2020 Volvo XC90 review - the best seven-seat SUV? | What Car?

Got a big family and need a big car? The Volvo XC90 is well known to this market. But did you know that there's also a fantastic plug-in hybrid XC90 T8 Twin Engine version available? Find out everything you need to know about the entire XC90 range by watching our review.
Save over £4,500 on a new Volvo XC90 with What Car?: www.whatcar.com/make/volvo/xc...
New videos are uploaded to What Car? each week. Don't miss a single one. Subscribe now: goo.gl/GlVQ58
Visit our website at www.whatcar.com/
What Car? is the UK's biggest car-buying brand and has been helping Britain's car buyers make purchasing decisions for more than 40 years. Our tests are widely regarded as the most trusted source of new car advice.
This channel brings you trusted reviews on all the new models on the market, all the latest first drives, reader reviews, and great car-buying advice.
All reviews are available in full online at Whatcar.com - the UK's leading car-buying website, offering trusted reviews and data on every new car. The website also offers advice on car leasing, new car deals and new and used cars for sale.
Follow What Car? here:
LIKE What Car? on Facebook: goo.gl/yv5jF8
FOLLOW What Car? on Twitter: goo.gl/SJzmT8
Check out our full video catalog: goo.gl/OIGYuS

[@henrychen8067]

Your pregnancy makes this Family car review so convincing and relevant. Well Done!

[@meegoor]

老哥，可是b战那个up

[@ThareGaamKaBinder]

What if she just fat?

[@castrolgtx5064]

Henry Chen why?? Is she carrying 6 babies or something to fill the 7 seats excluding the driver that is 😂😂😂

[@bluegoka]

Yep, she got pregnant to review a family car. That’s dedication!

[@williamchanchan7845]

Katy Perry must bought this SUV ! She's both are Pregnant, by the Way XC90 Looks so Feminine families cars Fantastic Comfortable seats.

[@moviemetropolis]

That comment about Audi pushing the boundaries is absolute BS. The interior of the XC90 is leagues ahead of the Q7 in both design and quality.

[@matthewgraham122]

I agree!

[@terrificspokesman7416]

You are right

[@vc8160]

Audi is the most boring interior and complicated user interface.

[@mattlostatsea]

I test drove the Q7 and then the XC90. The Q7 was very cramped, I bought and still own a XC90.

[@edm5166]

From race cars to now family cars, been a great journey Rebecca. All the best

[@kham3050]

We bought a 2019 XC90 T6 R-Design. I thought I wanted a Q-7. You get so much more for your money with Volvo. Including free shipping to the states. (I am living in Germany for another 5 months) We did pay 637 euro to have it deliver from Sweden. It is amazing. Just got back from Italy. Stellar gas milage even in the Alps. 3 kids 2 adults, Kids are 5'3", 5'8", 5'8". The back row is full sized. Seats recline and slide. One of the 5'8" kids sat in the 3rd row so I disagree 100 with the claim it isn't good for long trips for tall people. Did they even try it out? I did. Storage in the back is very similar to my 2016 Explorer. It fits in all the car parks fine. It will park for you actually. Park in and park out- check it out. *edited, Diesels are being outlawed all over so it would be a bad investment. I can't find enough electric recharge stations, but I would look at them the next go around. She should switch her driving off Dynamic because she complains about bumps with the suspension. This is the only vehicle that seats that literally fall back in a crash to absorb shock. So many more details should be covered. Details I didn't realized I had- there is a cooling button in the glove box to make it a chili box! For real! You can change the ambient lighting to 7 different colors! Ours is stuck on purple because my daughter makes all the shots.

[@TheDefenderSisu]

Thanks we pick up ours in May and plan on driving around Europe for a month

[@joefx69]

Since when is 5’ 8” considered tall?

[@micks7655]

Hi can you recharge the battery using only the gasoline engine?

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Also, don't get an R-Design or big tires. Get the inscription. And whatever tires you get, check the tire pressure. It makes a big difference what the tire pressures are in a Volvo vs. other brands.

