2020 Volvo V90

header-image
Rating7.7

Ranked #7 in 

Wagon
Write Review
$51,450 - $59,450
Starting Price 
M. Hannigan's image
M. Hannigan 

Content Writer,

Updated on November 3, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Contemporary exterior design

Lack of standard AWD

No major changes from its predecessor

Good fuel economy figures for a luxury wagon

Hesitant transmission (when you mash the gas pedal a little too hard)

High quality materials used

Specs & Features

$51,450

price

250 hp @ 5500 rpm

horsepower

258 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

torque

8-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

2.0L 4cyl FWD 8A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The Volvo V90 wagon serves as a premier luxury option for those who don't want to buy a flashy three-row SUV. Compared to other wagons, the V90 doesn't offer as much cargo space but it takes care of its occupants by offering class-leading comfort. The seats are magnificent and the interior feels airy.

Buying Advice

If you are going to use the V90 wagon in town, stick to the FWD models. The T5 Inscription trim comes loaded with all the features that you would appreciate in luxury wagon of this class. For folks who need to drive in snow a lot, we would suggest the AWD models for better traction.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The main attractions of Volvo V90 are its state-of-the-art systems: a semi autonomous drive mode and a snappy infotainment system. But when it comes to driving manners, the V90 might disappoint you a bit. The V90 is better known for its hushed manners, so don’t expect some great action as you pin the throttle to the floor.

The V90 carries a signature Scandinavian design. It doesn’t brag to be a “performance crossover”. The V90 wagon competes against the likes of Audi Allroad, Mercedes Benz E450 and Subaru Outback.

Features
8.0/10

2020 Volvo V90 is offered in 4 trim levels. Even the base R-Design model is equipped with the quintessential luxury materials. The higher-spec Inscription brings in goodies that are meant to spoil you with comfort and convenience. AWD is available in both these trims when equipped with the AWD system, the V90 wagon is tuned to produce 316 hp (66 hp more).

Trim

T5 R-Design

T5 Inscription

T6 R-Design

T6 Inscription

Drivetrain

FWD

FWD

AWD

AWD

MSRP

$51,450

$53,450

$57,450

$36,795

Key Features

Includes these key features:

Includes T5 R-Design key features and adds:

Includes T5 R-Design features and adds:

Includes T5 Inscription features and adds:

 

Harman/Kardon Premium Brand Speakers plus 14 Speakers

Heated Steering Wheel

2.0 Liter Twin charged engine

2.0 Liter Twin charged engine

 

Keyless Ignition

Bucket Front Seats

316 hp

316 hp

 

Four Zone Climate Control

Multi-Level Heating Driver Seat

   
 

Rear View Camera

Premium Leather

   
 

Interior Air Filtration

8 -Way Power Driver/Passenger Seat

   
 

Heated Windscreen

Ventilated Driver/ Passenger Seat

   

We Recommend

If you are going to use the V90 wagon in town, stick to the FWD models. The T5 Inscription trim comes loaded with all the features that you would appreciate in the luxury wagon of this class. For folks who need to drive in the snow a lot, we would suggest the AWD models for better traction.

Fuel Economy
7.5/10

The Volvo V90 R-design is one of the better-looking wagons out there. It also offers the most smiles per gallon. Mileage rating at 24 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway, there is no beating the 2018 Volvo V90. The car of such size and power, it is incredible to see such figures.

The closest competitor is Audi A4 All road Premium with 22 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the Highway. The Subaru and Mercedes-Benz fall behind because of the big engine and higher capacity of 3.0 L.

