Volvo V90 Review 2023
Written by Phil Hall
Quick overview
Pros
- Clean, modern design
- Attractive, spacious cabin
- Clever hybrid tech
Cons
- Not an exciting drive
- Expensive top models
- Bigger wheels hurt ride quality
Overall verdict on the Volvo V90
The Volvo V90 offers something a little different from German rivals, with tasteful design inside and out, a focus on comfort and effortless pace from the PHEV engines that all makes for a very satisfying ownership experience.
The Volvo V90 was launched back in 2017 but since then has been updated in 2020 getting minor exterior revisions and specification changes, the most notable update was the introduction of Volvo's new 48V mild hybrid engines, followed by improved plug-in hybrid engines the year after. Our 2023 Volvo V90 review delves into the details.
The exterior tweaks come in the form of new rear light clusters with customary scrolling indicators, plus you can choose from new colours and alloy wheels. None of which diminish from the fact that the V90 is an exceptionally good looking car with manages to ooze class without being jarringly try-hard like a BMW 5 Series Touring or Mercedes E-Class Estate.
You’ll find more of the same on the inside. The dominant fixture is a large portrait touchscreen at the centre of the V90's dashboard, with high level air vents and a simple row of buttons. It's delightfully minimal looking – like an IKEA wardrobe that you don't have to build – which means you'll forgive the fact that the small on-screen buttons are fiddly to use next to the layouts in one of the aforementioned Germans.
Changes on the inside are limited a new filtration system (originally intended for the smoggy climes of Beijing, China – so it works), a new Bowers & Wilkins stereo which is even better than excellent old system, wireless phone charging, and the 12V socket in the back seat has been replaced with two USB-C sockets.
Materials have also been updated so you can have vegan-friendly leather, also know as vinyl, and choose from the more welcome addition of wool trim finishes.
What hasn't changed is the huge amount of space for passengers both front and rear. The Volvo V90 isn't a car that'll struggle to carry the family and the huge load area means there's also plenty of room for stuff. It is worth pointing out that the Volvo V90 doesn't have the largest boot in the class, but in real terms it is still vast and usable at 560 litres (reduced to 488 litres on the plug-in hybrid due to the space needed for the batteries).
Something else the Volvo doesn't have is the wide range of engines offered in rivals, instead you're limited to a choice of two four-cylinder units and two plug-in hybrid options that we'll come onto in a moment.
The two four-cylinder engines (called B4 with 197PS and B5 with 250PS) offer relatively good fuel economy that has been further improved by the new mild-hybrid technology, which means the Volvo V90 gets a gentle electric boost when setting off, can coast on the motorway and stop its engine before it comes to a complete halt.
There's also two plug-in hybrid options to choose from in the shape of the Recharge T6 (350PS) and Recharge T8 (455PS). Both versions are four-wheel drive and offer electric-only ranges of 54 and 52 miles respectively.
Diesels are no longer available to order new with the Volvo V90, but you'll be able to find them on the used market. Perhaps a little confusingly, though, these are also called B4 (197PS) and B5 (235PS)
Fancy something more rugged? Then have a read of our Volvo V90 Cross Country review, while if you're after the saloon, you'll want out Volvo S90 review.
Whichever version you choose, the Volvo V90 won't feel quite as luxurious as a Mercedes E-Class Estate or as dynamic as a BMW 5 Series Touring, but it's a posh and very comfortable car you'll love spending time in without having to worry about being hated by everyone else around you. That might be enough to shove it into favour.
Looking for a used car for sale? We've got 100s of Volvo Approved Used Cars for Sale for you to choose from, including a wide range of Volvo V90s for sale.
Is the Volvo V90 right for you?
If you’ve already made the decision to purchase a large estate car then the Volvo V90 should definitely be on your shortlist. It is a premium model with premium prices, so you can get the same or even more space for less money - Skoda’s Superb offers the best amount of space for the money - but if you fancy your wagon more luxurious than that then the V90 is worthy of consideration.
As a family machine it should be absolutely ideal, there’s enough room in the back to fit three kids across it without them sitting on top of each other, while the boot is capable of swallowing bulky pushchairs with ease. The Volvo V90 would also make for an excellent holiday vehicle or business wagon, effortlessly carrying heavy loads or bulky items on longer journeys. If you regularly plan on going into the city the hybrid model may hold extra appeal, although you may also want a car that’s not quite as big as this one.
