Since the first Volvo emerged from the Gothenburg production line in Sweden in 1927, it has gone through many owners but maintained one enduring feature – safety. Though many of the world’s Volos are manufactured in China, it is more than likely ones in the U.S. were made in Sweden.
No matter where they are manufactured, the car that was once known for its plain, boxy look that was safer than a tank has a total makeover. Now it has a stunning lineup of SUVs that hold their own with just about anything in their class.
What models does Volvo have?
- XC40 – $33,700 Starting MSRP
- XC60 – $41,400 Starting MSRP
- XC90 – $49,000 Starting MSRP
- XC40 Recharge – $53,990 Starting MSRP
- XC60 Recharge – $53,500 Starting MSRP
- XC90 Recharge – $63,450 Starting MSRP
What’s new for the 2021 models? Have there been any recent recalls? How reliable are Volvos? Are Volvo’s safety ratings as good as the older models? How do the 2021 Volvo SUVs compare to others in their class?
Well, great news! By the end of this article, you’ll have all the data you need to make an educated buying decision and feel good about it.
XC40
The only way to describe this crossover luxury SUV is fun. While costing $20,000 less, it actually feels larger and has a more commanding ride than either the Mercedes-Benz GLA-class or BMW X1. New for the 2021 model are rear-cross-traffic alert, Blind spot monitoring, adaptive LED headlamps, rear parking sensors, power-folding exterior mirrors with an auto-dimming function, leather upholstery, and two back-seat USB-C ports.
- 2.0 L engine
- Maximum Horsepower @rrpm 248@ 5500
- Range, city/highway (miles) 312.40 / 426.00
- EPA Fuel Economy, combined/city/highway (mpg) 25 (Est) / 22 (Est) / 30 (Est)
- Wheelbase (inches) 106.4
- Passenger / Seating Capacity 5
- Cargo Space/Area Length Behind First Row (inches) 65.7
- Maximum Towing Capacity (pounds) 3500
Safety Ratings: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2020 Volvo XC40 5 out of 5 stars in its overall safety rating and 4 out of 5 stars in rollover tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the VX40 its highest rating for all six crash tests.
XC60
Yes, the XC60 has a touch more horsepower than the baseline XC40, but what will grab you about this one is its distinctive Scandinavian feel. If you really want to be pampered while “roughing it” take a look at a model with the new Lounge package. With that comes leather-wrapped sun visors and massaging front seats. The 2.0-liter 4-cylinder version lacks the pep of its rivals, so we went with the 316 horsepower supercharged version as our vehicle of choice.
The 2021 model also includes a unique safety system that scans for intersections, pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals.
- 2.0 L engine
- Maximum Horsepower @rpm 250@ 5500
- Range, city/highway (miles) 394.80 / 526.40
- EPA Fuel Economy, combined/city/highway (mpg) 24 (Est) / 21 (Est) / 28 (Est)
- Wheelbase (inches) 112.8
- Passenger / Seating Capacity 5
- Cargo Space/Area Length Behind First Row (inches) 69.8
- Maximum Towing Capacity (pounds) 3500
Safety Ratings: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the 2020 Volvo XC60 a Top Safety Pick, while the NHTSA gave it an overall safety rating of five out of five stars.
XC90
The XC90 has virtually the same specs as the XC60, with one major exception – room. This is the only three-bench, full six-passenger Volvo SUV, so there’s plenty of room for friends and family. Add around $6500 to the sticker price and the Inscription model adds lane-keeping assist, 20-inch wheels, ventilated front seats, and a Harman/Kardon audio system.
- 2.0 L engine
- Maximum Horsepower @rpm 400@ 5500
- Range, city/highway (miles) ?
- EPA Fuel Economy, combined/city/highway (mpg) 27 (Est) / ? (Est) / ? (Est)
- Wheelbase (inches) 112.8
- Passenger / Seating Capacity 7
- Cargo Space/Area Length Behind First Row (inches) 80.3
- Maximum Towing Capacity (pounds) 5000
Safety Ratings: Along with stellar safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, the XC90 has advanced safety features that include:
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning
- Rear parking sensors
- Rearview camera
- Road sign recognition
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Driver drowsiness monitor
XC40 Recharge
Volvo’s plan to add an all-electric lineup can be seen in its line of “Recharge” SUVs. Based on the gasoline-powered XC40 SUV, this is Volvo’s answer to the Mercedes-Benz EQC and Tesla Model Y. While Volvo’s lineup of electric SUVs has the pep of its competitors due to its dual-motor powertrain with a total of 402-hp, its range is somewhat limited. Volvo claims a driving range of more than 200 miles per charge, but that has yet to be tested.
- Engine–electric
- Maximum Horsepower @ rpm 402 @ 14000
- EPA Fuel Economy Equivalent (for hybrid and electric vehicles), combined/city/highway (MPGe) 79 / 85 / 72
- Wheelbase (inches) 106.4
- Passenger / Seating Capacity 5
- Cargo Space/Area Behind Front Row (cubic feet) 47.4
- Maximum Towing Capacity (pounds) 3307
- Base Curb Weight (pounds) 4740
Safety Ratings: None of the Recharge models have been tested yet by the NHTSA or IIHS, but there is no reason to think they won’t rate at the same level as their gas-powered siblings.
XC60 Recharge
- Engine–electric
- Maximum Horsepower @ rpm 402 @ 14000
- EPA Fuel Economy Equivalent (for hybrid and electric vehicles), combined/city/highway (MPGe) 79 / 85 / 72
- Wheelbase (inches) 106.4
- Passenger / Seating Capacity 5
- Cargo Space/Area Behind Front Row (cubic feet) 47.4
- Maximum Towing Capacity (pounds) 3307
- Base Curb Weight (pounds) 4740
XC90 Recharge
The XC90 Recharge is a seven-seater plug-in hybrid SUV that has all the advanced safety features of the rest of the Volvo SUV lineup.
