2024 Volvo XC90 review – 7 hidden truths dealers won’t tell you. Real-world MPG, maintenance costs, and why it beats the BMW X5 for families. Don’t buy before reading.
Let’s be honest. Most luxury SUV reviews are written by people who spent three hours in a press car and call it a day. That’s not what you’re getting here. I’ve lived with the 2024 Volvo XC90 for two weeks across city traffic, highway cruises, and a family road trip with two kids and a dog. What I found surprised me. Some of it will save you thousands. Some of it might make you walk away. And that’s exactly why you need to read this before signing any paperwork.
What Makes the 2024 Volvo XC90 Different?
The XC90 has been around since 2015 in its current generation, and that’s both a blessing and a curse. The 2024 model isn’t a full redesign – it’s a refresh of a formula that Volvo has stubbornly stuck to. But here’s the thing most reviewers miss: Volvo isn’t trying to beat BMW at sportiness or Mercedes at opulence. They’re going after a different buyer. The person who wants a sanctuary, not a trophy. The 2024 XC90 is built around a philosophy of “less is more,” and that’s either going to be your favorite thing about it or the reason you walk out the door.
Let me give you the real picture. The interior is minimal but gorgeous. You get real Swedish wood (not the fake plastic grain that some competitors use), Nappa leather that actually feels soft, and a clean dashboard layout with no buttons. Everything is controlled through a 9-inch vertical touchscreen. That’s a love-it-or-hate-it design choice. I’ll get to that later.
Real-World Performance: Not Just Numbers
The base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a turbocharger and a mild hybrid system. It makes 247 horsepower – which sounds weak on paper. But in a world where BMW and Mercedes are stuffing six-cylinders into everything, Volvo has a secret weapon. The hybrid system adds torque instantly off the line, so you never feel slow in everyday driving. The 0-60 time is about 7.5 seconds, which is fine for a three-row SUV. You’re not buying this to race a Porsche.
What matters more is the ride quality. The XC90 uses a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear with optional air suspension (get it). On the highway, it’s one of the quietest cabins in the segment. Wind noise is barely there. Road noise from the Pirelli tires is noticeable but not annoying. The steering is light and effortless – perfect for parking in tight spots, but you won’t feel any connection to the road. That’s intentional. Volvo prioritizes comfort over sportiness.
Here’s the truth nobody tells you: The XC90 handles better than you expect for a 4,700-pound SUV. The chassis is stiff, and body roll is well controlled. But if you push it hard on a mountain road, the four-cylinder engine starts to sound strained. The transmission (an 8-speed automatic) is smooth but occasionally hesitates when you need instant passing power. That’s the trade-off.
The Infotainment System – Love It or Hate It
This is where the 2024 XC90 divides people. Volvo switched to a Google-based infotainment system a few years ago, and the 2024 model uses the latest version.”Volvo didn’t slap a smartphone on the dash. They gave the car its own Google brain — Maps for navigation, Assistant for commands, and the Play Store for whatever you actually want to use.”
That means you can download Spotify, YouTube, or other apps directly to the car. No need for Apple CarPlay wired? Actually, Apple CarPlay is still supported but only wired. Wireless Android Auto is standard.
The 9-inch screen is vertically oriented, which looks sleek but causes issues. When you’re using Google Maps, it takes up the top half, and the bottom half shows climate controls and media shortcuts. That’s fine. But if you want to adjust the heated seats, you have to go into a submenu. Want to change the air recirculation? Another submenu. Adjusting the rear climate? That’s a whole different screen. While driving, this can be distracting. After three days, I got used to it. But my wife, who drives a more traditional car, found it frustrating.
The good news: The voice control is excellent. You know how most car voice assistants require you to speak like a robot and still get it wrong? Not this one. I tested it with a lazy mumble: “Hey Google, turn the AC to 70.” It understood. Then I said, “Find the closest gas station” — and the map popped up before I finished the sentence. No second tries. No awkward pauses. That’s rare in 2024. In 2024, that’s rare. Most voice systems are slow or dumb. Volvo’s is actually useful.
Safety: Beyond the Five-Star Rating
Volvo built its brand on safety, and the 2024 XC90 doesn’t disappoint. But let’s kill a myth. The XC90 isn’t the safest SUV on the market anymore. The IIHS gave it a Top Safety Pick+ award, but so did the Honda Pilot and the Subaru Ascent. In some crash tests, the Tesla Model Y actually performed better. What Volvo does different is the attitude. The car doesn’t just protect you in a crash – it tries to avoid the crash entirely.
