Choosing the right Volvo XC90 year is essential for your luxury SUV experience. With numerous model years available, it’s difficult to know which to pick or avoid.
Don’t sweat it – I’ve got your back. This guide breaks down each XC90 generation, spotlighting the stars and warning you about the duds.
Using data from NHTSA and J.D. Power, I’ve analyzed everything from performance to common issues. By the end, you’ll know which XC90 years are worth your money.
Ready to find your ideal XC90?
Let’s dive in.
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Volvo XC90 Generations
The Volvo XC90 burst onto the scene in 2002, quickly becoming a heavyweight in the luxury SUV arena.
This Swedish stunner didn’t just show up – it showed off. The XC90’s first model year set the bar sky-high with cutting-edge safety tech, a roomy interior that could shame some apartments, and engines that packed a serious punch. In one fell swoop, Volvo proved it could play with the big boys in the global SUV market.
Let’s take a quick trip through XC90 history:
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 1st Generation | 2003-2014 |
| 2nd Generation | 2016-Present |
Each new XC90 generation brought its A-game, with major upgrades in design, tech, and performance. Keep these shifts in mind as we zero in on the best (and worst) years to buy.
Volvo XC90 Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
When it comes to picking the cream of the XC90 crop (or avoiding the duds), we’ve left no stone unturned. Our evaluations factor in:
- What real owners say about reliability
- How much you’ll shell out for annual maintenance
- Safety ratings that’ll make your insurance agent smile
- Consumer Reports’ reliability scores (because they don’t mess around)
- How happy owners are, according to Consumer Reports
- NHTSA recalls, investigations, and complaints (the stuff that keeps engineers up at night)
- Ratings from Edmunds, JD Power, Kelley Blue Book, VehicleHistory, and Cars.com (because more opinions = better decisions)
Want to see how the XC90 has fared over the years? Check out this graph:
Now, let’s break it down year by year:
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Generation | 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 | 2006 2007 2008 | 2003 2004 2005 |
| 2nd Generation | 2018 2021 2022 2023 2024 | 2019 2020 | 2016 2017 |
What’s a “neutral” year, you ask? Think of it as the XC90’s middle ground – not a superstar, but not a problem child either. These models won’t knock your socks off, but they won’t leave you stranded on the side of the street, either.
One more thing: those NHTSA recalls? They’re a big deal. The more recalls and complaints a model racks up, the lower its reliability rating sinks.
Alright, let’s delve into the nitty-gritty of the XC90’s best and worst years.
Best & Worst Years for Volvo XC90 1st Generation (2003-2014)
Volvo’s first-gen XC90 didn’t just dip its toes into the luxury SUV pool – it made a cannonball splash. This trailblazer merged Volvo’s safety obsession with upscale features and a buffet of engine options.
Want the best of the first gen? Look to 2009 and beyond. But steer clear of the 2006-2008 models – they’re the problem children of the family.
The Best Years: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
What’s the cream of the first-gen XC90 crop? The 2009-2014 models take the cake.
These later years were like the XC90’s college graduation – all grown up and ready to impress. Engine choices? You got ’em. The 3.2L SI6 I6 was solid, but the 4.4L B8444S V8 was the star of the show. Smooth as butter and packed with power, it still managed a respectable 13 city/19 highway mpg.
Fancy trim levels? Check. The R-Design brought the sporty looks, while the Executive trim pampered you with premium touches.
Tech-wise, these XC90s were no slouches. Sophisticated infotainment? You got it. Safety features like BLIS and enhanced roll stability? All there. The 2014 model even snagged the IIHS Top Safety Pick award.
Best of all? These years ditched a lot of the problems that plagued earlier models. Reliability? It’s in the bag.
The Neutral Years: 2006, 2007, 2008
The 2006-2008 XC90s? They’re like the middle child of the family – not bad, just overshadowed by their more impressive siblings.
Engine-wise, the 3.2L I6 (introduced in 2007) held its own. It wasn’t going to win any drag races, but with 14 city/20 highway mpg, it wouldn’t drain your wallet at the pump either.
Safety and tech saw some moderate upgrades during these years. Nothing revolutionary, but enough to keep the XC90 competitive.
These models might not astonish you, but they won’t let you down either. Think of them as the dependable workhorse of the XC90 lineup.