[@aaronmills3105]

Such a beautiful car ... one of the best in class 😍 Volvo are making excellent cars nowadays 😍❤️

[@rayc1503]

I've owned my 2017 Volvo XC90 T8 incription 2 years now and it's been a pleasure to drive. It doesn't take long to get used to the controls. I can adjust most the of them with only having take a brief glance at the monitor. It's only been back to change one of the rear electric window motors on the near side because it was a bit slow to close. Apart from that. 👍

[@Outdoor_Cycling_Adventures]

I like your honest review, thank You.

[@fusionsounds3323]

Pregnant and reviewing this car...well done, very relevant 👍🏾👍🏾

[@rwg2626]

I’m on my second new shape XC90, Fantastic car, smooth, comfortable, relaxing and a calm place to be, mine have both been the inscription, the centre touch screen works great, you actually don’t use it that often, buy the inscription, don’t go for bigger wheels than 20s and don’t bother with Air suspension,

[@JanW51]

What do you do for a living?

[@vc8160]

On my third current gen XC90, Current is the recharge. Loaded with air suspension and bowers wilkens and it is the best vehicle out there. Had Range Rover sport, X3M and X3M40i, plus a V60 Polestar. The XC90 is hands down the best in every area, except exhaust sound, which is nice to be silent.

[@timredfern1282]

Nice to see you again Rebecca looking great 👍

[@vishalcharan4094]

Bought this over Q7. D5 with polestar tune provides 177KW and after 14k driving does 7.8L per 100km. Driving assistances is brilliant.

[@Firemarioflower]

Return your licensce

[@beslemeto]

How is the reliability?

[@asimiqbal7421]

Such an underrated brand

[@interceptor-ss8kb]

Its far better then the Audi Q7, and the Discovery is ugly so the Volvo wins

[@morganoxer5560]

interceptor1986 what’s your reasoning for that statement? Not challenging your statement but just curious about your thought process. Arguably all of these cars can be ‘ugly’ when specced poorly but all can look stunning if specced properly don’t you think? However, the XC90 is incredibly good looking. However, what makes you think the Audi is so bad in comparison? I would happily take any of these any day

[@dealzguyYT]

Morgan Oxer - own one and its really good, but would rate the Q7 with the V6 slightly better than this just for the Engine alone. Space and 3rd seat wise XC90 wins

[@Firemarioflower]

Q7 eats this for breakfast. Also the Volvo is ugly as well and very unreliabile in the electronics.

[@interceptor-ss8kb]

@@Firemarioflower are you seriously suggesting an Audi is more Reliable 🤣🤣🤣

[@scottysvensson]

@@Firemarioflower yeah vw fanboy yeah in your dream! Volvo> good looking vw 😏

[@sweetfreedomGB]

All those months ago I was right! Congratulations!

[@bushcraftnorway]

Pervert

[@rarebreed9208]

Finally, a vehicle with a digital display that shows me what position my seat is in........

[@hedydd2]

You do not have to use the screen to adjust the climate control. Voice control is brilliant and never fails for setting the temperature either for the front two zones or the passenger alone. Even if one choses to use the screen, the control is always at the bottom of the screen and requires one touch to expand and normally one hit on the scale to get the desired temperature. Quick demist is controlled by a physical button to the side of the big volume knob on the dash, below the screen. Tyre noise is by far the biggest negative on these cars.

[@chrischarman755]

I was about to say the same about adjusting the climate control. I wish these reviewers got their facts correct and stopped always being heavily biased towards BMW & Audi.

[@robertor.7319]

You should review these cars, she sounds like trying to sell Audi...

[@daveevans7151]

What tires are you running on yours and have you tried different ones? We are currently in an Acura MDX and starting to look a bit. Have not driven one yet but have heard this numerous times. Thanks for the feedback!

[@davidhomewood3047]

Much better than the X5 .You wont get all the goodies of the XC90 in an X5 at that price.

[@dutchuncle3310]

I don’t see the point of comparing comparing the interior to a Q7. Volvo buyers look for practicality and safety. A Volvo isn’t built for performance ( although it’s OK) one thing is certain for a person to get seriously hurt or worse in a xc90 something freakishly exceptional has to happen. I mean it’s practically impossible. Very important for family car.

[@rocketdreamer]

Many congrats Rebecca:)

[@cvxfy9520]

I love this car and I will buy it

[@dil3038]

Definitely is lovely

[@mtsflorida]

Looking for the 2021 one side door 4 door hatchback.