What’s the best Volvo V90 model/engine to choose?
The Volvo V90 B4 petrol (197PS) and B5 petrol (250PS) units are two of the cheaper options and deliver a decent performance while being relatively efficient thanks to their mild-hybrid tech. We really like the Volvo V90 Recharge T6 plug-in hybrid as it offers a great blend performance and economy if you can charge it regularly. That said, like a lot of PHEVs you are paying a premium for it and if you don't drive it in town very much you won’t get any benefit.
As for trim levels, the entry-level Volvo V90 Core isn't available to order right now, so we reckon the V90 in Plus trim is not a bad choice and comes with plenty of standard equipment.
What other cars are similar to the Volvo V90?
When you get to the large estate segment there aren’t quite as many contenders, but the usual suspects are present. BMW’s 5 Series Touring is a default choice for many buyers on account of its image and entertaining driving experience, while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate is highly regarded for its comfort and luxury. Another key German rival is the Audi A6 Avant which combines good space efficiency with arguably the best cabin in the class, while Jaguar’s XF Sportbrake offers a first rate driving experience without all the fiddly tech.
If you head outside of the established premium brands, Volkswagen’s Passat Estate and Skoda’s Superb Estate share a lot of hardware beneath their skin but also offer up a great deal of space, good equipment levels and in the case of the Skoda at least, excellent value for money.
What's the Volvo V90 like to live with?
We spent six months with the Volvo V90 Recharge T6 to find out what it's like to live with every day and were left thoroughly impressed. The boot is great, even with the reduced capacity of the plug-in hybrid configuration, while the car is in it's element on a long drive. We did a couple of long European road trips with it and it just ate up the miles with ease. And thanks to the incredibly comfy seats and space for everyone, we still felt in pretty good shape once we arrived. The adaptive cruise control and Pilot Assist were a big help here as well.
These long trips meant we got nowhere near the claimed 353.1mpg of the Recharge T6 as once the battery was drained, the engine was not only having to lug us around, but also the battery as well. Back home though and plugging it in to charge regularly meant fuel consumption was much better, with the V90 driving round under electric power alone for lone periods.
The Google ecosystem worked very well, while the Bowers & Wilkens sound system on our Ultimate-spec car is a must of any audiophile. As a large family car that'll whisk you around in effortless comfort, the V90 makes a great case for itself.
Comfort and design: Volvo V90 interior
"The Volvo V90 begins the process of winning you over as soon as you step inside."
The Volvo V90 takes a pleasingly minimalist approach to the layout, with the portrait infotainment screen in the centre of the dashboard but precious little else going on other than air vents and the gearlever. Once you start it up the screen lights up, the digital instrument display does the same, but it’s still a low-key cabin, and is all the better for it.
You’re also virtually guaranteed to find a comfortable seating position in the Volvo V90 whether you are the driver or one of the lucky passengers. There is a wide range of adjustment in the seat and the steering wheel, with electric adjustment for both the front seat occupants (including lumbar support and seat heating) as standard on all models, so you can endlessly tweak the position to suit your exact needs.
The minimalist approach to the cabin means that you have to use the touchscreen in order to control most of the vehicle system (there are steering wheel controls and voice control too, but they can’t operate all the systems).
It’s big and clear, and the graphics are sharp but quite minimalist, which makes it easier to read quickly, but it is quite easy to end up looking at the screen for too long whilst driving. Ventilation controls are fixed at the bottom of the screen so you can adjust the temperature quickly, but most other tasks require a bit more tapping and swiping to accomplish. That said, the Volvo V90 has Google Assistant built-in and you can ask to change various settings of the car by simply pressing a button on the steering wheel and stating a request. For example, ask to reduce cabin temperature and Google Assistant will respond and lower the temperature by a couple of degrees.
Quality and finish
No serious contender in this segment can get away with penny-pinching. If you don’t deliver what is perceived to be a premium interior with good quality and tasteful design, you can expect to be ignored in favour of the established brands. The Volvo V90 more than steps up to the mark however, and if anything it takes a slightly different approach with its design and mix of materials that is arguably more appealing than some of the competition.
