2026 Volvo XC90 Review
This is a road test that might not have happened in 2026, had Australia been faster to embrace electric cars.
Thankfully, the XC90 had other ideas.
Volvo gave its internal combustion models including the seven-seat SUV a stay of execution in 2023, after originally announcing plans to retire them as the country slowly embraced its EVs.
Instead the XC90 (and other combustion Volvo models) received a recent nip and tuck – some 12 years after this second-generation model’s debut.
The result is a telling one. The Volvo XC90 might not be the newest entrant in the luxury SUV market, but it offers timeless appeal with its use of space, efficiency and clever design.
How much does the Volvo XC90 cost?
The Volvo XC90 range opens with the Ultra B5 Bright model tested here, tested at $97,990 (plus on-road costs).
The model walk then heads north with the introduction of Ultra B5 Dark ($105,990 plus ORCs), Black Edition ($109,990 plus ORCs), Plus T8 ($120,990 plus ORCs) and Ultra T8 ($130,990 plus ORCs).
The entire XC90 family make use of a four-cylinder petrol engine; an equivalent diesel offering was phased out in 2024. The T8 version designates a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on the four-cylinder petrol engine.
The XC90 compares quite favourably against the traditional luxury set on price, undercutting European rivals including the Audi Q7 (from $108,815 plus ORCs), BMW X5 (from $139,900 plus ORCs), Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (from $135,600 plus ORCs). Moreover, it aligns quite well with contemporary alternatives including the Genesis GV80 ($120,000 plus ORCs) and Lexus RX ($93,550 plus ORCs).
What is the Volvo XC90 like inside?
In a word, gorgeous.
The Volvo XC90 proves that timeless design tends to translate to inherent appeal: its interior is not the newest in class, but it remains as relevant as ever with its spatial layout, storage and ease of use.
Clever touches, like the narrow front seat backs, strong incidental storage and lengthy 680-litre boot, combine with premium materials and touch points. There are metal furnishings, timber inlays and nappa leather standard, making it a special place to spend time. A no-cost cardamom leather scheme fitted to our test car offers a more sustainable bent, recycled and sustainably sourced from European forests; yet it looks, feels and smells like the real deal.
Perhaps the only polarising element of the design is the crystal glass starting button, located just ahead of the centre console. We didn’t mind it; others may not love it.
The infotainment offering is a largely user-friendly one, too. The recently augmented 11,2-inch screen and its sub menus are reactive and intuitive to navigate, bundling Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired connection only) and other features. Equally the 12.3-inch digital dashboard display is quite interactive, with legible font and easy navigation.
Some additional hard-wired buttons would make navigation of basic controls more effective, with a bare selection of fixed screen icons on the centre touch-screen meaning you usually have to dig through sub menus for basic selections.
Second row passengers are treated to generous dimensions, with a lengthy ceiling height, broad shoulder dimensions, excellent knee room and comfortable seats, complete with a flip-down centre arm rest. You could fit three adults across the rear if needed, otherwise two comfortably.
Handily, the slightly raised middle pew doubles as a booster seat for little ones, complementing the open glass house design, rear air vents in the b-pillars and behind the centre consoles (with separate controls), second-row window shades two rear USB-C ports.
The XC90 features two ISOFIX and three top-tether anchorages, although no child seat points at all in the third row.
Getting into the third row is a relative cinch, thanks to a simple pull lever, which automatically stows and rolls the second row pews. The walk-through passage isn’t the broadest, but the process is easy enough.
It’s relatively snug from the bleachers, but certainly enough room for occasional trips – especially the case since the rear outward vision is blocked from the drivers seat once they’re in place.
Best of all the XC90 does all this while continuing to offer a space-saver spare tyre (other manufacturers take note), and enough room for overnight bags (301 litres) with the third row in place.
With the third and second rows stowed there’s a massive 1950 litres to play with: enough for a full-size mountain bike with the front wheel removed, in case you were wondering.
— Sam Charlwood
What equipment does the Volvo XC90 come with?
