10). See the full year table above before deciding.

What problems does the 2023 Volvo S90 have?

The documented issues for the 2023 Volvo S90 are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Engine and engine cooling, Back over prevention (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.

Owner Essentials — Volvo S90

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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More Volvo Reviews

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