Used 2021 Volvo XC90 for Sale nearLos Angeles, CA

How much does the 2021 Volvo XC90 cost?

Prices have softened 14.85% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 997 listings available, which gives you a decent amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Volvo XC90 a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Volvo XC90 earns a 5/5 user rating and a 7.67/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Look and feel and Safety.

It stands out as Volvo’s flagship SUV, with a polished cabin, premium materials, and a safety-first identity that feels upscale rather than clinical. It is also the current-generation XC90, so you’re getting the design, technology, and powertrain foundation that helped shape later Volvo models.

The main trade-offs are a cramped third row and sluggish performance, so you should weigh its luxury feel against its family-hauling limits and relaxed acceleration.

With 34.7% 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 reputation is built around safety, premium execution, and a design that has aged with purpose rather than flash. Volvo also gives it a strong warranty package, including four-year, 50,000-mile coverage for both basic and powertrain protection, plus battery coverage for the plug-in hybrid.

Its powertrains are centered on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, and the plug-in hybrid adds electric assist for higher output. The XC90 is also described as a true luxury SUV defined by the way it drives rather than gadgets, which supports the idea that it was engineered for long-term use rather than short-lived novelty.

If you buy used, the biggest ownership risk is choosing a neglected example with expensive wear items or a powertrain that hasn’t been maintained carefully.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on any XC90 you’re considering, even if the listing looks clean at first glance. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that checks the cabin electronics, suspension, and overall condition, since this is a luxury SUV where repair costs can add up. Focus especially on how well the interior, safety tech, and drivetrain systems have been maintained.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Momentum is the base model and doesn’t get the extra visual jewelry of the higher trims, while the R-Design adds a sportier look and the Inscription is the flashiest version with more chrome and available 21-inch wheels.
• Powertrain: You can choose a turbocharged T5, a turbocharged and supercharged T6, or the T8 plug-in hybrid with electric assist; the T8 has the highest output, but the XC90’s four-cylinder setup can feel less flexible than larger engines in rival SUVs.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes lane-keep assist, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Pilot Assist; the non-hybrid models get the strongest safety recognition, while the plug-in hybrid is not covered by the same IIHS update.
• 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, plus standard front USB-A ports and rear USB-C ports.
• 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 plug-in hybrid at 27 mpg combined in hybrid mode with up to 18 miles of all-electric range.

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 value play if you want the XC90’s core strengths without paying for extra appearance upgrades. It gives you the clean design, premium cabin feel, and standard safety tech, and it’s the trim to start with if you care most about getting into the XC90 at the lowest price.
• R-Design: Choose this if you want a sportier look, including the gloss-black grille surround and standard 20-inch wheels. It adds more visual attitude than the Momentum without changing the XC90’s basic mission.
• Inscription: This is the most upscale choice, with extra chrome trim and available 21-inch wheels. It suits you best if you want the flashiest presentation and are willing to pay more for it.

The safety package is especially strong on the non-hybrid models, which is worth keeping in mind as you compare trims.

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: 34.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 997 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 14.85% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 81.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $27,073, 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 $27,138 sits slightly below last year's $31,873.

That drop suggests the XC90 has become more accessible to used buyers, which can help you if you’re shopping now. For a future seller, it also means you should expect pricing pressure unless your vehicle is especially clean, well-equipped, and well maintained.

The good news is that the XC90 still has strong appeal thanks to its premium cabin, safety reputation, and flagship status. Those traits can help support demand when it’s time to 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 all 2021 XC90 models earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five-star ratings 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 with a long list of standard driver-assistance features, including lane-keep assist, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Pilot Assist. Pilot Assist combines adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, and it remains one of the smoother systems in this class.

One caveat is that the strongest IIHS result applies to non-hybrid models, while the plug-in hybrid is not covered by the same updated rating. Headlights and LATCH anchors also scored lower than the top crash-test results, so you should still inspect the exact vehicle configuration carefully.

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:

• 34.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 14.85% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It adds modest updates, including Care Key and newly standard tech features.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $23,268, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $27,138 average.
• It offers a premium-feeling three-row SUV with strong safety and a polished cabin.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $30,166, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $27,138 average.
• It leans harder into eco-conscious appeal with available plug-in hybrid efficiency and leather-free features.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, safety, and modern XC90 features, the 2021 is the sweet spot. If your priority is saving money, the 2020 is the better value path; if you want newer-year features and are willing to pay more, the 2022 is worth a look.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.