Standard features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist, and large animal detection. The adaptive cruise control works smoothly, and the lane-keeping assist is one of the least intrusive systems I’ve tested. It gently nudges you back without fighting your steering. There’s also a blind-spot monitor that actively steers you away if you try to change lanes into a car. That feature saved me once when a motorcyclist appeared from nowhere.
One hidden gem: Volvo’s “oncoming lane mitigation” system. If you drift out of your lane toward oncoming traffic, the car will automatically steer you back. I tested this on a quiet road (safely, with a clear view), and it worked flawlessly. Most competitors don’t offer that at any price.
Cost of Ownership – The Hidden Price Tag
This is where the 2024 XC90 gets tricky. The starting price is around
57,000forthebaseCoretrim.Themid−levelPlusis
57,000forthebaseCoretrim.Themid−levelPlusis62,000, and the fully loaded Ultimate is
68,000beforedestination.Theplug−inhybridversion(Recharge)ismuchmoreexpensive–northof
68,000beforedestination.Theplug−inhybridversion(Recharge)ismuchmoreexpensive–northof75,000. But here’s what dealers won’t tell you.
Resale value for the XC90 is average at best. After three years, you’ll lose about 45% of the value. By comparison, a Toyota Highlander loses 40%, and a BMW X5 loses 50% (so the Volvo is slightly better than BMW, worse than Toyota). Lease deals are rarely great because Volvo doesn’t subsidize them as heavily as Lexus or Mercedes.
Maintenance costs are higher than you’d expect. An oil change at a Volvo dealer costs
150−200.Brakepadsandrotorsforallfourwheels:around
150−200.Brakepadsandrotorsforallfourwheels:around1,200. A battery replacement for the mild hybrid system? That’s a
1,500jobifyouneedit.Volvorecommendsatransmissionfluidchangeat60,000miles–that’s
1,500jobifyouneedit.Volvorecommendsatransmissionfluidchangeat60,000miles–that’s800. But you can save money by using an independent shop that specializes in European cars. In my area, a Volvo specialist charges half of what the dealer does.
The biggest hidden cost: the 48-volt mild hybrid battery. It usually lasts 8-10 years, but replacing it can cost $2,500-3,000 if you do it outside the warranty. Volvo’s factory warranty is 4 years / 50,000 miles. That covers the battery, but not for long.
2024 Volvo XC90 vs. Competitors: Who Wins?
Let’s do a quick comparison that’s actually useful, not just spec sheets.
Vs. BMW X5 – The X5 is faster, more engaging to drive, and has a better infotainment system. The X5’s third row is a joke – barely usable for children. The XC90’s third row is surprisingly okay for adults under 5’8”. The Volvo is also cheaper to insure. If you care about driving dynamics, get the X5. If you need real three-row seating, get the Volvo.
Vs. Mercedes-Benz GLE – The GLE has a gorgeous interior with more ambient lighting and a bigger screen. The ride is plusher, but the reliability is worse. The GLE has more reported electrical issues in the first year. Volvo wins on dependability, but loses on luxury feel.
Vs. Audi Q7 – The Q7 is the closest competitor. It drives better than the XC90, has a similar minimalist interior, and offers a potent V6. But the Q7’s third row is even tighter, and the infotainment is more complex. The XC90’s Google system is actually simpler to use. I’d give the edge to Audi on performance, Volvo on practicality.
Vs. Lexus RX – The RX is more reliable and cheaper to maintain. But it doesn’t have a third row (the RX L was discontinued). The RX’s cabin is quieter, but it feels less premium. Lexus buyers love the brand, but Volvo buyers love the design. For a family that needs three rows, the XC90 is the better choice.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the XC90
You should buy the 2024 XC90 if:
- You prioritize safety, comfort, and a beautiful interior over sportiness.
- You need a usable third row for occasional use.
- You want a luxury SUV that doesn’t scream “look at me” (it’s understated).
- You’re willing to learn the touchscreen interface.
- You plan to keep the car for 5+ years and don’t care about resale value.
You should NOT buy the XC90 if:
- You want a fast, powerful SUV. (Look at the BMW X5 M50i or the Mercedes AMG GLE.)
- You hate touchscreens. (Test drive it first – the lag on cold start can be annoying.)
- You have a tight budget for maintenance. (Get a Toyota Highlander or a Mazda CX-90 instead.)
- You need a true off-road vehicle. (The XC90’s ground clearance is only 8.5 inches.)
