2022 Volvo XC90 — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
SUV

2022 Volvo XC90

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $54,003–$65,804
Fuel Economy 23 MPG
Seating 7 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,283/yr
The 2022 Volvo XC90 scores 7.7/10 at Carivo, ranking #564 of 2454 suvs, with 4 NHTSA recalls on record and an estimated $2,283/year fuel cost.

Key Specifications — 2022 Volvo XC90

Seating Capacity7 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$54,003–$65,804

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

About the 2022 Volvo XC90

With an overall Carivo score of 7.7/10, the 2022 Volvo XC90 earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 9.3/10, while Performance at 6.8/10 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. Reliability comes in at 7.4/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. Safety is a strength too — 9.3/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Performance at 6.8/10 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 8.4/10 — 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 $54,003–$65,804, 23 MPG, seating 7, the Volvo XC90 sits in the premium tier of the suv category. Value lands at 7.0/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 4 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.

Bottom line: Think of the 2022 Volvo XC90 as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in performance are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.

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 2022 Volvo XC90 ranks #564 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 77% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $54,003 starting price is about 50% above the segment's median of $36,079.

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

5-Year Cost Snapshot — 2022 Volvo XC90

Fuel (75,000 miles)~$11,415 ($2,283/year at $3.50/gal)
Recall repairs$0 — 4 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 XC90 Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2019 Volvo XC90 scores 7.6/10 — within striking distance of the 2022'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 7.8/10$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 (this review) 7.7/10$54,003
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 7.4/10$43,662 Read review →
2015 7.4/10$41,938 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2022 Volvo XC90

✓ What it does well

  • 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
  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers

NHTSA Recalls — 2022 Volvo XC90 (4 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.
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.
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.

Own a 2022 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 — 2022 Volvo XC90

Is the 2022 Volvo XC90 reliable?

We rate the 2022 Volvo XC90's reliability 7.4/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 4 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 2022 Volvo XC90 have?

4 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 2022 Volvo XC90 worth buying?

It scores 7.7/10 overall, ranking #564 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 77% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.

How much does the 2022 Volvo XC90 cost?

The 2022 Volvo XC90 starts at $54,003 and ranges up to $65,804 across trims (MSRP when new). At 23 MPG, expect roughly $2,283/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 2022 Volvo XC90 have?

The documented issues for the 2022 Volvo XC90 are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Engine and engine cooling, Steering, Seat belts, Electrical system (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

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 →

Get the Monthly Reliability Report

Once a month: which brands moved up or down our reliability rankings, new recalls worth knowing, and the smartest-money model years. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

More Volvo Reviews

Explore the full lineup of Volvo models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.