Model

Volvo V90 T5 R-Design Wagon

Subaru Outback 2.5i

Audi Allroad 2.0 TFSI Premium S Tronic

Volvo V60 T5 Momentum

Mercedes-Benz E450 4Matic

MPG (city)

23

25

27

24

19

MPG (highway)

35

32

34

36

25

MPG (combined)

27

28

30

28

21

Range (miles) (city/highway)

334/508

463/592

N/A

348/522

N/A

Tank Capacity (gal)

14.5

18.5

15.3

14.5

21.1

And when we compare it to the other wagons, it easy to find that turbocharged engines are more frugal. Volkswagen Golf SportWagen scores a combined mpg of 30 while bettering Audi Allroad's score by a margin of 2 mpg. The Subaru Outback and Volvo V60 offer an identical combined mpg of 28.

Interior
9.1/10

A rich assortment of high-quality materials, elegant styling, and sumptuous seats help make the V90's cabin one of the best in the class. Shoppers can select from top-shelf options such as walnut, dark flame birch, carbon fiber, and grained leather.-Cars.USnews

Seating and Comfort

The Volvo V90 comes with the best in class interior quality. The Elegant looking interior with modern tech and Scandinavian design makes it the best place to be in. The natural wood in combination with metal pieces will make you feel rich and your eyes sparkle.

The seats are the most comfortable ones you'll find in any car. The long-wheelbase gives the rear passengers ample amount of room to spread their legs. The optional features like heated and ventilated seats with massaging front seats will add up to your comfort level.

Model

Volvo V90 T5 R-Design Wagon

Subaru Outback 2.5i

Audi Allroad 2.0 TFSI Premium S Tronic

Volvo V60 T5 Momentum

Mercedes-Benz E450 4Matic

Passenger capacity

5

5

5

5

7

Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

37.8/57.5/42.2

40.8/58.1/42.9

38.9/55.9/41.3

37.4/56.1/42.3

37.5/57.8/41.5

Second

(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

37.7/55.9/35.9

38.9/57.3/38.1

37.4/54.5/35.7

38.1/54.5/35.2

39.6/57.1/35.8

Infotainment System

The Volvo V90 comes with all Luxury features that one would expect. The 8-inch infotainment display and a 12.3-inch screen replacing the instrument cluster to a virtual cockpit, the V90 gets Bluetooth connectivity, Apple Car Play, Android Auto, Navigation and in-car WIFI.

All the buttons, including the climate controls and expect the volume button, has been integrated into the Sensus Connect Infotainment display. This can lead one to distracted driving and with layers of menus to browse through and too many clicks to do simple operations, it may get annoying sometimes.

Interior Features

The Subaru Outback offers a very welcoming interior trim. Some of these features are mentioned below:

  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Cooled Storage Compartment
  • Front And Rear Cupholders
  • Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror
  • Front And Rear Door Pockets
  • Transmission, Cruise And Audio Controls On Steering Wheel
  • Interior Air Filtration

Cargo volume

V90 doesn't give the best of cargo spaces in this segment. With little to complain, it's not too less, it can accommodate luggage for a short weekend ride in 19.8 cu-ft. of space. Fold the rear seats down and the total available volume increases to 53.9 cu-ft.

Model

Volvo V90 T5 R-Design Wagon

Subaru Outback 2.5i

Audi Allroad 2.0 TFSI Premium S Tronic

Volvo V60 T5 Momentum

Mercedes-Benz E450 4Matic

Cargo Volume (ft.3)

19.8

35.5

24.2

23.2

35.0

Exterior
9.1/10

It's all subjective, sure, but we would venture to say that the V90 is a handsome-looking wagon, possibly more eye-pleasing than the S90 sedan from which it's derived. It wraps its practicality in a stylish shell and there isn't an angle where it appears awkward. A concave grille and smart lighting details match the classiness of the interior.- KelleyBlueBook

Design and Dimension

It is stylish, strong and has a powerful looking exterior design. The proportions of the car are just amazing! The Volvo V90 rides very low compared to its length and just look at it, you can't take your eyes off the Volvo V90. With the total length of 194.3 inches, it is the longest car in this segment and is an inch longer than the Mercedes-Benz E400 4Matic.

