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2018 Volvo S90 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Volvo S90 highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • Exceptional seat comfort
  • Luxurious and attractive interior
  • Lots of driver aids

Cons

  • Wheel choice can affect ride comfort
  • Steering has too much resistance
  • Infotainment interface isn't as easy to use

Mileage (EPA estimate)

22 city, 31 highway, 25 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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Price
Year

The 2018 Volvo S90 is bigger and more eco-friendly

German carmakers have long been the go-to choice for luxury sedans, but their popularity has made them a bit too common for some shoppers. The 2018 Volvo S90 breaks the mold with its Scandinavian design that blends sleek elegance with modern sensibilities. At the same time, it delivers similar levels of comfort, refinement, and technology as its European rivals.

Coming off a full redesign in 2017, the S90 gets a surprising number of changes for 2018. All S90s are 4.5 inches longer as the standard wheelbase has been replaced with a longer version that was not previously available in the U.S. The other big news is the addition of the T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain that delivers up to 21 miles of EV driving before switching to the efficient hybrid engine. Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Actual mileage will vary based on things like battery age, vehicle condition and history, driving and charging habits, accessory use, and driving conditions. Battery capacity may decrease with time and use. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

With Volvo's commitment to including driver aids and its supremely comfortable seats, the S90 is worthy of comparison against the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. It's not as athletic as those sedans but will still please most drivers.

All Volvo S90 years

What is new for the 2018 Volvo S90?

  • The T5 Inscription trim has been discontinued for 2018.
  • S90 trims have been upgraded with Panoramic Sunroof, Blind Spot Monitor, and Android Auto as standard equipment this year.
  • Seat Massagers and Rear A/C Seat(s) features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The T5 Momentum trim now comes with 4WD/AWD as standard equipment.

2018 Volvo S90 trims

Curious how Volvo S90 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

T5 Momentum:

T6 Momentum:

T6 Inscription:

Volvo S90 photos

5 reasons to buy the 2018 Volvo S90

What We Like

Excellent seat comfort: Simply put, the Volvo S90 has some of the most comfortable seats in the industry. With input from orthopedic specialists, the front seats are well shaped and appropriately cushioned to keep occupants blissfully cozy, and there are plenty of adjustments available to suit a variety of body types. Enhancements include heated front and rear seats as well as front seat ventilation.

Interior refinement: The S90 boasts an impressive interior with a distinct Scandinavian look and premium materials. The luxurious leather seating and attractive open-pore wood accents are pleasing to both the sight and touch. The sturdy build of the sedan instills a sense of quality, and the added touch of sophistication can be seen in the Orrefors crystal gear shift knob.

Driver aids: Volvo has been an engineering leader for decades, and the S90 continues that tradition with its substantial engineering. In crash tests, it performed admirably and earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. You also get a complete list of driver assist features that include frontal collision warning, lane keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control.

What Needs Improvement

Bigger wheels affect comfort: The S90's suspension is tuned more for comfort than handling performance and that seems appropriate for this luxury sedan. Opting for the available 20-inch wheels will negatively affect comfort because their thinner tire sidewalls will transmit more bumps into the passenger compartment. Our advice is to stick with the smaller wheels.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

Volvo S90 features and specs

T5 Momentum 2WD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Automated Parking
  • Bowers & Wilkins Audio
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Head Up Display
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

250

Torque (ft-lbs)

258

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

14.5

Wheelbase

120.5"

Overall length

200.1"

Width

74.4"

Height

57.1"

Leg room

F 42.2"/R 40.4"

Head room

F 37.8"/R 37.8"

Front tires

P245/45VR18

Rear tires

P245/45VR18

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Volvo S90 FAQ

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