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Volvo XC90

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Volvo XC90 Review, For Sale, Interior, Colours & News in Australia

Volvo's large XC90 SUV was completely renewed in 2015, and is the first car to be built on a brand new platform funded by its new owners, Chinese giant Geely.

The same platform will underpin all of Volvo's new generation, including its XC60 SUV and V70 wagon. The XC90 boasts a super modern interior and category-leading safety features like seat bases designed to better protect occupants if the car should run off the road into a ditch.

Locally, the seven-seat SUV is sold in all-wheel drive guise only, the XC90 Ultimate B5 Bright Mhev comes with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, backed by an automatic transmission that starts off at $100,990. A petrol engine and hybrid are also offered, with the XC90 Recharge Ultimate T8 Phev topping the range at $128,990.

Volvo XC90 Models Price and Specs

The price range for the Volvo XC90 varies based on the trim level you choose. Starting at $100,990 and going to $128,990 for the latest year the model was manufactured. The model range is available in the following body types starting from the engine/transmission specs shown below.

Year Body Type Specs Price from Price to
2024 SUV 2.0L, —, 8 SP AUTO $100,990 $128,990
2023 SUV 2.0L, —, 8 SP AUTO $88,000 $138,930
2022 SUV 2.0L, Hyb/PULP, 8 SP AUTO $82,830 $131,120
2021 SUV 2.0L, Diesel, 8 SP AUTO $79,970 $123,530
2020 SUV 2.0L, Diesel, 8 SP AUTO $72,930 $121,440
See All Volvo XC90 Pricing and Specs

Volvo XC90 Q&As

Check out real-world situations relating to the Volvo XC90 here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.

  • Which popular mid to large SUV is best for a family?

    This is a really interesting question, because most car-makers tend to quote their products’ luggage capacity in litres, rather than a set of dimensions in each direction. Even then, it’s not that simple as there are different methods fort calculating the cubic capacity of a load space, and the two methods are not readily comparable. It’s also a bit of a con-job, because a figure in litres mean very little to most people, while actual measurements in centimetres would be much more relatable.

    In any case, since you obviously have two kids with cellos and school-bags, it’s clear that you’ll also need the rear seat for at least one passenger, so you need to find a vehicle that either has enough space in the rear with the first two rows of seats in place, or a car that has a split-fold rear seat to allow longer loads (like a cello or two) to pass from the luggage area into the rear seat space. The good news there is that many (if not all) SUVs do, in fact, have this split-fold seat, and that will surely accommodate even a full-sized cello which, after a bit of scratching around, I discovered is about 121cm long.

    If, however, you need to occupy the whole rear seat with passengers, then you need to find an SUV that is wide enough to accept the cellos loaded across (or diagonally across) the car. That won’t be easy, because most vehicles just aren’t that wide inside. Even a conventional full-sized car-based Holden or Ford utility (which aren’t being made any longer) is only about 1400mm wide. And if you check out something like a Hyundai Santa Fe, it’s load area with the third row is feats down is just 1080mm at its narrowest point. Even the huge Hyundai Palisade is just 1111mm across the narrowest point of its load area. There will be areas where the space is wider, but that narrowest point is usually between the rear wheel-arches.

    I’ll also take a punt and suggest that the cellos in question are either in carry-bags or even hard-cases which would add even more to their length. So you might find it very difficult to find anything that will accommodate a 1.2 or 1.3 metre cello lengthways in the luggage area without resorting to folding down half the second-row seat. Even a big car like a Volvo XC90 has just 1220mm of load length with the rear seat in place, and mid-sized station-wagons typically have less than a metre between the tailgate and the rear seat. The best idea might be to make a short-list of cars you’d be happy with and then visit the relevant showrooms with a tape measure (or even a cello) in your hand.

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  • Are the any issues with the transmission or engine in the 2009 Volvo XC90 diesel?

    There are many variables that can determine how reliable or or otherwise a vehicle can be, especially one that's 11-years-old. A full Volvo dealer-stamped service history, careful owners and pure luck all play a role here, and should be a prerequisite. 

    Research shows that the XC90's D5 diesel engine's injectors have been known to fail, and this can be an expensive fix. This may or not be associated with power-loss issues.