Even for a so-called ‘entry’ model, the XC90 Ultra B5 Bright tested here comes with a decent amount of kit: 21-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and start, matrix LED headlights, electric tailgate, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, Nappa leather upholstery, four-zone climate control and a wireless phone charger.
Infotainment comprises an 11.2-inch centre touch-screen display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a 14-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system.
Our test car features an optional $5200 Lifestyle pack bringing an enhanced 19-speaker Bowers and Wilkins stereo, panoramic sunroof and tinted rear windows.
The XC90 is covered by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and roadside assist, though you can extend the latter to seven years by simply servicing through the Volvo network.
Servicing isn’t quite as favourable, set at $2380 for three years or $3870 for five years, based on 12-month/15,000km intervals.
How safe is the Volvo XC90?
In typical Volvo fashion, it’s very safe.
More than a decade on from this generation of XC90’s debut, the current car still keeps pace with modern safety expectations, fitted with seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, lane assistance, road sign recognition, driver attention warning, front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree overhead camera.
The age of the XC90 means it goes without all the annoying driver safety aids like driver detection and speed limit alert.
However it also means its five-star ANCAP safety rating officially expired in 2022, meaning the current car goes as unrated. Take that as you will.
What powers the Volvo XC90?
Doing duty under the bonnet of our test car is Volvo’s common 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, driving all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The four-pot does duty in a range of combustion Volvos, from the pint-sized XC40 right up to the flagship driven here.
The four-cylinder outputs 183kW and 350Nm, equating to an official 0-100km/h claim of 7.7 seconds and a combined fuel consumption claim of 8.1L/100km. The caveat is the XC90 requires 95 RON premium unleaded.
The potential Achilles heel for the XC90 relates to towing. Our test car offers a 2.4-tonne braked towing capacity, which pales against the 3.5-tonne braked rating of most rivals in this class. A 740kg payload rating does means you can tow a decent load and still stay under the 2790kg GVM with some weight on board.
What is the Volvo XC90 like to drive?
The XC90 fits the bill of a modern family hauler. It’s quiet, expedient in daily proceedings and the base car’s four-cylinder engine makes minimal fuss and won’t break the bank on fuel.
The four-cylinder belies its capacities with peak torque delivered from just 1800rpm, while the eight-speed automatic is quick-witted in its inputs, ensuring the engine is spritely – though never explosive. In short there’s enough oomph to make light work of the overtaking lane when necessary.
Equally redeeming is the real-world fuel use. We averaged 9.3L/100km over a 2500km loan, mainly comprising country driving with some urban commuting sprinkled in. Less reliable is the predictor of fuel range, which tends to fluctuate way too much based on your immediate driving environment.
Bump compliance is quite admirable on 21-inch wheels, while mechanical dampers imbue the XC90 with a sophisticated level of control through fast changes in direction. The ride quality here is sufficient, leaving us to question whether the optional air suspension is really necessary.
Similarly, on longer journeys the XC90’s serene cabin environment and insulation from coarser surfaces underneath mean you’ll exit the car feel refreshed. Additional sound deadening as part of the latest update no doubt plays a part here.
At a pinch over 2.0 tonnes and almost five metres, the XC90 will never be mistaken as a sports car, but it delivers the kind of refinement and sophistication that matters most to families. Accurate well weighted steering and excellent outward vision are both key virtues.
More than that, it continues to feel special throughout the duration of our summer break loan.
The NRMA’s take on the Volvo XC90
Form is temporary, class is permanent: the Volvo XC90 continues to keep pace within the competitive luxury segment – despite being an elder statesman of the class.
While the recent stay of execution ultimately won’t last forever (Volvo’s new EV models, including the impressive EX90 electric SUV are now arriving in meaningful numbers), the XC90 isn’t ready to march off into the sunset just yet.
All told, Aussie motorists are all the better for it.
What we liked
- Excellent design and practical cabin ensure the XC90 is a timeless family car
- Efficient and spritely four-cylinder engine gets the job done
- The right amount and safety and technology for this price point
What could be better?
- No top tether points whatsoever in the third row
- Towing is the XC90’s Achilles heel among SUVs – rated at 2400kg
- No diesel option in Australia anymore