With such outstanding dimensions comes all the weight. The Volvo V90 is the second heaviest, weighing 3913 lbs. and the heaviest of all being the Mercedes-Benz E400 4Matic weighing 4299 lbs. The Subaru Outback 3.6R limited and Audi All Road Premium just weigh over 3800 lbs.

Model

Volvo V90 T5 R-Design Wagon

Subaru Outback 2.5i

Audi Allroad 2.0 TFSI Premium S Tronic

Volvo V60 T5 Momentum

Mercedes-Benz E450 4Matic

Curb weight (lbs.)

3897

3624

3450

3749

4299

Length(in)

194.3

189.9

186.1

187.4

194.2

Width(in)

74.6

72.4

72.5

72.8

72.9

Height(in)

58.1

66.5

56.2

56.6

57.7

Ground clearance (in)

6.0

8.7

N/A

5.8

6.0

Wheelbase (in)

115.8

108.1

111

113.1

115.7

Track width (in) F/R

64.1/64.1

61.8/62.2

61.9/61.2

63.1/63.1

62.7/63.0

Safety
6.0/10

Volvo has been at the forefront of safety campaigns globally. The V90 is no stranger when it comes to world-class safety features.

  • 4-Wheel ABS
  • Emergency Braking Preparation
  • Front Fog/Driving Lights
  • Rear Center 3-Point Belt
  • Post-Collision Safety System
  • Child Seat Anchors
  • Front And Rear Head Airbags
  • Emergency Braking Assist
  • Blind Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System

Competition
9.0/10

Volvo V90 vs Subaru Outback

There is little that is wrong with the Outback. For decades, the Outback has been a hot seller in the Subaru line-up. Our only gripe is the lackluster acceleration from the base 2.5-liter engine. With a full load of cargo and passengers, this engine runs out of steam. So, you have to carefully plan for merging and passing. But talk about utility, fit and finish and drivability. The Outback comes off as a strong contender in the segment. It offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with a solid finish.

Volvo V90 vs Audi Allroad

It has become a known fact that Audi produces some of the best driver-oriented cars and the same goes for the 2020 Audi A4 Allroad. The car commands a premium price when compared to its competition. For that premium price tag ($37,400) it offers better performance than the other wagons in the segment. The A4 Allroad combines a powerful engine, a world-class driving dynamics, and a solid fit and finish. If you like to be behind the wheel then the price premium might be worth your time.

Volvo V90 vs Mercedes-Benz E450 4Matic

The E Class wagon features an improved engine which makes 33 horsepower more than the earlier model. The engine isn't eager to pick up the pace but it remarkably quiet. Mercedes intends the E Class to be comfortable before being anything else. The cabin is well insulated, once inside it really feels like you have been separated from the outside world. The premium convertible starts at a price tag of $64,200. The E Class wagon offers best in class engine specifications, sculpted looks, interior fitment, space and a high tech arsenal of safety features. When it comes to pricing, though it is costly.

Final Verdict

The Volvo V90 is the best-looking wagon out there, with the best looking interior design and many premium features as standard it's hard to match the quality stated by Volvo. Starting at a bit higher price, which is justified with the strong exterior design and rich cabin space, the Volvo V90 is a unique car and is desired by everyone.

But, if you are looking for more utility than looks and at a cheaper price, there are options such as Subaru Outback to consider.

Trims

    T5 R-Design
    $51,450 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl FWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 250 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 258 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.4 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 26 mpg
    T5 Inscription
    $53,450 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl FWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 250 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 258 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.4 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 26 mpg
    T6 R-Design
    $57,450 onwards
    • Leather Seat trim
    • Metal mesh inlays
    • R-Design steering wheel
    T6 Inscription
    $59,450 onwards
    • 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
    • 19-inch 10-spoke diamond cut alloy wheels
    • Color coordinated rear view caps
    • Harman Kardon premium audio system
    • Linear walnut wood inlays

Compare to similar cars

Price

$51,450- $59,450

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.67

Horsepower

316 hp @ 5700 rpm

Torque

295 lb.-ft. @ 2200 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$28,400- $41,400