[@JackKing12.]

Which SUV RJ will be buying for her family????

[@brian_mwaura]

Aaaaawww! Looking mightily fine Rebecca. Hope its on your shortlist 😊

[@dltmdals79]

Just bought a T6. Everything is really great, but the gas tank is really small. It holds about 18 gallons!! lol The gas light comes on after driving about 150-160 miles from a full tank. It runs about 220-230 miles with a full tank, significantly less compared to my last SUV, BMW X5, which held about 22 gallons and drove more than 300 miles easily.

[@fidelbanuelos9601]

This^^ could be a deal breaker for me since I drive a lot.

[@decmcc175]

Comparing the Volvo XC90 that retails way below its rivals and comes as standard with a range of "standard" extras to the BMW X5, Audi Q7, and Land Rover Discovery and Porche Cayenne is daft really when you factor in costs associated. Especially as the review is based on the hybrid vehicle. That said, putting the Volvo in the same group and trying to compare with those mentioned says it all. It’s simply that good and up there with the main “big players” without having to spend quite a bit more. I appreciate the reviewer mentions others come in at a higher price at the end of this review but what this review fails to mention that the rivals also charge quite a bit on top of the initial price for even the most basic extras that come as standard with the Volvo. The Land Rover for instance doesn't even come with sat nav in the standard entry level model and you have to upgrade to get that (about £10k) which is crazy in todays market. From what I've found, and after Months of reviews and test drives, BMW, Audi, and Land Rover, Should be concerned as the overall package, build quality, finish, and pricing of the Volvo XC 90 kick the ass of its German and UK/Indian made rivals. I've owned both an Audi Q5 and a BMW X5 and have just bought an XC90 which I get in 2 weeks time (trading in my Audi Q5). The Volvo XC90 is just that good. Don't take my word for it though. Go and see for yourself and I doubt you'll be disappointed. One thing that is very good is the boot room after 7 seats are up is much better than any of its rivals with room for a dog or bags/ suitcases. I'd definitely recommend you compare all cars including what they all come with as standard before deciding on what to buy. For me, £ for £, the Volvo XC90 is WAY ahead of its rivals in terms of price + extras etc versus the rest. Not even close really and comes with more tech and kit than some fully loaded cheaper rivals.

[@terrificspokesman7416]

I've found the XC90 better to drive than the Q7 and the air suspension make a good difference. And the diesel isn't as unrefined as you say it is

[@aerotus888]

Now we know you're lying. No way XC90 is a better drive than Q7!!!!!!!

[@Channel-os4uk]

Cedar Leaf oil works well on facial warts.

[@agneloferrao8404]

Anyone talking about the crack in the windscreen to the top right... 4:17

[@xinyuwang988]

How many times has she mentioned Audi Q7? I trade in my q7 for t6, the only thing is better than xc90 t6 is the v6 3.0 tdi engine. If you want power go Audi, I am happy with it on everything but engine. I don’t feel tired after 5 hours driving anymore, 3 hours in q7 is my limit.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Too many times. It's that way with a lot of reviewers. Constantly comparing another car to Audi or BMW. And most people just don't care about the stuff reviewers go on and on about. Livability is what they should focus on more and real driving opposed to how sporty it is. It's a large SUV, not a sports vehicle.

[@user-st5fs7zr9z]

Nice

[@MarlboroughBlenheim1]

Diesel is a bit rough when cold

[@benjaminsmith2287]

I wanted to see the model with the wool seats. Oh well.

[@gaganrayat147]

You are looking More beautiful than the car. Love your smile

[@jrs9264]

Pretty soon , you will have a big family. Are you going to buy one?

[@raghavmalhotra3482]

i bought everest instead😁 and saved soo much earlier i was about to buy this but because of the rude behaviour of the salseman i changed my mind

[@eurodrift2498]

You cant afford this volvo xc90 anyway dont worry , everest is shite

[@vc8160]

The Everest is a ford ranger with rear seats instead of a Ute. Absolute junk compared to a Volvo XC90. Unfortunately, you missed out mate!

