Volvo XC90 review - MPG, running costs & CO2

The Volvo XC90 is fairly fuel-efficient for a car its size and when you consider the performance on offer. Though expensive, the plug-in hybrid offers lower taxation, particularly for company-car drivers.

Volvo XC90 MPG & CO2

Volvo used to offer a wider range of cheaper entry-level mild-hybrid engines with petrol or diesel power for the XC90, but now just the 2.0-litre mild-hybrid petrol B5 is left lower down in the range. It’s economical when you consider its power output and performance but it’s not quite a match for the discontinued mild-hybrid diesel. You can expect up to 33.6mpg from the mild-hybrid petrol while CO2 emissions are around 190g/km.

The 2.0-litre B5 diesel engine returned up to 39.7mpg and produced CO2 emissions from 185g/km, but it's in the top Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) bracket for business car users. The mild-hybrid B5 recoups energy under braking, which is stored in a small battery. This power can then be used to boost acceleration and power the car when it's coasting or stopped in traffic.

The XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid – which we've reviewed separately – claims to return up to 235mpg – but our experience with other plug-in hybrids (including the Volvo V60 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid) suggests you’re unlikely to achieve this figure in everyday driving. Our fuel consumption increased markedly when the battery was charging in our test car, and those who live in urban areas, make short journeys and can regularly plug in will likely see more benefit than those who often drive long distances. On the plus side, the T8's CO2 emissions from 28-34g/km mean a low BiK company-car tax rating.

Due to the XC90's starting price of more than £40,000, all petrol and diesel versions incur a luxury car VED (road tax) surcharge during the first five renewal years, starting from the second year. Plug-in hybrid versions enjoy a small annual discount of £10.

Insurance group

Insurance groups for the Volvo XC90 range from 37 to 44, so premiums are worth researching if you're coming from a car that has been inexpensive to insure.

Warranty

The standard Volvo warranty runs for three years or 60,000 miles – whichever comes first. That’s the same amount of cover you get on an Audi Q7, but there's no mileage limit on the three-year warranty offered with the BMW X5.

Servicing

Volvo offers service plans that are designed to spread the cost of your car’s ongoing maintenance with monthly payments. For cars up to four years old, plans can be taken out for two, three, four, five or six years. The price of these plans will vary depending on your anticipated annual mileage and the exact specification of your XC90.