Volvo XC90 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Volvo XC90 is a large suv. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 115 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 175 of 442, and 26.8% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is position lamp (4.6% of tests).
Ranked 175 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 19 of 24 large SUVs
In 2024, 68,577 Volvo XC90s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 26.8% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Volvo XC90 is 13% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 13.1% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
26.8%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
13.1%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
10,200
Typical age at test: 8 years
Volvo XC90 MOT failure rate by age
Most common Volvo XC90 MOT faults
- Position lamp: not working4.6% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.4% of tests
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.2% of tests
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.0% of tests
- Decelerometer (sp): efficiency below requirements1.9% of tests
- Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn1.8% of tests
What the Volvo XC90 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 10.7% | ▼ 16% less often |
| Brakes | 10.6% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Tyres | 6.8% | About average |
| Suspension | 5.2% | ▼ 49% less often |
| Visibility | 2.8% | ▼ 44% less often |
| Steering | 2.5% | About average |
| Body and structure | 2.1% | ▼ 49% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 1.1% | ▼ 71% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.8% | ▼ 41% less often |
| Wheels | 0.4% | ▼ 21% less often |
What MPG does the Volvo XC90 do?
Official economy for the Volvo XC90 ranges from 20.9 to 49.6mpg across the 201 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2025). A typical petrol version manages 32.4mpg and a typical diesel 40.9mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Volvo XC90?
Any Volvo XC90 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Volvo XC90 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £225 to £790 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carVolvo XC90 specs and running costs
Official figures for 201 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2025.
Fuel types
Diesel, Hybrid, Petrol, Plug-in hybrid
Official economy
20.9–49.6 mpg
CO2
28–322 g/km
Power
235–455 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC90 B5 Plus AWD235 PS · 8A-AWD · listed 2025 | Diesel | 40.9 mpg | 180g | £200 | 37% |
| XC90 B5 D Plus235 PS · 8AT-AWD · listed 2025 | Diesel | 39.7 mpg | 185g | £200 | 37% |
| XC90 B5 Core AWD250 PS · 8A-AWD · listed 2025 | Petrol | 32.4 mpg | 197g | £200 | 37% |
| XC90 B5 Plus AWD250 PS · 8A-AWD · listed 2025 | Petrol | 29.4 mpg | 218g | £200 | 37% |
| XC90 B5 Ultimate AWD250 PS · 8A-AWD · listed 2025 | Petrol | 32.4 mpg | 197g | £200 | 37% |
| XC90 B5 Core250 PS · 8AT-AWD · listed 2025 | Petrol | 32.4 mpg | 197g | £200 | 37% |
| XC90 B5 P Plus250 PS · 8AT-AWD · listed 2025 | Petrol | 31.7 mpg | 202g | £200 | 37% |
| XC90 B5 Plus Edition - Dark Theme250 PS · 8AT-AWD · listed 2025 | Petrol | 32.8 mpg | 195g | £200 | 37% |
| XC90 B5 Ultra Edition - Dark Theme250 PS · 8AT-AWD · listed 2025 | Petrol | 32.1 mpg | 200g | £200 | 37% |
| XC90 B5 Plus - Dark Theme250 PS · 8AT-AWD · listed 2025 | Petrol | 32.8 mpg | 195g | £200 | 37% |
| XC90 B5 Plus Black Edition250 PS · 8AT-AWD · listed 2025 | Petrol | 32.8 mpg | 195g | £200 | 37% |
| XC90 B5 Plus Pro - Dark Theme250 PS · 8AT-AWD · listed 2025 | Petrol | 32.8 mpg | 195g | £200 | 37% |
| XC90 B5 Plus Pro Black Edition - Dark Theme250 PS · 8AT-AWD · listed 2025 | Petrol | 32.8 mpg | 195g | £200 | 37% |
| XC90 B5 Ultra - Dark Theme250 PS · 8AT-AWD · listed 2025 | Petrol | 32.1 mpg | 200g | £200 | 37% |
| XC90 B5 Ultra - Bright Theme250 PS · 8AT-AWD · listed 2025 | Petrol | 32.1 mpg | 200g | £200 | 37% |
Economy and CO2 are official WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 201 versions.
What a Volvo XC90 costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 32.4mpg…
- diesel, typical official 40.9mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Volvo XC90Buying a used Volvo XC90?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Volvo XC90 with other large SUVs
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Volvo models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Volvo XC90 reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Volvo XC90 is 13% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 115 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Volvo XC90?
The most common MOT fault is “Position lamp: not working”, found in 4.6% of tests. It fails on brakes more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Volvo XC90 do?
Official economy for the Volvo XC90 ranges from 20.9 to 49.6mpg across the 201 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2025). A typical petrol version manages 32.4mpg and a typical diesel 40.9mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Volvo XC90?
Any Volvo XC90 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Volvo XC90 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £225 to £790 a year.
›How many Volvo XC90s fail their MOT?
26.8% of Volvo XC90s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 13.1% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Volvo XC90 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.