[@usernoname9642]

You can fit a lot of bananas in there :)))

[@aasmaharoon289]

LOL

[@panathaninf]

Why no 3 isofix points in the second row??? Q7 has

[@lyndaaustin6190]

we have a family pack which has an integrated booster seat in the middle. more flexible than 3 ISOFIX. Remember this is VOLVO they invented ISOFIX, so they have your family in mind. we have baby, 6 year old and 8 year old and this car is perfect for families - but get the family pack

[@panathaninf]

@@lyndaaustin6190 So how you tackle a 6 a 3 and a soon to come newborn?

[@ooluta7578]

Aahhh... beautiful British accent!

[@terrificspokesman7416]

What do you mean Audi pushing boundaries with the Q7. The Q7 has a plain interior

[@lifeandlove2428]

It is one of the least reliable cars of 2018. I had a Volvo XC90 T6 inscription 2017, and I had experienced lots of electrical issues.. so I ended up traded it in for an Audi Q7 with tears 😭 ( cuz I like the style of the XC90 so much! But the reliability of it was just a disaster)

[@castrolgtx5064]

Life and Love find that hard to believe we are on our third one from new never any issues with any of them👍 I think you wanted the Q7 in the first place.

[@vc8160]

You got very unlucky, as after 3 XC90, current gen and a V60 polestar I have had no issues after a combined mileage of 230,000kms

[@beslemeto]

Very beautiful car indeed,but sad that i've heard Volvo XC90 is not that reliable since Chinese are responsible for the made of the car...I am not saying Chinese make only bad things but this is what i have read from costumers reviews...

[@erickjuma7643]

Looks much more premium than Toyota land cruiser

[@terrificspokesman7416]

You are right. But a Land Cruiser and an XC90 are in a different league. Must people who buy a Toyota Land Cruiser don't consider the Volvo XC90 and most people who consider and XC90 don't consider a Land Cruiser

[@godwinenechukwu8033]

Congratulations hip hip hip uray to baby Mama

[@blazbohinc4964]

Am.. It's on a shortlist of rich people with 2 kids max. Nobody can afford an 80 grand car (and specially not a family that could use all 7 seats)

[@scotiajinker8392]

Lovely car but I couldn’t live with that touchscreen dash , too many thing to press for the basics . For a company that’s known or it’s safety features why are they encouraging you to take your eyes off the road to faff with the touchscreen?

[@Colin623]

It's like everything new, once you use it for a few days you will find exactly which way to flick the screen without looking, once the right page is showing ( you can only flick once, left or right !) and then look down, the same if you were twiddling with the nobs on your old radio or heater settings, and choose which to press !! Simples, and don't forget you don't have to fiddle with the touch screen for many of the everyday settings , such as heating/aircon, radio etc. just press the voice control button on the steering wheel, and say " Turn down heating" or whatever you are wanting to do, simple.

[@mystikal518]

I really dislike people who go on the comments just to say "first".

[@Carlovfx]

That tablet thing is the only reason this car is a big nope for me.

[@pandora278]

You can use the voice control instead

[@dealzguyYT]

Agree as a current owner of an Inscription trim

[@brendanmarks5485]

She's pretty fit

[@karimelawady3678]

Congratulations Rebecca for your pregnancy

[@DHClips325]

What happened to her?

[@neilhy]

Blimey, is she carrying quads!! 🤔

[@davidjmcintyre5981]

Who makes Volvos engines?

[@dealzguyYT]

Volvo

[@HBKiran]

Hey I guess u re pregnant I hope I'm not wrong :D congratulations please don't forget to upload your babies videos I think it's a girl :) I am really glad for you best wishes, if u want anything from korea for your baby let me know :p

[@mtsflorida]

Of course she is with those stunning looks.

[@dinceregilmez3137]

YOK MERCEDES BENZ GERÇEKTEN BMW

[@hyanemoussassa1]

what have you been up to Rebecca ? it shows 😉

[@pahanin2480]

This is okay, maybe almost up there with Dodge Journey.

[@S.b6xy]

My parents were gonna get this but they were so fucking fussy and got the same old Audi!!! LIKE GET A DIFFERENT BRAND FOR ONE LOL

[@prince-ye5yr]

Wow

[@InmoRealty]

I'm surprise by how mean can people be on the red, she's pregnant, so she needs comfortable shoes, whatever is on her face is no important whatsoever. Why nobody ask if she and the baby are ok, that's the only importan thing.

