How much does the 2021 Volvo XC90 cost?

Prices have softened 15.31% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 963 listings available, which gives you a decent amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $27,180.84, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Volvo XC90 a good car?

Yes — 5/5 from owners, and the expert rating is 7.67/10. The model scores 9/10 across Look and feel and Safety.

The XC90 leans into Volvo’s safety-first identity while still delivering a premium feel, stylish design, and upscale interior materials. It is aimed at you if you want a midsize luxury SUV that feels distinctive rather than purely utilitarian.

The trade-offs are real: the third row is cramped, performance is sluggish, and there are no USB-C ports.

With 33.3% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Volvo XC90 reliable?

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

The XC90’s safety-focused design and premium execution support its reputation for dependable family use, and the expert notes emphasize its strong safety credentials and refined road manners. Its performance setup is built around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine across the lineup, and the plug-in hybrid adds electric assist for a more efficiency-minded setup.

Volvo also includes a four-year, 50,000-mile basic warranty and powertrain warranty, plus an eight-year, 100,000-mile battery warranty for the plug-in hybrid. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure the vehicle has been maintained carefully, especially if you are considering the electrified version.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.5% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because accident-free status does not replace a full ownership and repair record. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on the cabin, electronics, and any signs of hard use. Pay close attention to condition details that matter in a luxury SUV, especially if you plan to keep it for the long haul.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base Momentum skips the extra visual flair found on the R-Design and Inscription, while the Inscription adds the most upscale presentation.
• Powertrain: The T5 uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 250 horsepower, the T6 adds supercharging for 316 hp, and the T8 plug-in hybrid combines electric assist for 400 hp.
• Safety package: Pilot Assist is standard, along with 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, wireless smartphone compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot.
• Fuel efficiency: The base FWD T5 is rated at 25 mpg combined, the AWD T5 at 23 mpg combined, the AWD T6 at 22 mpg combined, and the T8 Recharge at 27 mpg combined in hybrid mode.

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:

• Base trim: Momentum gives you the XC90 experience without the extra visual polish of the higher trims, and it is the least dressed-up version of the lineup.
• Sweet-spot trim: R-Design is the best middle-ground choice if you want a sportier look without stepping all the way up to the top trim.
• Premium/top trim: Inscription is the most upscale choice, with the richest presentation and the strongest luxury feel.

Pilot Assist is standard, and the non-hybrid XC90 models earned top crash-test results.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 33.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 963 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 15.31% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 81.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $27,180.84, 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 $27,298 sits slightly below last year's $32,231.

That price movement suggests the XC90 has already absorbed a meaningful amount of depreciation, which can help if you buy now and hold it for a while. A softer market today can also make it easier for you to find a cleaner example at a more competitive price. If demand stays steady for well-equipped luxury SUVs with strong safety reputations, resale should remain reasonably supported.

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 all 2021 XC90 models earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests and four stars 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, along with lane-keep assist, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. The non-hybrid models earned top “Good” scores in all IIHS crash tests, while headlights and LATCH anchors were rated “Acceptable,” and front-crash prevention tech scored “Superior” in vehicle-to-vehicle testing and “Advanced” in vehicle-to-pedestrian testing.

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:

• 33.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.5% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 15.31% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 adds Care Key, a 112-mph limiter, and newly standard tech features.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $23,426, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $27,298 average.
• It offers a polished, family-friendly cabin with strong safety credentials.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $30,978, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $27,298 average.
• It adds a more modern, eco-conscious personality with available plug-in hybrid and leather-free features.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, safety, and premium feel, the 2021 is the smart default. If your budget is tighter, the 2020 can save you money while keeping much of the same core appeal. If you want to spend more for a newer-feeling setup and can stretch your budget, the 2022 is worth a look.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.