DecodedCars2019 Volvo XC90
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.
- 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
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 7
- Fuel
- Plug-in Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 24 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 194.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,337–5,115 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 34% better than the average 2019 standard SUV (18.6 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 14 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2019 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 25 MPG combined (24 city / 29 highway), 34% better than the 2019 standard SUV average of 18.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,300 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 42 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2019
- Best combined MPG down from 27 to 25
Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 XC90 →
Trims, performance & features
Engine250–316 hp2.0L turbo 4-cyl
Engine313 hp2.0L turbo 4-cyl plug-in hybrid
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating7 seats · 3 rows
Trims
InscriptionMomentumR-Design
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
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2019 XC90 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD T5 | 194.9 in | 79.1 in | 70.1 in | 117.3 in | 65.7 / 65.7 in | 4,475 lb | 53/47 |
| 4dr SUV AWD T6 | 194.9 in | 79.1 in | 70.1 in | 117.3 in | 65.7 / 65.7 in | 4,632 lb | 53/47 |
| 4dr SUV AWD T8 PHEV | 194.9 in | 79.1 in | 70.1 in | 117.3 in | 65.7 / 65.7 in | 5,115 lb | 53/47 |
| 4dr SUV FWD T5 | 194.9 in | 79.1 in | 70.1 in | 117.3 in | 65.7 / 65.7 in | 4,337 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 AWD PHEV Plug-in Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 / 27 / 25 | +34% | $3,300 | 216 |
| XC90 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +27% | $3,400 | 365 |
| XC90 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | +24% | $3,550 | 391 |
| XC90 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | +18% | $3,750 | 402 |
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
9/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.6 MPG2019 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2019 Volvo XC90.
Similar 2019 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Volvo XC90 (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2019 BMW X3 | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 10 |
| 2019 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2019 Audi Q7 | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X | 325 mi | Not rated | 8 |
| 2019 Land Rover Discovery | 23 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2019 Acura MDX | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 9 |
Recalls (6)
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.
Steering · Jan 5, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V001000 · 74 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2022 V60CC, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. During steering gear assembly, double screws may have been assembled on top of each other, which can cause a screw to fall into the gearbox housing.
- Risk
- A screw inside the gearbox housing can cause the steering wheel to lock up and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10213.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jun 2, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V414000 · 85,550 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2020 V90, XC60, S60, V60, V60CC, S90, V90CC, S90L, and XC90 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump can blow a fuse and fail.
- Risk
- Failure of the low-pressure fuel pump can cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 2, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10100.
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.
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking · Mar 12, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V144000 · 121,605 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Cars USA LLC (Volvo Cars) is recalling certain 2019-2020 S60, V60, V60 Cross Country, S90L, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC40, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. Due to a software/hardware incompatibility, the Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) system may not detect obstacles and engage as intended.
- Risk
- If the automatic emergency braking system does not engage as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the Active Safety Domain Master (ASDM) software, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R29998.
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 2019 Volvo XC90 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
42Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
8Injuries reported
50,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2019 Volvo XC90 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 11 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 10 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes — 4 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 50,000 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 2019 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 |
| 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 |
| 2014 XC90 | 19 | 189 in | Not rated | 0 | 4 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volvo. How we calculate this →