[@scoopermg8226]

Another daft enormous SUV...... Just what the UK needs.

[@pulixpulix2420]

Why can't volvo build a 3 liter engine? Too complicated, huh?

[@pulixpulix2420]

@S E That is not an argument. That is just a pretext to build 2l engines. Premium car companies have big engines. Low car companies have small engines.

[@xinporco]

@S E soon all volvo cars will be electric or hybrid, and afaik hybrids still need combustion engines.

[@cundycross]

The question is do they need to?, No. BMW and Audi do that, and they're shit and very Unreliable. Go do your research then come back.

[@adilmalik3458]

@@pulixpulix2420 premium car companies are going hybrid and downsizing too. If they didn't, they'd all be in the same position as Land Rover are right now.

[@pulixpulix2420]

@@adilmalik3458 Of course they are, but they are downsizing. Volvo, since it was bought, they build small engines, they didn't downsize anything. The real reason behind it is not 'the day and age we live on' but the technological capabilities of the company. The bar set is very low since they are owned by those chinese. Their cars have become Made in China quality all over.. Also, all the premium companies have kept their 3.0 liter engines and downsized the really big ones like the V12, V10 and V8. So Volvo used this context of downsizing and never build one after all. But if you turn to X5, Q7, Touareg, ML, GLE, etc etc you WILL find 3.0's. And yes, they also have 2.0's but let's get serious, who is buying those? Also, an suv weights that much equipped with a 2.0 is more a burden than a pleasure.

[@guyottaway1166]

Hell of a cracked windscreen

[@sbenc]

Very lovely pregnant lady and nice looking car

[@hunyango2k]

2 liter 4 cylinder in that heavyweight thing... uuuuugh!!!

[@scm3294]

Yet still gets to 60 in 7.5...

[@hunyango2k]

@@scm3294 which one... probably t8. But how about the others? 20 yrs to 60mph 😂😂😂

[@scm3294]

@@hunyango2k The T8 gets there in 5.5, did you even watch the video?

[@hunyango2k]

@@scm3294 so they read the manual... watch the videos of other channel. and u be the judge.

[@sweetfreedomGB]

Don't believe the figures, you habe to really thrash these engines to get any pace at all.

[@shibuchakrapani6015]

I love you

[@greenenergy-mipvpro]

It's tried, driven across England and returned in this car, the top model. It's simply the worst junk, everything is old-fashioned, the adaptive speed pilot is choppy, the driving is choppy and the lane assistant is simply so poor that it shouldn't be activated. The gearbox in no way gives a smooth ride and so there is no power in the driveline. The feeling is that you drive with the handbrake applied. In such an expensive car you have to say total dump character. We have a Suzuki Vitara with 140 hp petrol engine, automatic transmission and adaptive speed pilot in the company. It runs far better, more comfortable and much smoother, but at 1/3 of the price. The Volvo XC90 is simply a joke, built to impress Chinese, but Volvo is also Chinese owned.

[@BMH1965]

This vehicle is too big. Drivers should have to take a special driving course for road vehicles this big on UK roads, and in the USA the large Volvo SUV have the biggest drop in value after 3 years. The real issue: the price! You will be shocked, and not in a good way.

[@penvon]

MH0709 And!!!...These Volvo’s & German brands seem to just be leased in North America because of poor reliability & expensive maintenance.

[@dealzguyYT]

It was all good till you mentioned Audi pushing the boundaries .... bull$h!t ... Audi is at par but not any better and not definitely pushing boundaries....

[@xiongbagful]

Who is the father?..... Of this car... Lol

[@DavidDeblaere]

You guys talk way to much about the engines in your reviews.

[@MrByootox]

Information on that is a make or break deal for a lot of people.

[@prayze5924]

200th comment

[@leem5894]

First

[@vatansalvery]

Why should a car be such expensive? It’s something simple to carry someone fom one place to another after all, isn’t it? Even, 10K dollars is big money to accomplish such a simple task.

[@sweetfreedomGB]

Breakdown guy told me the latest XC90 is the car they are most called out to. Terrible tech issues.

