2019 Volvo S90

Is the Volvo S90 a Good Car?

Don't let the middling ranking fool you, the 2019 S90 is a good luxury midsize car. Its ranking is more a reflection of a very competitive class than of any major deficiencies on the S90's part. It has one of the best interiors in the segment, and that’s saying something. Drivers and passengers alike enjoy tons of space. While the infotainment system takes some time to learn, the list of standard amenities and driver assistance features is lengthy. The S90 has well-rounded performance, confident handling, and a decent ride quality. It's also available with a powerful optional engine and as a fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid.

Should I Buy the Volvo S90?

The Volvo S90 is a good buy if you want a car with a high-end interior for an average price in an expensive class. It’s worth shopping around, though, and you might find another car you like better. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class costs more, but it offers high-performance models and an even more opulent cabin. A rival like the Lexus GS is arguably a more practical choice because of its excellent predicted reliability rating and huge trunk.

Compare the S90, E-Class, and GS »

Should I Buy a New or Used Volvo S90?

Volvo introduced the S90 as an all-new car for the 2017 model year. There have been significant changes each year since, and you’ll have to weigh those against the potentially large savings you’d see by purchasing a used S90 instead of a new one.

For 2019, Volvo got rid of standard leather seats and replaced it with synthetic leather. You can still get the real stuff, but you’ll have to spend more for it. Some other features were shuffled around. A digital instrument cluster, a universal garage door opener, and heated windshield wiper nozzles are now standard. Upgraded LED headlights with automatic high beams are now part of a package.

The 2018 S90 is a hands-down better choice than the inaugural 2017 S90, even though the latter will likely be less expensive. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were made standard for 2018, along with blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and lane keep assist. The S90’s wheelbase was stretched, resulting in about 5 extra inches of rear-seat legroom, and BMW introduced the plug-in hybrid model.

Before making your decision, view details about the 2017 S90 and 2018 S90. Also, check out our Used Car Deals page to learn about savings and discounts you can find on used cars.

Compare the 2017, 2018, and 2019 S90 »

We Did the Research for You: 24 Reviews Analyzed

We analyzed 24 Volvo S90 reviews – along with performance specs, fuel economy estimates, and more – to help you decide if the 2019 S90 is the right new car for you. This 2019 Volvo S90 review incorporates applicable research for all model years in this generation, which spans the 2017 through 2019 model years.

Why You Can Trust Us

U.S. News & World Report has been ranking cars, trucks, and SUVs since 2007, and our team has more than 75 years of combined automotive industry experience. To remain objective, we don't accept expensive gifts or trips from car companies, and an outside team manages the advertising on our site.

How Much Does the Volvo S90 Cost?

The 2019 Volvo S90 has a manufacturer suggested retail price of $47,350, which is about average for a luxury midsize car. The S90 comes standard with front-wheel drive. Models with all-wheel drive start at $49,850. There are three main powertrain choices and two trim levels (Momentum and Inscription). Upgrading to the midlevel engine costs $54,350 for the Momentum trim and $59,450 for the Inscription trim.

The S90 Plug-In Hybrid Momentum starts at $63,900, while the S90 Plug-In Hybrid Inscription starts at $69,000.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great deals at your local Volvo dealer.

Volvo S90 Versus the Competition

Which Is Better: Volvo S90 or Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class might be the only luxury midsize car with a nicer interior than the S90. Top-notch materials are everywhere you look in this Mercedes, and the seats are insanely comfortable. A 12.3-inch infotainment display dominates the dash, and like the S90's system, it has a slight learning curve. The E-Class and S90 match up well when it comes to performance – each has a lineup of capable engines and poised driving dynamics. The E-Class is a better car overall, but it costs about $6,000 more. Go for the E-Class if your budget allows. Otherwise, you won't miss too much with the S90.

Which Is Better: Volvo S90 or Lexus GS?

The Lexus GS has a nearly perfect predicted reliability rating, but it trails the S90 in most other areas. Lexus’ Remote Touch infotainment controller is hard to use, and the GS has less back-seat space than the S90. Both cars have balanced performance, but neither is very engaging to drive. The GS costs a little less than the S90, so that may be an incentive for some buyers. If you prioritize practicality and value, the GS is a better buy than the S90. Otherwise, go with the Volvo for a more upscale experience and a roomier cabin.

Compare the S90, E-Class, and GS »

S90 Interior

How Many People Does the S90 Seat?

The Volvo S90 seats five people in two rows of expansive, luxurious seats. The front seats of most Volvos are praised as some of the best in the industry, and the S90's are no different. The standard 14-way power-adjustable front seats make it easy to find a relaxing position and keep you coddled on long drives.