The Worst Years: 2003, 2004, 2005
Every family has its black sheep, and for the XC90, it’s the 2003-2005 models. Steer clear of these trouble magnets.
The 2003 XC90 had a transmission with a mind of its own – slipping, jerking, and eventually giving up the ghost. Hope you like expensive repairs!
2004 and 2005 weren’t much better. Electrical gremlins ran wild, causing everything from dashboard meltdowns to sudden engine stalls. The culprit? Water leaks. Because who doesn’t love a car that doubles as a fish tank?
2005 threw in an additional curveball with counterbalance shaft bearing failures. Translation? Your engine might decide to call it quits without warning.
Recalls? Oh, they had numerous. Fuel pump leaks, tie rods with identity crises, and windshield wipers that took premature retirement.
Sure, these models were pioneering for their time. But in the used car market? They’re about as desirable as a root canal.
Want the gory details?
Check out the NHTSA recalls and complaints for the 2003, 2004, and 2005 XC90s. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Best & Worst Years for Volvo XC90 2nd Generation (2016-Present)
The second-gen XC90? It’s like Volvo took everything great about the first gen, cranked it up to 11, and then sprinkled some Swedish magic on top. We’re talking serious upgrades in luxury, tech, and performance.
But even superstar families have their troublemakers. The 2016 and 2017 models? They’re the ones you don’t invite to family reunions. But from 2018 onward, especially 2021 and beyond? Now we’re talking XC90 excellence.
The Best Years: 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Looking for the XC90’s golden years? You’ve found ’em. The 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 models are the pinnacle of the second-gen crop.
Under the hood, you’ve got options. The T5 and T6 Drive-E engines are reliable performers, but the T8 twin-charged Plug-in Hybrid? That’s next-level stuff. We’re talking up to 27 mpg combined and a 19-mile all-electric range. Your wallet (and the planet) will thank you.
Fancy some luxury? The Inscription trim’s got Nappa leather so soft you’ll want to pet it. Prefer a sportier vibe? The R-Design’s got you covered.
Safety-wise, these XC90s are fortresses on wheels. Pilot Assist, City Safety collision avoidance, 360° cameras – the works. No wonder the 2020-2023 models snagged IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards.
Tech geeks, rejoice. The 9-inch Sensus touchscreen is basically a tablet on your dash, and with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, your phone and car will be best buds.
The Neutral Years: 2019, 2020
The 2019 and 2020 XC90s? They’re like the steady Eddie of the family. Not flashy, but dependable.
These models kept pace with their newer siblings in terms of performance, safety, and coziness. You’ve still got those excellent engine options and advanced safety features like lane-keeping aid and oncoming lane mitigation.
Sure, there were a few recalls – low-pressure fuel pump issues and some automatic emergency brake glitches. But overall?
These XC90s are solid citizens in the luxury SUV world.
The Worst Years: 2016, 2017
Want to know which XC90s to avoid like last week’s leftovers? The 2016 and 2017 models. They’re the problem children of the second gen.
The 2016 XC90 was particularly troublesome. Electrical systems went haywire, dashboards played dead, coolant lines cracked faster than bad jokes, and some engines guzzled oil like it was going out of style.
2017 wasn’t much better, facing many of the same issues. Reliability? Let’s just say it wasn’t their strong suit.
Both years saw recalls for airbag issues and coolant leaks. Sure, they looked great on paper – all groundbreaking and opulent. But in the real world? They were more headache than luxury.
Want the full horror story?
Check out the NHTSA recalls and complaints for the 2016 and 2017 XC90s. Just don’t blame me for any terrible dreams.
Volvo XC90 Resale Values
Curious about how well the XC90 holds its value? This graph tells the tale:
Conclusion
There you have it, folks – the ultimate guide to picking the perfect Volvo XC90.
Want the best of the best? Look to the 2009-2014 models for first-gen excellence, or the 2018 and 2021-2024 range for second-gen supremacy. These are the years when Volvo really hit its stride.
But buyer beware: steer clear of the 2003-2005 models if you value your sanity (and your wallet). And those 2016-2017 XC90s? They’re more trouble than they’re worth.
Now it’s your turn. What’s the make-or-break feature for you when shopping for an XC90? Safety tech? Luxurious interiors? That sweet Scandinavian styling?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
Let’s keep the XC90 conversation rolling!