One thing the Volvo gets right is that it feels like a genuinely quality product rather than a successful piece of deception. Almost all the surfaces and materials you come across are good quality plastic, cool metal, attractive wood or tactile leather depending on the model and options, so that every interaction with the interior is pleasant rather than jarring.
Going hand in hand with that is the high standard of build quality. The switches and buttons (few that there are) click and snap with reassurance, while the fabrics and leather feel like they could stand up to many thousands of miles of abuse and still hold together well.
Whether the style of the Volvo V90’s interior is preferable to its key rivals is a matter of taste and preference, but it’s safe to say that it does not lag behind them in respect of the quality of the materials and the way they are put together.
Infotainment: Touchscreen, USB, nav and stereo in the Volvo V90
All versions of the Volvo V90 come with a high-specification infotainment system. It has a 9-inch portrait touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard as well as a 12.3-inch digital instrument display. Since launch the V90 has been updated to use Google Automotive, Google's in-car operating system that's a separate thing to Android Auto and has Google Maps, Google Assistant and Google Play Store built-in. You can login to your Google account and you'll have access to previously searched addresses for Google Maps for example, while you can download compatible apps from the Play Store (including Waze, Spotify and Google Podcasts). You get a four subscription when buying new, but you might want to check how much is remaining if buying used. Android Auto isn't available, but Apple users now have access to Apple CarPlay if they prefer.
The Volvo V90's audio system comes with 10 speakers and a 220W output, but this can be upgraded to a Harmon Kardon system with 13 speakers, a subwoofer and 600W power output. Or, for the full concert hall experience, a Bowers & Wilkins system with 18 speakers and 1,400W.
Operating the system is generally an easy and intuitive process though. You still have the fundamental issue with any touchscreen to negotiate, namely that you have to take your eyes off the road to operate it. The Volvo V90 does without the secondary controller that you get in a BMW or Mercedes-Benz allowing you to control the system without taking your eyes from the road, which is a shame - the Volvo V90’s screen and its graphics are low-key and easy to read, while the screen is responsive to inputs.
Space and practicality: Volvo V90 boot space
The dimensions of the Volvo V90 are 4.9m long and 1.8m wide, so this very much fits the bill as a large estate car. Its competitors are genuine large estate cars too, not pseudo stylish sport wagons, so big accommodation for people and luggage is an essential. The good news is that the Volvo V90 manages to do both very well, although it is not quite the best in the class on this front.
Front seat occupants will have nothing to complain about however, with yawning amounts of room for legs and heads. With electric adjustment on both front seats, there’s also a lot of shoulder and hip room, even though the transmission tunnel is quite wide - you do feel a little enclosed but it’s cosy rather than claustrophobic, especially as there is plenty of light coming into the cabin.
It’s a similar story in the back seats, where there is ample space for two adults or even three if they know each other. In particular legroom is excellent, even if the front seat occupants have their seats a long way back. As with most cars in this class, the outer two seats are comfortable and well-shaped but the centre seat is compromised both by its shape and the transmission reducing the amount of legroom. If you have three older children they should be able to share the rear seat without getting into an argument within seconds.
Head for the load area, and the standard electrically-operated tailgate allows easy access to the space. You get 560 litres of boot space in the back of the Volvo V90 with the rear seats in place – that’s competitive in the segment, but only 40 litres more than in the smaller V60, which is partly down to the V90’s quite steeply-raked rear tailgate. If you're opting for one of the Recharge PHEV versions, boot space on the V90 drops to 488 litres due to the extra space needed for the batteries, though this is something must PHEVs suffer from, including key rivals.
With the rear seats folded you have 1,526 litres to play with, which is pretty generous although not quite as much as that giant Skoda Superb. Surprisingly you have to make do with a conventional 60/40 split rear seat rather than the 40/20/40 version you get elsewhere, although the seats drop at the touch of a button and you get a completely flat floor from the load lip through to the backs of the front seats.
Handling and ride quality: What is the Volvo V90 like to drive?
"The Volvo V90 goes for a more relaxed and comfort-oriented driving style, which suits a large executive car well."