The back row is equally attractive. Even taller passengers enjoy lots of legroom, and seating three adults is actually feasible, unlike in many sedans. While synthetic leather upholstery is standard, you can upgrade to leather or Nappa leather upholstery. Heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats and heated and ventilated rear seats are also available.

S90 and Car Seats

The S90 has two complete sets of LATCH car-seat connections in the rear outboard seats, and a tether anchor for the rear middle seat. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the system the second-highest rating of Acceptable for ease of use. The lower anchors aren't set too deep in the seat, and it requires little force to attach the car-seat straps to the anchors. However, it can be difficult to maneuver your hands around the connection points.

S90 Interior Quality

In a class filled with high-end cars from luxurious European brands, the S90 boasts one of the nicest interiors. A sweeping, modern design ties everything together, with a sleek vertical touch screen dominating the center stack. Nearly all materials are top-notch in quality, and there are plenty of upscale wood, metal, and soft-touch plastic surfaces and trim pieces.

S90 Cargo Space

The S90’s trunk measures 13.5 cubic feet, which is small for a luxury midsize sedan. Utility is still good, though, as the trunk is long from the lip all the way to the back of the seats. Those seats also fold fairly flat. You can push a button to electrically lower the second row, and hands-free power trunk access makes it easy to open the cargo hold when you have your arms full.

S90 Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation

Volvo’s standard Sensus infotainment system features a vertical 9-inch touch screen more akin to a tablet computer than the typical horizontal displays in other cars. It comes with standard Bluetooth, a USB port, a 10-speaker stereo, navigation, satellite radio, voice command activation, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The system controls nearly all the car’s functions, and it may take a little time to learn it. But once you do, it's fairly easy to use. Those familiar with smartphones or tablets will appreciate the ability to use common gestures like swiping and pinch to zoom on the touch screen. There are a handful of physical buttons and knobs, but they’re not clearly labeled.

Other standard features in the 2019 S90 include dual-zone automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a panoramic moonroof. Some options include four-zone automatic climate control, a cooled glove box, remote start, and a 13-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system.

Read more about interior »

S90 Performance

S90 Engine: 3’s Company

The 2019 Volvo S90’s standard engine (designated T5) is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that puts out 250 horsepower. It gets the job done for daily driving, but it's short on thrills. The T6 engine is a turbo- and supercharged, or twin-charged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder good for 316 horsepower. This engine feels muscular all through the rev range, as you hit the gas from a stop and accelerate to higher speeds.

The S90 is also available as a plug-in hybrid, which combines the twin-charged engine with an electric motor for a total of 400 horsepower. Test drivers noted a slight lag in power from a stop, just before the gas engine kicks in to aid acceleration, but this likely won’t be an issue in most everyday driving situations. All engines are mated to a slick eight-speed automatic transmission.

S90 Gas Mileage: Pretty Good

The 2019 S90 gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, which are great numbers for the class. That’s for the standard T5 engine with front-wheel drive. The same engine with all-wheel drive returns 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The twin-charged T6 engine, which comes standard with all-wheel drive, gets 21/31 mpg city/highway.

The S90 plug-in gets an estimated 71 MPGe combined city/highway, which is about average for a plug-in hybrid vehicle. This S90 can also go up to 21 miles on solely electric power.

Read What is MPGe? for more information.

S90 Ride and Handling: A Polite Companion

The S90 has confident handling and precise steering, though the car isn’t as sporty or athletic as some performance-oriented rivals. Ride quality is decent for a luxury cruiser, but some competitors offer a smoother ride over rough roads. Depending on what you prioritize in your drive, you’ll want to set the selectable driving mode to Comfort or Dynamic.

Read more about performance »

S90 Reliability

Is the Volvo S90 Reliable?

The 2019 Volvo S90 earns a below-average predicted reliability rating of 2.5 out of five from J.D. Power.

Volvo S90 Warranty

Volvo covers the S90 with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty.

Read more about reliability »

S90 Safety

S90 Crash Test Results

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2019 Volvo S90 the highest rating of Good in five individual crash tests. The S90 earned an exemplary rating of Superior for the effectiveness of its front crash prevention features, and a score of Acceptable for how well the headlights illuminate the road ahead. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not evaluated the 2019 S90 as of this writing.

S90 Safety Features

The S90 comes with a long list of standard active safety features, including a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, oncoming crash mitigation, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Optional driver assistance technology includes automatic parking assist, a surround-view camera, a head-up display, automatic high beams, and adaptive headlights.

