2023 Volvo XC90

Other brands have caught up, but Volvo maintains its deserved reputation for safety innovation and quality fit and finish. Volvos also stand out for its attractive exterior styling and for having some of the nicest interiors in the industry, with especially comfortable seats. The brand’s XC line of SUVs range from compact and two-row to midsized and three-row. Volvo also sells sedans and station wagons, along with several EVs, ranging from small to large. Most of Volvo’s new cars scored average or below-average in our reliability rankings, and the infotainment systems on many models are less intuitive than what you’ll find in competitors’ cars. Our testers have also found that Volvos aren’t great at absorbing bumps, and have average fuel economy. Among used Volvos, some models have proven to be reliable enough to earn our recommendation.

The 2016 redesign brought a much nicer vehicle. The XC90 SUV's best qualities include its flexible and comfortable interior, seven-passenger seating capacity, and long list of safety features. Base models use a 250-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo, offered with front- or all-wheel drive. Our tested 316-hp, turbocharged and supercharged version delivered decent punch and returned 20 mpg overall. but had a raspy sound. A plug-in hybrid with an electric range of about 14 miles is available. All versions use an eight-speed automatic. Handling is commendable, but the ride is stiff, though the optional air suspension makes it more comfortable. The interior is quiet, plush, and modern, with super comfortable seats. But audio, phone, and navigation functions are controlled through an unintuitive touch-screen infotainment system. Volvo's Pilot Assist offers a suite of advanced driver assistance features. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert -- two important safety features -- were made standard for 2018. A surround-view camera and front park assist were also available.

Changes for 2020 included a new 12.3-inch display in the instrument panel showing information such as navigation directions, telephone and road signs. Also, the battery size for the plug-in hybrid increased to 11.6 kWh. Volvo announced a refresh for the XC90 planned for 2025, but is simultaneously also selling the prior year's car as a 2025 model into early 2025. The refreshed XC90 features a new 11.2-inch infotainment system, revised exterior styling, and an updated interior. Volvo also promises "improved suspension". The Ultimate trim has been renamed Ultra, and the PHEV version is no longer referred to as the Recharge.