Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2016 Volvo XC90
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 →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
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.
$0 — 8 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies 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 XC90 Year Should You Buy?
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.
Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Value-for-money is a weak point; comparable alternatives offer more for the price
Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
Fuel economy at 17 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2016 Volvo XC90 (8 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 / 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…
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.
Own a 2016 Volvo XC90 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 — 2016 Volvo XC90
Is the 2016 Volvo XC90 reliable?
We rate the 2016 Volvo XC90's reliability 7.3/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 8 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 2016 Volvo XC90 have?
8 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 2016 Volvo XC90 worth buying?
It scores 7.4/10 overall, ranking #1166 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 53% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2016 Volvo XC90 cost?
The 2016 Volvo XC90 starts at $43,662 and ranges up to $58,815 across trims (MSRP when new). At 17 MPG, expect roughly $3,088/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which XC90 years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 12 XC90 model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (7.8/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2016 Volvo XC90 have?
The documented issues for the 2016 Volvo XC90 are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Equipment, Seat belts (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 XC90
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More Volvo Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Volvo models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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