    Blown turbos, electrical faults and overheating problems have also been reported multiple times.

    Some earlier XC90s have been known to suffer from complete transmission failure, reportedly preceded by "strange" noises before bringing the car to a total stop. It seems regular full transmission servicing really reduces the instances of this happening, so again, insist on a fully-stamped service book from authorised Volvo dealers or specialists. 

    While not strictly speaking mechanical, the Volvo's sunroof can leak, and this can become very costly to rectify. Neglecting this problem can then lead to electrical failures and water ingress damage inside the cabin.

    Our research shows the XC90 D5 of your vintage is no more likely to break down than most European rival luxury SUVs of the same period, which is reasonably good news, though Japanese alternatives do perform better generally.

    We hope this helps.

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  • Volvo XC90 2008: Is more than 200,000km a worry?

    You’re right to be concerned about buying a car with a high mileage.

    While it’s tempting to buy a car that was once out of our financial reach now that the price has down to a point you can afford it you have to think about the future rather than the now. How long do you plan to keep it, and how many kays will it do while you own it. If you plan to keep it three years it will have close to 300,000 km when you want to sell it. You have to ask yourself if you can afford to have it repaired if something goes wrong. Volvos are no better or worse than other European cars, but like all European brands they tend to be more expensive to repair when they break down. Buying secondhand is not like buying new when all the cars are the same. All secondhand cars are different, they’ve been driven by different people, they’ve been subjected to different climates and road conditions, they’ve been serviced at varying frequencies by different service mechanics, some factory trained, some backyarders, some have done more kilometres than others, etc., etc.

    The best advice is to buy the best car, with the lowest odometer reading, with the best service history, that’s been owned by the fussiest owner.

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  • is the Volvo XC90 worth the extra money over A Mazda CX-9?

    The Volvo XC90 is a terrific luxury SUV, one that offers plenty of high-end technology and luxury appointments, plus with enough room for seven adults if need be. It's an inescapable fact that the Volvo is on the expensive side - if you consider a petrol engine version with sporty styling - the T6 R-Design would be the go-to option - and at about $105,000 before on-road costs and options, you're likely to see a lot of value in a like-for-like comparison against the Mazda CX-9 Azami AWD (which is about $65,000 before on-road costs, and there are hardly any options to choose). 

    The Volvo doesn't excite the senses as much as a Mazda CX-9, and if that's important to you, then we'd suggest the Japanese seven-seat SUV is the better option. But it is hard to argue against the Volvo's driveway cred, and if you can afford it without stretching the budget, then it's definitely worth a test drive. 

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See All Volvo XC90 Q&As
Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

Volvo XC90 Interior

The Volvo XC90’s dashboard is headlined by a 9.0-inch touchscreen multimedia screen and a 12.0-inch digital instrument panel. There is built-in satellite navigation and Google apps for Android Auto mirroring. Depending on the seat trim chosen, the headliner is either ‘Charcoal’ or ‘Blond’. A panoramic sunroof is fitted as standard.

There is a leather steering wheel that has heating function. Retractable sun-blinds are fitted for the second-row windows. The interior is a mix of leather and brushed metal accents.

Volvo XC90 Interior

Volvo XC90 Colours

The XC90 Recharge comes in seven colours – ‘Onyx Black’, ‘Denim Blue’, ‘Thunder Grey’, ‘Platinum Grey’, ‘Silver Dawn’, ‘Bright Dusk’, and ‘Crystal White’.

  • Onyx Black
  • Denim Blue
  • Thunder Grey
  • Platinum Grey
  • Silver Dawn
  • Bright Dusk
  • Crystal White
To confirm current colour availability, please check the manufacturer's website.

Volvo XC90 Towing Capacity

The Volvo XC90 has maximum towing capacity of 2400kg for the latest model available.

Year Body Type Braked Capacity from Braked Capacity to
2024 SUV 2350kg 2400kg
2023 SUV 2350kg 2400kg
2022 SUV 2350kg 2400kg
2021 SUV 2350kg 2400kg
2020 SUV 2250kg 2400kg
See All Towing Capacity for Volvo XC90

Volvo XC90 Dimensions

The dimensions of the Volvo XC90 SUV vary according to year of manufacture and spec level.

