DecodedCars2012 Volvo XC90
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD 3.2/R-Design/Premier/Platinu
- Engines
- 3.2L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 19 combined · 16 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- 189 in
- Curb weight
- 4,542 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints3 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 33 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Volvo XC90 is a SUV - offered with a 3.2L 6-cyl engine 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 19 MPG combined (16 city / 23 highway), 9% worse than the 2012 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2012
- Engine dropped: 4.4L 8-cyl
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 XC90 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD 3.2/R-Design/Premier/Platinu | 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 / 23 / 19 | -9% | $3,550 | 468 |
| XC90 AWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -5% | $3,700 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Volvo XC90.
Similar 2012 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Volvo XC90 (this car) | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 BMW X5 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
| 2012 BMW X3 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Lexus RX | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Audi Q5 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Lexus GX | 17 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Volvo XC90.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2012 Volvo XC90 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Volvo XC90 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Back Over Prevention › Camera System — 1 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System) — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 51,500 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 2012 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 →