[@hedydd2]

I don't believe you. JLR products probably out-breakdown Volvo by 25:1

[@sweetfreedomGB]

@@hedydd2 Range Rover not far behind Volvo that's for sure, but no sadly the XC90 is the worst. WhatCar actually have it as the most unreliable new car on sale.

[@DigitalPRCourses]

As an owner I agree completely. In the last 3 months alone we’ve had to have it recovered 3 times. Cracked valve head leaking oil and burning off, cracked camshaft seal leaking oil and burning off and now unspecified engine fault leaving it in limp mode. Not to mention a broken rear differential needing replacing at only 5k miles and many many other faults. Absolutely shocking cars. Have had enough now, looking to replace.

[@Andyuk911]

@@DigitalPRCourses My word, not good.

[@sweetfreedomGB]

@@DigitalPRCourses thanks for the post Tom, without real people sticking their heads above the parapet and being honest about their cars, all we'd have would be the car manufacturers PR machines. I've nothing against Volvo, in fact I've always liked the brand, but out there in the real world their current range is considered to be sh**e!

[@Firemarioflower]

That pimple is so distracting!!!

[@vc8160]

Every Audi has the most boring and sterile over complicated interior!

[@jamie123b]

Is she pregnant

[@EinkOLED]

She has a thirst for beer.

[@MW-uh1xv]

What would make you say that?

[@jamie123b]

matthew walker cus her belly has gotten big

[@marioerueda-almonte7938]

Very pregnant....

[@gerrywhelan7426]

It;s a pig to drive

[@erazorCTF]

She should have that small thing on her cheek removed. It doesn't make her ugly or anything, but it does not have to be there and takes 5 minutes to remove at the doctor.

[@gazelle20111]

Perhaps send her the funds to remove it and then you could go be a professional doctor to remove it for her. That would be the least you could do!

[@jmjtv92]

Are you carrying Mat's child ?

[@Schaneification]

Made in China :=)

[@dealzguyYT]

Sweden dude or should I say Bloke in Brit

[@MrWitherSkulls]

No Trump says Gina

[@millmoormichael6630]

Actually it’s made in Sweden, Gothenburg

[@DigitalPRCourses]

Reliability absolutely stinks. Do not buy.

[@sweetfreedomGB]

yep they break down alot

[@jorgehadweh6858]

Is the volvo xc90 that unreliable??? what years are of the xc090 are the unreliables?? i have never had a volvo before.

[@lifeandlove2428]

Jorge Hadweh do not buy the XC90 if you like to take your loving vehicle for a road trip since they are not reliable and may leave you on the middle of the road. ( I was a owner of the 2017 Volvo XC90 t 6 inscription, don’t give me wrong, I loved the style of the XC90.. but if you are looking for something reliable, then no)

[@jorgehadweh6858]

@@lifeandlove2428 oh, and what vehicle did you get? Volvo are such a beatiful machines :(

[@lifeandlove2428]

Jorge Hadweh I traded it in for a 2018 Audi Q7. I know people have been hating about the exterior design of the Q7, but it is definitely a more reliable car. I always always and always want to go back to Volvo because I just love their current designs. But I don’t know which model would be the most reliable one.( if you have to get yourself in a Volvo, then the all new XC60 might be the best choice)

[@matthewc445]

unfortunately , out of all the cars I drive (Tesla model X, Benz GLE43, Porsche Cayenne base model, and this car) , XC90 is the ugliest and slowest car.

[@tamanddougsomerville5118]

matthew C Fortunately the looks are just your opinion. It all depends on what you’re looking for. As per many comments here if your want something faster go elsewhere. The xc90 is outstanding in many other ways.

[@Felix-li2or]

Showoff

[@370seanjohn]

Ohh no she is pregnant...i thought she is still available in the market.

[@penvon]

gurung 36 Gaunle It’s just pregnancy,I’m sure you can still throw your hat in the ring.

[@jzk2020]

7:00 lay off the pies, sweetheart.

[@dealzguyYT]

C. Lincoln - you are a fuckin Moron mister....

[@blarkdexture8899]

Not as pretty anymore.

[@thehal991]

Blark Dexture that mole is getting bigger...

[@anth7354]

Ha yes, another large unreliable SUV full of technical nonsense the price of a small house

[@penvon]

Ant H The Europeans seem to love unreliable brands for some reason. 🤷‍♂️