Which used Volvo XC90 should you buy?

The Volvo XC90 is a desirable large SUV, offering an attractive mix of high-tech safety features, elegant design and a genuine luxury feel.

Engine choices include a pair of (now discontinued) diesels, turbocharged petrol units and mild hybrid tech to boost power and efficiency.

The range-topping plug-in hybrid Volvo XC90 will appeal to many with its low emissions and a substantial 414PS of muscle, thanks to a combination of a turbocharged and supercharged petrol engine allied with a powerful electric motor. It’s good for 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds, making it the fastest (and most economical on paper) Volvo XC90. 

Read our full Volvo XC90 review

What used Volvo XC90 trim levels are available?

The most common Volvo XC90 trim levels are Momentum, R-Design and Inscription. Read on for our assessment of the merits of each one.

Volvo XC90 Momentum

The Volvo XC90 Momentum is less glitzy-looking both inside and out than the other trims in the range, but still offers its occupants a seriously luxurious experience. It’s ‘entry level’ in name only.

• Automatic LED headlights
• Adaptive cruise control
• Powered electric bootlid with hands-free operation
• Nine-inch portrait touchscreen media system
• Digital radio
• Bluetooth
• Sat-nav
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Dual-zone climate control
• Full leather upholstery
• Electrically adjustable driver’s seat

Volvo XC90 R-Design

The Volvo XC90 R-Design has more of a sporty feel than the Volvo XC90 Momentum. Among the highlights are:

• Matt silver door mirrors
• Tinted side windows
• Chunky bumpers and side skirts
• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Sport seats
• Electric driver and passenger seat adjustment 
• Drive modes
• 12.3-inch digital driver’s display

Volvo XC90 Inscription

If you really want to push the luxury feel, the Volvo XC90 Inscription trim is worth a look. It offers plenty of high-end equipment, and as with the Volvo XC90 Momentum and Volvo XC90 R-Design, comes as an even more generous Pro version, too.

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• 12.3-inch driver’s display
• Nappa leather
• Ambient lighting
• Massaging front seats (Inscription Pro)
• Adaptive air-suspension (Inscription Pro)

Is a used Volvo XC90 a good buy?

The original Volvo XC90, launched back at the start of the millennium, was a trend-setter. It brought MPV-style interior flexibility and usability to the large SUV market, as well as a dash of upmarket quality.

The second-generation Volvo XC90, launched in 2015, took all the qualities that made the original so great, and added in cutting-edge safety technology, a tastefully plush interior and all the sort of high-tech media kit you expect of a modern car.

Its seven-seat SUV rivals now include such tempting alternatives as the BMW X7 and its German counterpart, the Audi Q7. But the Volvo XC90’s cool, Scandinavian design has aged well and it still has massive appeal as a used purchase.