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Volvo XC90 (2nd Gen)

16-22 · Volvo XC90

71out of 100

The best crash protection of any vehicle on this list, with one of the best driver assistance systems for highway fatigue.

Scores last updated: June 14, 2026

Score breakdown

65/ 100Reliability×2.559/ 100True Annual Cost×1.595/ 100Safety×2.590/ 100Practicality×2.030/ 100Repairability×1.5

Our take

What it really is

Volvo's SPA platform is purpose-built for safety leadership. The T6 supercharged+turbocharged 2.0L produces 316hp and enough torque to move 4,600 lbs with intent. Pilot Assist is the most effective adaptive cruise + lane keep system in this price range.

Why it's on this list

IIHS TSP+ every year without exception. 5-star NHTSA. Best-in-class active safety technology. The 3-cylinder+supercharger+turbo powertrain is more sophisticated and more reliable than it sounds.

The honest trade-offs

Air strut failures at 80-120k miles. Budget $2,000-4,000. The Sensus infotainment (2016-2020) is genuinely frustrating. The 2021+ Android-based system is much better. Volvo dealer dependency for complex repairs is real. $851/yr maintenance is the highest on the list.

What to buy and what to avoid

2019+ ONLY. Base trim B5 with 18" wheels. The 21" tire penalty is $800-900/yr and the ride is worse. Avoid 2016-2018 for the infotainment and suspension concerns. CPO or extended warranty strongly recommended.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)
$1,983 (USD)[5]
Maintenance
$851 (USD)[1]
Tires (prorated)
$320 (USD)
Insurance (25yr male)
$2,556 (USD)[8]
Insurance (40yr female)
$1,556 (USD)[8]
Total (25yr male)
$4,042 (USD)
Total (40yr female)
$3,042 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined
23[5]
MPG city / hwy
21 / 28[5]
Tank
18.8 gal[5]
Engine
B5254T12 2.0L T6 supercharged+turbocharged
Horsepower
316 hp
Torque
295 lb-ft
Seats
7
Cargo (behind 2nd row)
15.8 cu ft
Cargo max
85.7 cu ft
Tow capacity
5,000 lbs
Ground clearance
8.7"
Stock tires
235/60R18
Body
SUV
Rear seats
40/20/40 split
3rd row
Folds flat

Safety

NHTSA overall
5/5 ★[2]
Rollover risk
18%[2]
IIHS rating
Good[4]
ESC standard
Yes

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity
Low
Frame rust risk
Low

Known issues by mileage

60,000-100,000 Miles (97,000-161,000 KM)
Panoramic sunroof seal aging, track motor failure (80k+)Moderate
60,000-100,000 Miles (97,000-161,000 KM)
Air strut failures at 80-120k milesMajor
N/A
Sensus infotainment system (2016-2020) — slow and unreliableMinor

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost
$1,046 (USD)[1]
Industry avg annual cost
$652 (USD)[1]
RepairPal rating
3.5/5[1]
Unscheduled visits/yr
0.7[1]
Severe issue probability
12%[1]
250k-mile survival
30%[7]

Repairability

Headlight type
Led Assembly
At major retailer
No
Headlight benchmark
3/10

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

  1. [1]dataset
    RepairPal

    Annual maintenance cost, reliability rating, unscheduled visit frequency, severe issue probability

  2. [2]government
    NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

    Overall crash test stars, rollover risk %, rollover stars, frontal and side ratings

  3. [3]government
    NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins

    Manufacturer-acknowledged technical issues and dealer fixes

  4. [4]dataset
    IIHS Safety Ratings

    Small overlap, side impact, overall safety rating, Top Safety Pick status

  5. [5]government
    EPA Fuel Economy Guide

    MPG city/highway/combined, fuel grade required, tank size

  6. [6]forum thread
    CarComplaints

    Most complained-about model years, common failure patterns by year and mileage band

  7. [7]dataset
    iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability

    250k-mile survival rate, depreciation curve, best age to buy used

  8. [8]publication
    Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates

    Insurance cost estimates by vehicle class and driver profile

Before you buy

Looking to buy a Volvo XC90?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist

Modernize this car

CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.

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