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Makes›Volvo›XC90›2018

2018 Volvo XC90

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

Volvo XC90
Pictured: Volvo XC90 T8 AWD Plug-in Hybrid Plus (II, 2. Facelift) – f 03102025. Photo: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD T5, 4dr SUV AWD T6, 4dr SUV AWD T8 PHEV, 4dr SUV FWD T5
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Horsepower
250–316 hp
Transmission
automatic
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Seats
7
Fuel
Plug-in Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
27 combined · 26 city / 30 hwy
Length
194.9 in
Curb weight
4,337–5,115 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 27 MPG combined — 44% better than the average 2018 standard SUV (18.7 MPG).
  • Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
  • Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 11 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2018 Volvo XC90 is a standard SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 195 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,475 lb (4dr SUV AWD T5).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (26 city / 30 highway), 44% better than the 2018 standard SUV average of 18.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2018

  • Best combined MPG up from 25 to 27

Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 XC90 →

Trims, performance & features

Engine250–316 hp2.0L turbo 4-cyl
Engine313 hp2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid
Transmissionautomatic
DriveAWD/4WD · FWD
Seating7 seats · 3 rows

Trims

MomentumInscription

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Parking assistOptional
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard

Built in: Torslanda, Sweden

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 XC90 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD T5194.9 in79.1 in70.1 in117.3 in65.7 / 65.7 in4,475 lb53/47
4dr SUV AWD T6194.9 in79.1 in70.1 in117.3 in65.7 / 65.7 in4,632 lb53/47
4dr SUV AWD T8 PHEV194.9 in79.1 in70.1 in117.3 in65.7 / 65.7 in5,115 lb53/47
4dr SUV FWD T5194.9 in79.1 in70.1 in117.3 in65.7 / 65.7 in4,337 lb53/47

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
XC90 AWD PHEV Plug-in Hybrid2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive26 / 30 / 27+44%$3,050187
XC90 FWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 29 / 25+28%$3,300353
XC90 AWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive22 / 28 / 24+28%$3,400365
XC90 AWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23+23%$3,550394
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.7 MPG2018 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

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 XC90.

Similar 2018 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 Volvo XC90 (this car)27 MPGNot rated3
2018 BMW X325 MPGNot rated11
2018 Lexus RX30 MPGNot rated2
2018 Audi Q721 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Tesla Model X295 miNot rated9
2018 Land Rover Discovery23 MPGNot rated4
2018 Acura MDX27 MPG★★★★★10

Recalls (3)

Seat Belts › Critical Fasteners · Dec 7, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V827000 · 2,911 vehicles

Problem
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2015-2024 XC90 vehicles. The second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts may not be tightened properly.
Risk
An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and tighten the second-row seat belt buckle anchorage bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10259.
Electrical System › Software · Apr 21, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V273000 · 162 vehicles

Problem
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2016-2020 XC90 Excellence vehicles. Liquid or condensation on the rear seat control display may cause the front passenger seat to move back as far as possible.
Risk
The rear passenger may become trapped by the front seat without the ability to cancel the seat's movement, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Volvo Car will notify owners, and dealers will update the rear seat control display software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10093.
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Volvo XC90 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

52Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
3Injuries reported
19,400 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System15
Service Brakes12
Unknown Or Other10
Fuel/Propulsion System6
Engine5
Power Train5
Visibility/Wiper4
Structure › Body3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
20/01: 120/02: 120/12: 121/05: 123/01: 223/03: 323/10: 123/11: 124/05: 124/07: 224/10: 124/12: 125/04: 425/05: 125/07: 125/09: 125/10: 126/01: 126/02: 226/04: 226/06: 326/07: 226/08: 326/10: 220/0121/0523/1024/0725/0425/0926/0226/07max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Volvo XC90 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 15 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Service Brakes — 12 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  4. Fuel/Propulsion System — 6 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 19,400 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. 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 XC90. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other XC90 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 XC9025–Not rated00
2026 XC9027195.7 inNot rated18
2025 XC9027194.9 inNot rated329
2024 XC9027194.9 inNot rated437
2023 XC9027194.9 inNot rated741
2022 XC9027194.9 inNot rated531
2021 XC9027194.9 inNot rated742
2020 XC9027194.9 inNot rated934
2019 XC9025194.9 inNot rated642
2017 XC9025194.9 inNot rated782
2016 XC9025194.9 inNot rated8198
2014 XC9019189 inNot rated04

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volvo. How we calculate this →