.... anyone experienced with new Volvos
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,293
Likes: 64
From: Toronto, Canada
.... anyone experienced with new Volvos
Went to a Lexus dealer and could not get interested in any of their new cars. I left and drove to a Volvo dealer and sat in the XC90 and thought ...... now thats a nice vehicle.
I have never driven in or been driven in a newer Volvo, but the new ones were awesome. Seemed solid and well built to me.
How will they hold up over time and what is their long term reliability like? Similar to Lexus or more like BMW ?
I have never driven in or been driven in a newer Volvo, but the new ones were awesome. Seemed solid and well built to me.
How will they hold up over time and what is their long term reliability like? Similar to Lexus or more like BMW ?
CL Community Team
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,916
Likes: 227
From: Alabama
Based on what I have read reliability in both short and long term is an issue on new Volvos. I'd check out the Mazda CX-9 and the Kia Telluride if I was seriously shopping. Go check out the user forums on any potential new car - they can be enlightening. Also check the carcomplaints web site.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,099
Likes: 76
From: Tx
As with almost every manufacturer, Volvo reliability for first year models (i.e. the 16 XC90, 17 S90) are pretty below average; but they have improved with time.
I personally am enamored by the V90's and the XC60's; the XC90 is a great looking ride too of course.
The Volvo forums I've been on highlight mostly electronic gremlins as common issues, which have improved significantly since the first-year models. The rides aren't as "plush" as some Lexus models, since you have a LS430, however the build quality, interior design and exterior appeal are solid. My main concern with Volvo would be the long-term reliability of their T6 engines; being supercharged & turbocharged seems pretty complex and could be problematic years after the warranty expires.
If you're looking to lease (or change out after 5 years), and don't have frequent need for the 3rd row seat....the Volvo XC90 is a solid choice honestly. Like Jabberwock mentioned, test drive the Mazda CX-9 as the luxury in that car is surprisingly good (especially given the price).
I personally am enamored by the V90's and the XC60's; the XC90 is a great looking ride too of course.
The Volvo forums I've been on highlight mostly electronic gremlins as common issues, which have improved significantly since the first-year models. The rides aren't as "plush" as some Lexus models, since you have a LS430, however the build quality, interior design and exterior appeal are solid. My main concern with Volvo would be the long-term reliability of their T6 engines; being supercharged & turbocharged seems pretty complex and could be problematic years after the warranty expires.
If you're looking to lease (or change out after 5 years), and don't have frequent need for the 3rd row seat....the Volvo XC90 is a solid choice honestly. Like Jabberwock mentioned, test drive the Mazda CX-9 as the luxury in that car is surprisingly good (especially given the price).
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 8,243
Likes: 267
From: New York
Before i got my X3 - i seriously considered the XC90 Rdesign.
XC60 is great as well.
I really like the exterior styling, interior design, material quality and fit/finish. Volvo is really doing a great job in terms of design. You can also get great deals on these models.
What turned me off are the 4cyl engine, outdated infotainment system and FWD based platform.
XC60 is great as well.
I really like the exterior styling, interior design, material quality and fit/finish. Volvo is really doing a great job in terms of design. You can also get great deals on these models.
What turned me off are the 4cyl engine, outdated infotainment system and FWD based platform.
Trending Topics
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,892
Likes: 14
From: Virginia
Have fairly extensive experience with Volvo, just shy of actually owning/leasing however. Haven't seen any major issues come up with the new generation of Volvo products, and we're now about 5 years into this gen.
XC90 is definitely the best priced Volvo you'll find out there relative to competitive models (read: it's priced below the Germans), and good value given that most of the safety and tech comes standard on the Momentum level. Clean design and feel, ultra comfortable seats as a Volvo should. Ride quality gets a little harsh if the dealer takes a lot of the upsized wheels. Although their large wheels look sharp, it definitely impacts ride quality moreso than an X5 or Q7. Early model years had laggy infotainment screen, especially initial start up. It's improved a bit now, but still not the fastest. Likewise, the turbo or twin charged engines are nice on paper, but not as effortless/smooth as some of the boosted 6 cylinders on X5 and Q7.
How long do you intend to keep your vehicle/miles put on it? Volvo covers scheduled maintenance for the first 3 years. Currently they have some specials through the Costco buying program as well.
XC90 is definitely the best priced Volvo you'll find out there relative to competitive models (read: it's priced below the Germans), and good value given that most of the safety and tech comes standard on the Momentum level. Clean design and feel, ultra comfortable seats as a Volvo should. Ride quality gets a little harsh if the dealer takes a lot of the upsized wheels. Although their large wheels look sharp, it definitely impacts ride quality moreso than an X5 or Q7. Early model years had laggy infotainment screen, especially initial start up. It's improved a bit now, but still not the fastest. Likewise, the turbo or twin charged engines are nice on paper, but not as effortless/smooth as some of the boosted 6 cylinders on X5 and Q7.
How long do you intend to keep your vehicle/miles put on it? Volvo covers scheduled maintenance for the first 3 years. Currently they have some specials through the Costco buying program as well.
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Lexus NX 350h: A Fuel-Sipping Secret Hot Hatch???
Michael S. Palmer
5 Best & 5 Worst Lexus Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
Top 5 Hottest Lexus & Toyotas in 2026 (Hardest To Buy)
Brett Foote
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Agree, plus that super & turbo charged 4 banger in the T6 worries me. That's a lot of strain to be putting on a 2L 4 cylinder given the weight of the XC90. Next gen should be coming out fairly soon too, current one has been out since MY2015
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,488
Likes: 52
From: FL
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,892
Likes: 14
From: Virginia
Stepping aside from the anti-china commentary.
Aside from S90's, of which almost no one buys any, I don't believe many, if any, current Volvo's for the U.S. come from China. Most are sourced from Europe, and S60's are made here in the U.S. XC90 production in the U.S. starts in a few years.
Aside from S90's, of which almost no one buys any, I don't believe many, if any, current Volvo's for the U.S. come from China. Most are sourced from Europe, and S60's are made here in the U.S. XC90 production in the U.S. starts in a few years.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 5,482
Likes: 89
From: N/A
Only reason the S90 is made in China is because Volvo decided that they wanted to sell the long wheelbase version here instead of the regular midsize model like the rest of Europe. The V90 is still made in Europe and based on the regular wheelbase version.
I echo everyone else about the gutless engines and the questionable longevity of the turbo-supercharged 4-bangers, made even scarier in the hybrid versions.
I echo everyone else about the gutless engines and the questionable longevity of the turbo-supercharged 4-bangers, made even scarier in the hybrid versions.