That’s no bad thing either, because you’re more likely to be cruising and covering long distances in it than blatting along a quiet country road. As standard the Volvo V90 is fitted with a conventional steel suspension setup, and in this guise it does a decent job of filtering out road imperfections, although it is less able on the bigger wheel options. Go for an Ultimate model and you get adaptive air suspension at the rear, which maintains ride height automatically and adapts each shock absorber to current road and driving conditions.
The suspension set-up does a decent job of keeping the body’s movements under control, but it doesn’t show much in the way of enthusiasm for this kind of driving. The steering is accurate enough but lacks much in the way of feel, so although competent, the Volvo V90 is not really the driver’s choice in the class – that would be the BMW 5 Series Touring.
What engines and gearboxes are available in the Volvo V90?
The engine line up in the Volvo V90 has been slimmed down in recent years, leaving two mild-hybrids and two plug-in hybrids. The entry-level 197PS B4 petrol is a decent unit, and with a hefty 300Nm of torque, it is certainly quick enough too, so you’ll never feel like it doesn’t have enough power. The B5 is quicker still, but it might feel like a slightly unnecessary extra expense in a car that isn’t pretending to be some kind of sports car in disguise. The basic B4 is quick enough for most - especially as all Volvos are now limited to 112mph - so you might as well make a saving.
If you need more torque for towing or carrying heavy loads – or just want improved fuel economy – then it’s worth looking at the used diesel options that are no longer available to order new. The D4 with 190PS and a chunky 400Nm of torque will cover most eventualities, and it balances being usefully quick with economy too. The 235PS D5 diesel option has 480Nm of torque it can pull anything wherever you want it to go, and with the security of four-wheel-drive too.
Plug-in hybrid models are badged 'Recharge' just like Volvo's electric models a little confusingly. The Volvo V90 Recharge T6 plug-in hybrid is powerful and very fast and is capable of impressive fuel consumption, but only really make sense if you spend a lot of time in the city or doing regular short journeys and are able to charge regularly. That said, a 0-62mph time of just 5.5 seconds and an electric-only range of 54 miles is pretty tempting.
If you can afford the high sticker price, the fastest Volvo V90 is the Recharge T8 plug-in hybrid and it'll rocket you to 62mph in 4.8 seconds, while still able to provide an electric-only range of 52 miles.
Refinement and noise levels
All the Volvo V90s conventional engines offer a good level of refinement and are generally quiet even when extended, even the two diesel options combine a lack of vibration with low noise levels in pretty much all conditions.
The PHEV models are the best of the lot, though. They can operate purely on electric power, this is of particular benefit if you travel in cities, where lower speeds allow the engine to operate in pure EV mode for more of the time.
As for other sources of disturbance, tyre noise is mostly well-contained but does tend to flare up on models that have the larger wheel and tyre combinations. Wind noise is also rarely a factor, with only the occasional rustle around the door mirrors at higher speeds.
Safety equipment: How safe is the Volvo V90?
Euro NCAP tested the Volvo V90 in 2017 and awarded it the full five star rating. As standard, all V90s are fitted with head and side airbags for the front seat passengers, as well as curtain airbags for both front and rear passengers. A knee airbag is fitted as standard for the driver also. Seat belt pretensioners and load limiters are fitted for both front and rear seat passengers, with a seat belt reminder for all seats.
ISOFIX child car seat mountings are standard in the rear seats and optional for the front passenger seat, with an airbag cut-off switch standard. An active bonnet is fitted, too.
With such a high rating for safety assist it is no surprise that the Volvo V90 is fitted with a comprehensive range of driver assistance systems as standard. This includes automatic emergency braking that can detect pedestrians as well as cyclists, as well as speed assistance and lane assist.
An optional Intellisafe Surround safety pack adds a blind spot information system – that’ll warn you if a car’s hidden in your blind spot – cross traffic alert which can stop you reversing out into oncoming traffic and rear collision warning with mitigation. The last of those features helps protect you if the car you’re driving is involved in a rear end shunt.