2024 Volvo XC90: The Verdict After 1,000 Miles
After driving the 2024 XC90 for two weeks, I came away impressed but not in love. It’s a fantastic family SUV for the right person. The build quality is excellent, the seats are among the most comfortable in any car (seriously – the front seats have adjustable thigh extenders and four-way lumbar), and the safety features work without being annoying. The Google infotainment is a genuine advantage over slower systems from BMW and Mercedes.
But the four-cylinder engine feels underpowered when you load the car with people and luggage. The touchscreen is a distraction in the first few days. And the total cost of ownership is higher than most people realize.
Here’s my honest advice: If you’re considering the 2024 XC90, don’t buy the base Core trim. The add-ons you want – air suspension, premium audio, the larger wheels – all come in the Plus or Ultimate. That pushes the price to $62,000+, which puts you in the same range as a fully loaded Genesis GV80 or a mid-range Mercedes GLE. At that point, test drive all three back to back. The GV80 has a better warranty and more power. The GLE has a better interior. But the XC90 has the best third row and the most intuitive safety features.
One final truth nobody tells you: The 2024 XC90 is a carryover model. The next generation is expected in 2025 or 2026 with an all-electric platform. If you’re not in a hurry, I’d wait. The current car is still excellent, but its platform is nearly 10 years old. Don’t pay full price for old technology. Negotiate hard. Dealers have inventory, and they’re willing to move units.
Practical Tips for Buying a 2024 XC90
- Never pay MSRP. I saw discounts of $3,000-5,000 in mid-2024.
- Look for dealer demo models with 5,000-10,000 miles. They’re often $8,000 off.
- Avoid the “Advanced Package” unless you really want the head-up display. The standard safety features are already comprehensive.
- “Most premium car audio systems are loud. The Bowers & Wilkins setup in the XC90 is different — it’s quietly powerful. You hear every finger slide on a guitar string, every breath before a vocal. It’s the kind of system that makes you replay songs just to catch what you missed.” If you love music, get it.
- The 20-inch wheels ride better than the 22-inch wheels. Stick with 20s unless you care about looks.Don’t buy the extended warranty from the dealer. It’s overpriced. Instead, consider a third-party warranty from a company like Fidelity or Zurich. You’ll pay half as much.
Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t assume the plug-in hybrid is better. The Recharge model adds $15,000 and only gives you 35 miles of electric range. Unless you have a home charger and a short commute, you won’t save that money back in fuel.
Don’t ignore the maintenance schedule. Volvo requires an oil change every 10,000 miles, but I’d do it every 5,000 if you do mostly city driving. The mild hybrid system runs hot, and oil breakdown is real.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2024 Volvo XC90 reliable?
Based on J.D. Power’s 2024 Initial Quality Study, the XC90 scores above average for luxury SUVs. The most common issues are with the touchscreen freezing and the 48-volt battery draining prematurely. Overall, it’s more reliable than a BMW X5 but less reliable than a Lexus RX.
How much does the 2024 XC90 cost?
Pricing starts at
56,900fortheCoretrim,
56,900fortheCoretrim,62,100 for the Plus, and
68,300fortheUltimate.Theplug−inhybridRechargestartsat
68,300fortheUltimate.Theplug−inhybridRechargestartsat73,800. Destination fee is
1,095.Rebatesarenottypical,butdealerdiscountsof
1,095.Rebatesarenottypical,butdealerdiscountsof3,000-6,000 are common.
Does the 2024 XC90 have a third row?
Yes, it has a three-row configuration with seating for up to seven. The third row is tight for adults over 5’8″, but it’s usable for children and smaller passengers. With the third row up, cargo space is just 12.6 cubic feet – barely enough for a few bags.
What is the fuel economy of the 2024 XC90?
The EPA rates it at 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. In real-world mixed driving, I got 21 mpg with a heavy foot. On the highway at 75 mph, I achieved 27 mpg. The plug-in hybrid gets 55 MPGe combined on electric power and 28 mpg when the battery is empty.
Is the 2024 XC90 worth it over the BMW X5?
It depends. The X5 is faster, has a better infotainment system, and holds its value slightly better. But the XC90 has a more comfortable ride, a usable third row, and better standard safety features. For a family of four or more, the Volvo is better. For a single person or couple, the BMW wins.
What are common problems with the 2024 XC90?
The most frequent complaints are delayed software updates that cause the screen to lag, a rattle from the front passenger seat belt pillar, and occasional hesitations from the automatic transmission when shifting from reverse to drive. None of these are major, but they’re worth mentioning.
Can I use Apple CarPlay wirelessly in the 2024 XC90?
No. Apple CarPlay is only supported via a USB cable. Android Auto works wirelessly. Many owners use a wireless adapter like the Motorola MA1 to get around this, but it’s not built-in.
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