DecodedCars2021 Volvo V90
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Midsize Station Wagons
- Body styles
- 4dr Wagon, Crosscountry 4dr Wagon
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 22 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 194.5 in
- Curb weight
- 4,145–4,156 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 24% better than the average 2021 midsize station wagon (21 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Volvo V90 is a midsize station wagon offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 195 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 116-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,145 lb (4dr Wagon).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (22 city / 33 highway), 24% better than the 2021 midsize station wagon average of 21 MPG, for an estimated $3,150 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 V90 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 V90 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Wagon | 194.5 in | 74.4 in | 56.7 in | 115.7 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,145 lb | 54/46 |
| Crosscountry 4dr Wagon | 194.5 in | 74.4 in | 59.4 in | 115.7 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,156 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V90 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 33 / 26 | +24% | $3,150 | 339 |
| V90 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 32 / 25 | +19% | $3,300 | 356 |
| V90 CC AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 30 / 24 | +14% | $3,400 | 373 |
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 V90.
Similar 2021 midsize station wagons
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Volvo V90 (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2021 Volvo V60 | 30 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (2)
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Retractor · Sep 1, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V682000 · 19,149 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 XC40, XC 40 Recharge, V60CC, V90, V90CC, XC90, and 2021-2022 V60, XC60, S60 vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 13, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10111.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · Jan 7, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V001000 · 2,883 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Cars USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 Volvo V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. The Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) control unit may not have been properly attached to the car body and may detach during a crash.
- Risk
- A detached SRS control unit can decrease the performance of occupant protection systems such as air bags, seat belts, and high voltage battery disconnect, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Volvo Car will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, tighten the SRS control unit mounting screws, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10068.
Not every 2021 Volvo V90 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Volvo V90 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- 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 V90. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other V90 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volvo. How we calculate this →