DecodedCars2018 Volvo S90
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan T5 AWD, 4dr Sedan T5 FWD, 4dr Sedan T6 AWD, 4dr Sedan T8 Eawd PHEV
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Plug-in Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 26 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- 200.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,878–4,588 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 16 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Volvo S90 is a midsize car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 200 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 121-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,057 lb (4dr Sedan T5 AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 34 highway), 7% better than the 2018 midsize car average of 27.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,850 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2018
- New body dimensions: 5.1 in longer, wheelbase +4.8 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- New plug-in hybrid version
- Best combined MPG up from 27 to 29
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 S90 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan T5 AWD | 200.4 in | 74.4 in | 56.7 in | 120.5 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,057 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr Sedan T5 FWD | 200.4 in | 74.4 in | 56.7 in | 120.5 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 3,878 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr Sedan T6 AWD | 200.4 in | 74.4 in | 56.7 in | 120.5 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,145 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr Sedan T8 Eawd PHEV | 200.4 in | 74.4 in | 56.7 in | 120.5 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,588 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S90 AWD PHEV Plug-in Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 26 / 33 / 29 | +7% | $2,850 | 161 |
| S90 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 34 / 27 | -1% | $3,050 | 322 |
| S90 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 26 | -4% | $3,150 | 340 |
| S90 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | -8% | $3,300 | 354 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 Volvo S90.
Similar 2018 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Volvo S90 (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2018 BMW 5 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Audi A6 | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 Lexus LS | 28 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2018 Lincoln Continental | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 Tesla Model S | 335 mi | Not rated | 11 |
| 2018 Lexus ES | 40 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (2)
Seats · Mar 20, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V220000 · 2,297 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2018-2019 XC60 and S90 vehicles. The driver and passenger front seat rail rear flange nuts may not have been installed during assembly.
- Risk
- If the nuts are missing, in the event of a crash, the front seat structure and position may be affected, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat rails for missing flange nuts, installing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R19931.
Electrical System › Software · Nov 13, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V800000 · 17,548 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Volvo XC90, S90, V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, XC40, XC60, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may have an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improperly. As a result, the GPS will not provide location information to emergency personnel in the event of an emergency.
- Risk
- If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R39917.
Not every 2018 Volvo S90 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Volvo S90 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 4 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Wheels — 2 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 2 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 47,778 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Volvo S90. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other S90 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volvo. How we calculate this →