Used 2021 Volvo XC90 for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2021 Volvo XC90 cost?

Prices have softened 17.52% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,048 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for used shoppers.

Is the 2021 Volvo XC90 a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Volvo XC90 earns a 5/5 user rating and a 7.7/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Look and feel and Safety.

It stands out as Volvo’s flagship three-row SUV, with a stylish design, premium interior materials, and a strong safety focus. The trade-offs are a cramped third row and sluggish performance, so it fits you best if you value a polished, safety-first luxury SUV more than maximum space or speed.

Only 34.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so you may need to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Volvo XC90 reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The XC90’s reliability case is helped by its safety-first engineering, refined road manners, and the fact that Volvo built this generation around a modern platform and a broad set of standard driver aids. Its powertrains are shared across the lineup, and the cabin-focused design emphasizes durability and everyday usability.

Volvo also includes a four-year, 50,000-mile basic warranty and a four-year, 50,000-mile powertrain warranty, which helps reduce early ownership risk. For used buyers, the main long-term concern is that a premium SUV with more complex safety and tech features can be costlier to keep in top shape as mileage rises.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Volvo XC90?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 79.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the vehicle history report carefully, since accident-free status does not guarantee perfect condition. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on the drivetrain, electronics, and cabin wear, especially if the vehicle has higher mileage or optional equipment. Pay close attention to how the interior, infotainment, and safety systems function in real-world use.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Momentum is the base model and does not get the extra visual flair of the higher trims, while the R-Design adds a sportier look and the Inscription brings the flashiest presentation.
• Powertrain: The XC90 uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine across its lineup, with turbocharged T5, turbocharged and supercharged T6, and plug-in hybrid T8 options.
• Safety package: Pilot Assist is standard and combines adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, alongside lane-keep assist, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking.
• Infotainment: You get a 9-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot.
• Fuel efficiency: The base FWD T5 is rated at 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, while the AWD T5 is rated at 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The AWD T6 is rated at 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

Which 2021 Volvo XC90 trim should I buy?

The 2021 Volvo XC90 is offered in 3 trim levels: Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription.

Here's the short version:

• Momentum: This is the best-value starting point if you want the XC90’s safety, style, and core luxury feel without paying for extra appearance upgrades.
• R-Design: Choose this if you want a sportier look, including the gloss-black grille surround and standard 20-inch wheels.
• Inscription: This is the most upscale choice, with the flashiest presentation, extra chrome trim, and available 21-inch wheels.

The safety package is strong across the lineup, but the non-hybrid models are the ones that earned the highest IIHS recognition.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Volvo XC90?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 34.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,048 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 17.52% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 79.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $25,475, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Volvo XC90's resale value?

The current average of $25,475 sits slightly below last year's $30,886.

That price drop suggests the XC90 has already absorbed a meaningful amount of depreciation, which can help future resale stability if you buy at the right price. If you keep the vehicle in good condition and maintain its premium features, you may be better positioned than someone who buys closer to the top of the market. The current pricing also gives you a clearer path to avoiding overpaying, which matters when you eventually sell.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Volvo XC90 safe?

The 2021 XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and it earned five-star ratings from NHTSA, with five-star ratings in frontal and side crash tests and four-star ratings in rollover testing.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

The XC90 comes standard with Pilot Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, plus lane-keep assist, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. Non-hybrid models earned top IIHS crash-test scores, but the plug-in hybrid is excluded from that IIHS rating set.

Should I buy a 2021 Volvo XC90 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 34.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 79.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 17.52% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It adds Care Key, a 112-mph limiter, and newly standard tech features.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $21,928, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $25,475 average.
• It delivers the same stylish, safety-focused family-shuttle appeal.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $28,618, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $25,475 average.
• It adds a more eco-conscious, modern edge with available plug-in hybrid and leather-free features.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, safety, and inventory, the 2021 is the smart default. If you’re especially price-sensitive, the 2020 can save you money while keeping much of the same core appeal.

How does the 2021 Volvo XC90 compare to the 2021 Audi Q7?

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.