carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $43,662–$58,815 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.4/10, the 2016 Volvo XC90 earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 9.1/10, while Performance at 6.4/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.3/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. Safety is a strength too — 9.1/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.4/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 8.1/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $43,662–$58,815, 17 MPG, seating 7, the Volvo XC90 sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 6.4/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2016 Volvo XC90, but it needs the right buyer. Its value and performance scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
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 2016 Volvo XC90 ranks #1166 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 53% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $43,662 starting price is about 21% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Across the XC90 model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.8/10 | $59,173 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.8/10 | $59,173 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.8/10 | $57,450 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.8/10 | $55,726 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.7/10 | $54,003 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.8/10 | $52,279 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.5/10 | $50,556 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.6/10 | $48,832 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.5/10 | $47,109 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.6/10 | $45,385 | Read review → |
| 2016 (this review) | 7.4/10 | $43,662 | |
| 2015 | 7.4/10 | $41,938 | 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.
| Engine and engine cooling / Cooling system / Hoses/lines/piping/fittings 17/04/2019 · 19V308000 | Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo Cars) is recalling certain 2016 XC90 vehicles. Exposure to heat and humidity may cause the engine coolant bleeder hose to crack, resulting in a coolant leak. |
|---|---|
| Electrical system / Software 21/04/2021 · 21V273000 | Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2016-2020 XC90 Excellence vehicles. Liquid or condensation on the rear seat control display may cause the front passenger seat to move back as far as possible. |
| Equipment / Appliance / Air conditioner 26/09/2016 · 16V690000 | Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Volvo XC90 and S90 vehicles manufactured April 15, 2015 through September 19, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the drain hose for the air conditioning may leak into the… |
| Seat belts / Front / Buckle assembly 02/11/2016 · 16V798000 | Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 XC90, S90, XC60, V60 Cross Country, V60, S60 Cross Country, S60, and S60 Inscription vehicles manufactured February 16, 2015, to August 22, 2016. On the affected vehicles, the front… |
| Visibility / Sun/moon roof assembly 04/05/2016 · 16V268000 | Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016 XC90 vehicles manufactured January 27, 2015, to April 23, 2016. The sunroofs on the affected vehicles have a switch on the overhead console that may not be adequately recessed to prevent the… |
Showing 5 of 8 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Explore the full lineup of Volvo models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.