DecodedCars2011 Volvo XC90
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD 3.2
- Engines
- 3.2L 6-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 16 city / 22 hwy
- Length
- 189 in
- Curb weight
- 4,542 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 18 MPG combined, 14% below the 2011 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 Volvo XC90 is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (3.2L 6-cyl and 4.4L 8-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 189 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,542 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 22 highway), 14% worse than the 2011 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,700 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2011
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2010 XC90 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 XC90 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD 3.2 | 189 in | 74.8 in | 70.1 in | 112.6 in | 64.2 / 63.8 in | 4,542 lb | 53/47 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC90 FWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -14% | $3,700 | 494 |
| XC90 AWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -5% | $3,700 | 494 |
| XC90 AWD | 4.4L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 16 | -15% | $4,200 | 555 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Volvo XC90.
Similar 2011 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Volvo XC90 (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2011 Land Rover Range Rover | 15 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 BMW X5 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 18 |
| 2011 BMW X3 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Lexus RX | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2011 Lexus LX | 14 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (1)
Steering · May 18, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V286000 · 350 vehicles
- Problem
- VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 XC90 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 29, 2010, THROUGH AUGUST 16, 2010. THE POWER STEERING FLUID MAY LEAK FROM THE OIL PIPE CONNECTION AT THE STEERING GEAR VALVE HOUSING.
- Risk
- THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OIL PIPES ON THE POWER STEERING RACK FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
Not every 2011 Volvo XC90 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Volvo XC90 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 4 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 4 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Steering — 2 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 127,200 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Volvo XC90. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other XC90 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 XC90 | 25 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 XC90 | 27 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 8 |
| 2025 XC90 | 27 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 29 |
| 2024 XC90 | 27 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 37 |
| 2023 XC90 | 27 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 7 | 41 |
| 2022 XC90 | 27 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 5 | 31 |
| 2021 XC90 | 27 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 7 | 42 |
| 2020 XC90 | 27 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 9 | 34 |
| 2019 XC90 | 25 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 6 | 42 |
| 2018 XC90 | 27 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 52 |
| 2017 XC90 | 25 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 7 | 82 |
| 2016 XC90 | 25 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 8 | 198 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volvo. How we calculate this →