Year Body Type Height x Width x Length Ground Clearance
2024 SUV 1771x1923x4953 mm 205 mm
2023 SUV 1776x2008x4953 mm 223 mm
2022 SUV 1776x1923x4953 mm 223 mm
2021 SUV 1776x1923x4953 mm 223 mm
2020 SUV 1776x2008x4950 mm 238 mm
The dimensions shown above are for the base model. See All Volvo XC90 Dimensions

Volvo XC90 Accessories

Standard equipment in the XC90 includes Bowers and Wilkins sound system, four-years digital subscription service for built-in Google apps (Android Auto), wired Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, 12.0-inch digital instrument panel, 9.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system, four-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, front and rear (outboard) heated seats, heated steering wheel, sun-blinds for second-row windows, powered tailgate with kick function, keyless entry and ‘swivel’ button start, 360-degree view camera, front and rear parking sensors, and 22-inch alloy wheels.

Volvo XC90 Seats

The XC90 Recharge comes with seven seats. You can choose between the following seat trims – ‘Midnight Zinc Tailored Wool Blend’ fabric, ‘Charcoal Nappa Leather’, ‘Blond Nappa Leather’, or ‘Charcoal Ventilated Nappa Leather’.

Front seats have three-position memory function, four-way power lumbar support, extendable under-thigh cushioning, power adjustments and heat function. When Charcoal Ventilated Nappa Leather trim is chosen, you also get ventilation function.

Second-row outboard seats are heated. They have ISOFIX mounts on the outboard seats and three top tether child seat mounts and with the right size child seats, you should be able to fit three side by side. The middle seat has a built-in booster cushion that can be adjusted for when your child needs extra height or is in the transition period between a harnessed booster seat and a normal seat.

The seven seats are individual seats, meaning the second row (three seats) and third row (2 seats) can be folded as such.

Volvo XC90 Boot Space

The Volvo XC90 SUV has a boot space size of 651 Litres.
Volvo XC90 Boot space Volvo XC90 Boot space
Shown above are boot space details for the Volvo XC90 2021.

Volvo XC90 Wheel Size

The Volvo XC90 has a number of different wheel and tyre options. When it comes to tyres, these range from 275x45 R20 for SUV in 2024.

Year Body Type Front Tyre Size Front Rim Rear Tyre Size Rear Rim
2024 SUV 275x45 R20 275x45 R20
2023 SUV 275x45 R20 275x45 R20
2022 SUV 275x45 R20 275x45 R20
2021 SUV 275x45 R20 275x45 R20
2020 SUV 235x55 R19 19x8 inches 235x55 R19 19x8 inches
The dimensions shown above are for the base model. See All Volvo XC90 Wheel Sizes

Volvo XC90 Fuel Consumption

The Volvo XC90 is available in a number of variants and body types that are powered by —, Hyb/PULP, PULP and Diesel fuel type(s). It has an estimated fuel consumption starting from 8.2L/100km for SUV /— for the latest year the model was manufactured.

Year Body Type Fuel Consumption* Engine Fuel Type Transmission
2024 SUV 8.2L/100km 2.0L 8 SP AUTO
2023 SUV 1.8L/100km 2.0L Hyb/PULP 8 SP AUTO
2023 SUV 8.2L/100km 2.0L 8 SP AUTO
2023 SUV 8.2L/100km 2.0L PULP 8 SP AUTO
2022 SUV 8.2L/100km 2.0L 8 SP AUTO
2022 SUV 8.2L/100km 2.0L Hyb/PULP 8 SP AUTO
2021 SUV 5.9L/100km 2.0L Diesel 8 SP AUTO
2021 SUV 8.2L/100km 2.0L Hyb/PULP 8 SP AUTO
2021 SUV 8.5L/100km 2.0L PULP 8 SP AUTO
2020 SUV 2.1L/100km 2.0L Hyb/PULP 8 SP AUTO
2020 SUV 5.9L/100km 2.0L Diesel 8 SP AUTO
2020 SUV 8.5L/100km 2.0L PULP 8 SP AUTO
* Combined fuel consumption See All Volvo XC90 Pricing and Specs for 2024

Volvo XC90 Speed

The XC90 Recharge Ultimate T8 PHEV has an official 0-100km/h sprint time of 5.3 seconds.