Gasoline

7.57

134 hp @ 4400 rpm

162 lb.-ft. @ 1250 rpm

5

Read Review

$26,645- $39,695

Gasoline

7.36

182 hp @ 5800 rpm

176 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

5

Read Review

$39,650- $45,400

Gasoline

8.27

250 hp @ 5500 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

5

Read Review

2020 Volvo V90 vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    6.4 sec14.9 sec-
    6.4 sec14.9 sec-
    8.7 sec17 sec130 mph
    9.2 sec16.7 sec-

    2020 Volvo V90 vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      22 mpg33 mpg26 mpg15.9 gal.349.8/524.7 mi.
      26 mpg33 mpg29 mpg18.5 gal.481/610.5 mi.
      26 mpg33 mpg29 mpg16.1 gal.418.6/531.3 mi.
      23 mpg34 mpg27 mpg14.5 gal.333.5/493 mi.

      2020 Volvo V90 vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        194.3 in.74 in.58.1 in.6 in.115.8 in.

        2020 Buick Regal TourX

        Ranked #1

        196.3 in.73.3 in.58.4 in.5.8 in.111.4 in.
        191.3 in.73 in.66.4 in.8.7 in.108.1 in.

        2020 Audi A4 Allroad

        Ranked #4

        187.5 in.72.5 in.58.8 in.6.5 in.110.9 in.
        187.4 in.72.8 in.56.2 in.5.4 in.113.1 in.
        169.8 in.71.7 in.61.3 in.6.5 in.105.1 in.

        2020 Volvo V90 vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          53.9 cu.ft.-69 cu.ft.
          17.6 cu.ft.151.9 cu.ft.47.6 cu.ft.
          32.5 cu.ft.109 cu.ft.75.7 cu.ft.
          23.2 cu.ft.-50.9 cu.ft.

          2020 Volvo V90 vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            SourceCompare
            -53.9 cu.ft.69 cu.ft.
            75.7 cu.ft.32.5 cu.ft.75.7 cu.ft.
            50.9 cu.ft.23.2 cu.ft.50.9 cu.ft.
            84.6 cu.ft.17.6 cu.ft.47.6 cu.ft.

            2020 Volvo V90 vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              2000 lbs.1160 lbs.4127 lbs.
              2700 lbs.1071 lbs.3634 lbs.
              2000 lbs.1129 lbs.3955 lbs.
              1500 lbs.860 lbs.3422 lbs.

              Top Volvo Cars

              2020 Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid SUV

              Horsepower : 400 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 27 mpg

              0-60 : 5 sec

              #1

              2020 Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid SUV

              Horsepower : 400 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 27 mpg

              0-60 : 5.2 sec

              #2

              2020 Volvo S90

              Horsepower : 316 hp @ 5700 rpm

              MPG Combined : 25 mpg

              0-60 : 5.9 sec

              #3

              2020 Volvo S60

              Horsepower : 250 hp @ 5500 rpm

              MPG Combined : 27 mpg

              0-60 : 6.1 sec

              #4

              2020 Volvo XC60

              Horsepower : 250 hp @ 5500 rpm

              MPG Combined : 24 mpg

              0-60 : 6.1 sec

              #5

              2020 Volvo XC90

              Horsepower : 250 hp @ 5500 rpm

              MPG Combined : 25 mpg

              0-60 : 8.7 sec

              #6

              2020 Volvo V60

              Horsepower : 250 hp @ 5500 rpm

              MPG Combined : 27 mpg

              0-60 : 6.4 sec

              #7

              2020 Volvo V90

              Horsepower : 250 hp @ 5500 rpm

              MPG Combined : 26 mpg

              0-60 : 6.4 sec

              #8

              2020 Volvo XC40

              Horsepower : 187 hp @ 4700 rpm

              MPG Combined : 27 mpg

              0-60 : 7.8 sec

              #9

              Other Compact Wagon