2024 Volvo XC90

Solid and stylish sum up the XC90. It can seat up to seven inside a well-designed, high-quality, yet understated interior. It will protect them with a lot of standard safety features, keep them amused with high-end audio systems and current tech, keep them comfortable in excellent seats, and generally provide a plush method of transportation.

It’s the sort of thing at which Volvo excels. So the fact that this generation has been around since the 2016 model year doesn’t really matter much. Unless you absolutely must have the newest thing.

If so, the all-new, all-electric Volvo EX90 midsize 3-row luxury SUV is reviewed separately.

The top Ultimate trim gains laminated side windows to help make the cabin even quieter. The B6 Ultimate becomes eligible for a new 22-inch wheel design, while one gray color replaces another. The B5/Plus variant becomes ineligible for a head-up display. And the Dark appearance package (with black exterior elements) is no longer available. We wouldn’t be surprised if there were more extensive changes next year.

For some pricing context, the Cadillac XT6 starts at about $49K, with the Acura MDX just slightly above. The Lincoln Aviator and the new-for 2024 Lexus TX are more in the mid-$50s. The Genesis GV80 kicks off in the $57.5K region. The Audi Q7, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE begin in the low-to-middle 60s. Before buying a new XC90 luxury SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. The XC90’s resale values are slightly above average, which could mean a useful downpayment on your next new vehicle purchase.

The humblest drivetrain (relatively speaking) is the B5, making 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque from a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. If anyone is interested in a stoplight drag race, the sprint to 60 mph takes just over seven seconds. That’s enough muscle to reach freeway speeds without too much stress, but it’s more adequate than awesome.

Some rivals have bigger base engines. We particularly like the 290-horsepower V6 in the Acura MDX and the 300-horsepower turbo four in the Genesis GV80.

The B6 option provides 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, which would be our preferred choice, especially when seven people and luggage are on board. It can also hit 60 mph a few tenths quicker than the B5, but still no boulevard blaster nor any real competition to the MDX or GV80. The 455-horsepower T8 plug-in hybrid model adds electrified torque to reach 60 mph in a remarkable five seconds.

In all XC90 models, we’ve found that the suspension is tuned with an emphasis on comfort, but there’s still an element of poise in that typical and desirable European way.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching the current collection of midsize 3-row luxury SUVs, including the Volvo XC90.

Fuel Economy

The B5 setup in the XC90 SUV returns 24 combined mpg (22 city, 27 highway). That’s slightly better than the MDX and GV80.

The B6 achieves 23 combined mpg (20 city, 26 highway) — a little better than the rivals mentioned above.

The T8 can make 58 MPGe and travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone. The lithium-ion battery takes about four hours to charge on a 240-volt home system.

All engines require premium gasoline.

There’s a choice of seating for six or seven in the 2024 Volvo XC90 luxury 3-row SUV. Either way, the third row — with its 31.9 inches of legroom — is fine for kids but not so great for adults. Grownups should be cheerful enough in the first two rows, though.

The understated splendor of Volvo’s design philosophy is clearly apparent up front. The materials are of excellent quality, as are the fit and finish.

The B5 Core version comes with simulated leather seating surfaces. Real leather goes into the other variants. All XC90 models have wonderfully comfortable front seats. Even in the Core trim, they’re heated and 10-way power-adjustable, with memory settings on the driver’s side.

Cargo space goes from 15.8 to 85.7 cubic feet, good for the class. That goes for the XC90 Recharge as well — the plug-in hybrid hardware hasn’t resulted in any compromise.

This generation of XC90 luxury SUV debuted for the 2016 model year but still looks quite fresh. Its clean and elegant design wears the years well.

Vapour Grey Metallic replaces Thunder Grey Metallic this year. And illuminated running boards are optional across the lineup.

Google/Android infotainment system
This standard setup comes with Google Maps and Google Assistant. It’s capable of over-the-air updates and voice commands using natural speech. Although it’s particularly favorable to Android phones, Apple CarPlay integration is still standard.

Digital driver display
A 12.3-inch driver information screen is standard in every 2024 Volvo XC90, one of the features keeping this luxury SUV up to date.

Pilot Assist
A complement to adaptive cruise control, Pilot Assist adds steering assistance to keep the XC90 in its lane. The driver’s hands need to stay on the wheel, but this lightens the workload. Both features are standard throughout.

Heated outboard rear seats
Standard on the Plus, these add some welcome heat for those in the second row.

Adaptive air suspension
The XC90 Ultimate trim offers this option, providing a greater range of suppleness and control over the standard configuration.

Bowers & Wilkins audio
Exclusive, pricey and optional on the XC90 Ultimate trim, this is a fabulous surround-sound with 1,410 watts of power and 19 speakers.

The B5 drivetrain consists of a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Maximum towing ability is 4,000 pounds.

A similar engine is also in the B6 drivetrain (optional with all three 2024 XC90 trims) but boosted to develop 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This setup can tow 5,000 pounds.

XC90 Recharge models have the T8 plug-in hybrid drivetrain, generating 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine (again) and an electric motor working the rear axle. This arrangement can also tow 5,000 pounds.

An 8-speed automatic transmission goes into every XC90, and all-wheel drive is standard.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Volvo’s new-car and powertrain warranties last four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. Roadside assistance is included. This is typical for luxury European marques. The first three scheduled services are free, up to three years or 36,000 miles. Hybrid batteries are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles, which is also typical.

Safety Ratings

The Volvo XC90 has been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and earned the maximum 5-star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).