Maximum EV range
The Volvo V90 Recharge T6 PHEV model has an official combined range of 54 miles, which is similar to other PHEV models that are comparable to the V90. It’s an excellent choice if you have a short commute and somewhere to drive the car because it means you can get from A to B using cheap electric power alone, slashing your runnings costs.
MPG and fuel costs: What does the Volvo V90 cost to run?
"The Volvo V90s B4 197PS and B5 250PS petrol engines have fuel consumption figures of approximately 40mpg, and given they are both powerful engines they do not need to be worked hard to make sensible progress in everyday driving."
If you're looking for better fuel economy, you'll want to track down a diesel V90 on the used market as they're much better on fuel. The D4 claims 48mpg and the more powerful D5 42mpg in the WLTP tests - both should be able to manage high 30s in the real world when driven sensibly.
As for the Recharge hybrid V90s, the claimed 353.1mpg figure for the Recharge T6 will be virtually impossible to achieve unless you only drive out town speeds where the car can run on battery power for a large percentage of your journey. On a long run with the battery depleted you can expect to get around 40mpg.
How reliable is the Volvo V90?
The Volvo V90 has been around for a few years now, and in the HonestJohn.co.uk Satisfaction Index it scored a solid 9.38 out of 10. A major recall occurred in 2019 across a range of Volvo models including the V90, but all cars should have had the fixes applied by now.
Volvo as a brand also did well with a score of 88.1% which put it in 12th place overall.
Insurance groups and costs
This is a big and quite expensive car with a range of powerful engines, so insurance ratings are going to be broadly on the high side. The lowest current rated model is the B4 Plus that sits in Group 33, while the B5 is 35. Fancier trims and more powerful engines are higher still, with the Recharge T8 Ultimate in Group 42 out of 50.
VED car tax: What is the annual road tax on a Volvo V90?
The very earliest Volvo V90 models were on sale before April 2017, so you can get a model that sits into one of the cheaper VED brackets. All new cars and those registered from April 2017 drop into the common £165 VED bracket, except those that cost over £40,000 new and instead must pay £520 annually for the first five years.
However, pre-April 2017 D4 models qualify for the £30 rate, while D5s cost £125. The plug-in hybrid will cost you £510 on account of its over £40,000 price tag.
How much should you be paying for a Volvo V90?
"Having been on sale for a few years there are plenty of used examples of the Volvo V90 to choose from, and as it is still being sold as a new car there is the potential for pre-reg bargains too."
A quick search of the heycar classifieds turned up plenty of delivery mileage models at good prices. We found a 2021 V90 Recharge T6 in R-Design spec with 5,000 miles for just £45,000 or a 2017 D4 Momentum with 86,000 miles on the clock for £16,000.
Trim levels and standard equipment
Volvo V90 Plus models are fitted with adaptive cruise control and Pilot Assist, meaning the can drive themselves on the motorway and in slow moving queues of traffic. They also include convenience features such as auto-dipping LED headlights, auto wipers, a power tailgate, 360-degree camera and front and rear parking sensors. Even the basic model feels luxurious inside as it comes with two large infotainment screens, leather upholstery with heated front seats, and a DAB infotainment screen with 10 speakers and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Volvo V90 Ultimate models look even sportier with 20-inch alloy wheels, while other additional features include a panoramic roof as standard, tinted rear windows and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system.
Ask the heycar experts: common questions
Does the Volvo V90 have seven seats?
What does the V in V90 stand for?
Why is the Volvo V90 discontinued?
Volvo V90 cars for sale on heycar
- 2.0 D5 PowerPulse R DESIGN 5dr AWD Geartronic
Volvo V90
201765,000 milesDiesel£19,000 - 2.0 B4D Plus Dark 5dr Auto
Volvo V90
20235,235 milesDiesel£35,990£585 mo - 2.0 B5P Ultimate Dark 5dr Auto
Volvo V90
20236,524 milesHybrid£41,990£676 mo - 2.0 B4P Momentum 5dr Auto
Volvo V90
202028,777 milesHybrid£21,680£374 mo - 2.0 D4 R DESIGN 5dr Geartronic
Volvo V90
201855,137 milesDiesel£18,444£515 mo
Stay up to speed with great offers plus the latest car news and reviews
Keep me updated by email with the latest advice, news and offers from heycar.