Read more about safety »

Which Volvo S90 Model Is Right for Me?

The 2019 Volvo S90 is available in several configurations and two trim levels (Momentum and Inscription). We suggest picking a powertrain first, and then a trim. The T5 is the standard outfit and includes a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and either front- or all-wheel drive. The T6 comes with a supercharged and turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The S90 Plug-In Hybrid has the most horsepower, and it also comes with standard all-wheel drive. The only transmission available for all three engines is an eight-speed automatic.

For the best combination of performance and price, go with an S90 T6. The T6 Momentum upgrades the T5's synthetic leather upholstery to genuine leather and adds heated front seats to the already healthy list of standard features. If the base engine meets your needs, consider saving some money by opting for a T5 Momentum and adding the T6's extra features as options.

Volvo S90 Momentum

The 2019 Volvo S90 T5 Momentum starts at $47,350. Standard features include synthetic leather upholstery, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, a power-folding back seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, dual-zone automatic climate control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, a hands-free power trunk, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a panoramic moonroof.

The standard Sensus infotainment system has a 9-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, a USB port, a 10-speaker stereo, navigation, satellite radio, voice command activation, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Standard driver assistance features include a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, oncoming crash mitigation, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.

Leather upholstery is optional for $1,400, and a 13-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system costs $800. A package that includes heated front seats and a heated steering wheel costs $750. The Advanced package retails for $2,900 and comes with automatic parking assist, a power trunk, headlight washers, a surround-view camera, a head-up display, automatic high beams, and adaptive headlights.

The S90 T5 Momentum with all-wheel drive starts at $49,850, and the S90 T6 Momentum retails for $54,350. Both of these models add standard heated front seats, while the T6 Momentum comes with leather upholstery. Getting a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats in either of these models will cost you $750. An optional air suspension costs $1,200, and the Advanced package is also available.

Volvo S90 Inscription

The 2019 Volvo S90 T6 Inscription starts at $59,450. Added standard features in this model include Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, four-zone automatic climate control, a cooled glove box, power rear sunshades, and the Harman Kardon stereo.

The Advanced package, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel are still optional in this model. A Luxury package is available for $3,450. It includes massaging front seats, heated and ventilated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a leather headliner, and a luxury rear armrest.

Volvo S90 Plug-In Hybrid

The S90 Plug-In Hybrid T8 Momentum retails for $63,900. It comes with four-zone automatic climate control and a crystal shift knob. Optional features are the same as those for the T6 Inscription.

The Plug-In Hybrid Inscription ($69,000) has a similar list of standard and optional features as the T6 Inscription.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Volvo dealer.

See 2019 Volvo S90 specs and trims »

The Final Call

The 2019 Volvo S90 has a long list of standard and optional features, a high-end cabin, and spacious, posh seats. For a price that’s about average for the luxury midsize car class, it’s certainly worth a look, but if you want lots of horsepower or athletic handling, you should check out some rivals.

Don’t just take our word for it. Check out comments from some of the reviews that drive our rankings and analysis.

• "The 2019 Volvo S90 luxury sedan offers buyers all the attributes expected of a luxury brand, but because it isn’t as commonplace as a BMW 5 Series or an Audi A6, it also comes with a fair bit of exclusivity. The S90 has all the latest bells and whistles including semi-autonomous driving capability. But it also has a look all its own, with a stunning interior and massive rear seat that dwarfs that of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Cadillac CTS." -- Kelley Blue Book
• Sporting a style all its own allows the S90 to stand out from the prevailing luxury-brand status quo. Its interior design is as simplistic and elegant as the exterior and provides acres of passenger space in both front and rear seats. The S90 serves as a rolling technology showcase, too, as Volvo has equipped it with futuristic driver-assistance features. … If the S90's ride and handling were as refined as the rest of the car, it would create even more of a disruption in this highly competitive field of luxury sedans. Still, Volvo's goal to create a safe and comfortable driving experience is noble, and the S90 comes in such a stylish wrapper that it's easy to understand why it's so appealing." -- Car and Driver
• "The 2018 Volvo S90 luxury sedan is a major part of the Swedish marque's rebirth. After years of producing good vehicles, the company is now making great vehicles. This is accomplished by addressing every major and minor area, establishing a fresh design approach, developing new engines and setting even higher standards for interior quality, while staying true to traditional Volvo values like safety and comfort. The S90 displays all those attributes, making it well worth including on the short list of anyone looking to buy a midsize premium sedan." -- Autotrader (2018)