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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $52,279–$68,560 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2021 Volvo XC90 is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.8/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 9.3/10, while Performance 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: 7.5/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. On safety, it scores 9.3/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.7/10 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. On technology it rates 8.5/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.
Priced from $52,279–$68,560, 22 MPG, seating 7, the Volvo XC90 sits in the premium tier of the suv category. At 7.0/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. 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 XC90 will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on performance if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good suv 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 XC90 ranks #428 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 83% of the segment. Its 7.8/10 overall score is 0.4 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $52,279 starting price is about 45% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Volvo XC90 scores 7.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.8 — 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 | 7.8/10 | $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 (this review) | 7.8/10 | $52,279 | |
| 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 | 7.4/10 | $43,662 | Read review → |
| 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.
| Seat belts / Front / Retractor 01/09/2021 · 21V682000 | 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… |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Air bags 07/01/2021 · 21V001000 | 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… |
| Steering 05/01/2023 · 23V001000 | 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. |
| Seat belts / Critical fasteners 07/12/2023 · 23V827000 | 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. |
Showing 5 of 6 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.