DecodedCars2021 Volvo XC90
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD T5 / T6, Recharge 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 313–316 hp
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 6–7
- Fuel
- Plug-in Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 26 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 194.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,524–5,095 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 7 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 27 MPG combined — 44% better than the average 2021 standard SUV (18.8 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 tech5 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 18 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 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 4,524 lb (4dr SUV AWD T5 / T6).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (26 city / 30 highway), 44% better than the 2021 standard SUV average of 18.8 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 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 42 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2021
- Lightest version 187 lb heavier
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 XC90 →
Trims, performance & features
Engine313 hp2.0L turbo 4-cyl plug-in hybrid
Engine316 hp2.0L turbo 4-cyl
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating6–7 seats · 3 rows
Trims
MomentumInscription
Safety & driver-assist features
Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Blind-spot interventionStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Rear automatic brakingStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Lane centeringStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Parking assistOptional
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 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 / T6 | 194.9 in | 79.1 in | 70.1 in | 117.3 in | 65.7 / 65.7 in | 4,524 lb | 53/47 |
| Recharge 4dr SUV | 194.9 in | 79.1 in | 70.1 in | 117.3 in | 65.7 / 65.7 in | 5,095 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 | 26 / 28 / 27 | +44% | $3,050 | 197 |
| XC90 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 25 | +28% | $3,300 | 361 |
| XC90 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +22% | $3,550 | 380 |
| XC90 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | +17% | $3,750 | 394 |
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
9/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.8 MPG2021 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average
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 XC90.
Similar 2021 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Volvo XC90 (this car) | 27 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2021 Tesla Model Y | 326 mi | Not rated | 23 |
| 2021 Land Rover Defender | 19 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2021 BMW X3 | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 10 |
| 2021 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2021 Audi Q7 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X | 371 mi | Not rated | 24 |
Recalls (7)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Electric › Control Module › Software · Jun 12, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V392000 · 11,469 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 Volvo C40 BEV, 2025 EC40, 2023-2024 XC40 BEV, 2020-2026 XC90 PHEV, 2022-2026 XC60 PHEV, 2023-2025 S60 PHEV, 2024-2025 V60 PHEV, and 2025-2026 EX40 and 2025 S90 PHEV vehicles. In certain driving scenarios while coasting down a hill and using "B" mode or "One Pedal Drive," the vehicle may lose brake function.
- Risk
- A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Owners are advised not to use "B" Mode (for plug-in hybrid vehicles) or "One Pedal Drive" (for pure electric vehicles) until the repair has been completed. The brake module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10329.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery · Mar 24, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V179000 · 7,483 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2020-2021 S90, 2020-2022 S60, V60, XC60, XC90, and 2022 V90 plug-in hybrid vehicles. The high-voltage battery may experience a short circuit within the battery module when the battery is fully charged and the vehicle is parked.
- Risk
- A short circuit in a high-voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy has been completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the high-voltage battery module as necessary. In addition, dealers will update the software to monitor the battery. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 28, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10312.
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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · Sep 15, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V716000 · 9 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 S90L, 2020-2021 XC60, and XC90 vehicles. An improperly welded rotor and shaft may separate within the integrated brake system.
- Risk
- Separation of the rotor and shaft may cause a reduction in braking assistance and a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the hydraulic unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10120.
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 XC90 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
42Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
3Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
3Injuries reported
4,500 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Volvo XC90 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 13 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 8 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes — 7 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 4,500 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 2021 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 →