DecodedCars2021 Volvo S90
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan AWD, Recharge 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Plug-in Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 28 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 200.4 in
- Curb weight
- 4,297–4,698 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.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 15 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Volvo S90 is a midsize car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 200 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 121-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,297 lb (4dr Sedan AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (28 city / 32 highway), 9% better than the 2021 midsize car average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,750 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file.
What changed for 2021
- Lightest version 419 lb heavier
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 S90 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan AWD | 200.4 in | 74.4 in | 56.7 in | 120.5 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,297 lb | 56/44 |
| Recharge 4dr Sedan | 200.4 in | 74.4 in | 56.7 in | 120.5 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,698 lb | 54/46 |
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 | 28 / 31 / 30 | +9% | $2,750 | 163 |
| S90 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 32 / 25 | -9% | $3,300 | 356 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Volvo S90.
Similar 2021 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Volvo S90 (this car) | 30 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2021 BMW 5 Series | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A6 | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 12 |
| 2021 Lexus LS | 28 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2021 Tesla Model S | 405 mi | Not rated | 23 |
| 2021 Lexus ES | 44 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Porsche Taycan | 227 mi | Not rated | 22 |
Recalls (2)
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery · Mar 24, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V179000 · 7,483 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 and the vehicle is parked.
- Risk
- A short circuit in a high-voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy has been completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the high-voltage battery module as necessary. In addition, dealers will update the software to monitor the battery. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 28, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10312.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · Sep 15, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V716000 · 9 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 S90L, 2020-2021 XC60, and XC90 vehicles. An improperly welded rotor and shaft may separate within the integrated brake system.
- Risk
- Separation of the rotor and shaft may cause a reduction in braking assistance and a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the hydraulic unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10120.
Not every 2021 Volvo S90 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2021 Volvo S90 in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2021 Volvo S90 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- 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 2021 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 →