Volvo XC90 engines

The Volvo XC90 has established itself as a premium luxury SUV since its launch in 1998, offering a technologically advanced Volvo XC90 engine range across three generations. Each generation has brought groundbreaking innovations - from the first V8 engines to the full electrification of the current generation.

Volvo XC90 engines: Generation I (1998-2014)

The first Volvo XC90 generation was a pioneering achievement in the luxury SUV segment and was characterized by robust but still technically conventional engines. Mileage varied greatly depending on the engine type: while the tried-and-tested 2.4 D5 diesels easily reached 350,000 to 450,000 kilometers with proper maintenance, the V8 petrol engines often required costly repairs to timing chains or oil pumps between 150,000 and 200,000 kilometers. Damage to the engine due to loss of coolant was not uncommon if maintenance was neglected. The absolute top engine of this generation was the 2.4 D5 with 185 hp, which optimally combined power, reliability and acceptable economy for an SUV of this size. The generation was characterized by Volvo's safety philosophy and was the first SUV in the world to offer stability control and rollover protection system as standard.

Volvo XC90 gasoline engines: Generation I (1998-2014)

The Volvo XC90 petrol engine range initially comprised the 2.5 T with 210 hp (1998-2006), a turbocharged five-cylinder engine known for its characteristic sound. From 2005, the prestigious 4.4 V8 with 315 hp was added - Volvo's first ever V8 engine, developed in cooperation with Yamaha. Although this Volvo XC90 V8 was powerful and refined, it suffered from typical problems of early V8 designs: Timing chain damage, oil pump faults and coolant problems made it the most problematic engine of this generation. The 2.5 T proved to be much more reliable, but occasionally had problems with the turbocharger unit and the intercooler at high mileages.

Volvo XC90 diesel engines: Generation I (1998-2014)

The Volvo XC90 diesels were dominated by the 2.4 D5 with various output levels from 163 hp (2002-2006) to 200 hp (2009-2014). This five-cylinder diesel with common-rail injection developed into the most reliable engine of the entire generation. The Volvo XC90 2.4 D5 with 185 hp (2006-2009) was considered particularly successful - it offered an excellent combination of power, torque (400 Nm) and consumption. These Volvo XC90 D5 engines already met the Euro 4 standard and offered a unique acoustic signature thanks to their characteristic five-cylinder sound. Problems were mostly limited to wearing parts such as injection nozzles or the turbocharger after very high mileages.

Volvo XC90 engines: Generation II (2015-today)

The second Volvo XC90 generation marked a revolution in engine technology and is considered a technological milestone. Volvo consistently focused on downsizing with turbocharging and electrification - all engines are based on the modular Drive-E platform with a four-cylinder base engine. Most engines of this generation can easily reach 300,000 to 400,000 kilometers with proper maintenance, whereby the T6 petrol engines with supercharger and turbocharger are considered to be particularly durable. Major engine failures have become rare, with only the early T8 hybrids occasionally showing weaknesses in the electronics. The absolute highlight was the T8 Twin Engine with 407 hp system output - a technical masterpiece that combined four-cylinder efficiency with V8 power. This generation also introduced Volvo's 48-volt mild hybrid technology and was the first SUV to achieve five stars in the Euro NCAP test.

Volvo XC90 petrol engines: Generation II (2015-present)

The Volvo XC90 petrol engine range is based entirely on the basic 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from the Drive-E family. The T5 with 254 hp uses only turbocharging, while the T6 with 320 hp also has a mechanical supercharger for spontaneous throttle response. These Volvo XC90 T6 engines proved to be surprisingly reliable despite the complex twin turbocharging - problems are usually limited to occasional software errors or wear and tear of the supercharger unit after very high mileages. The Volvo XC90 T5 developed into the most balanced petrol engine of this generation, with only rare problems with direct injection or coking of the intake valves when used exclusively on short journeys.

Volvo XC90 diesel engines: Generation II (2015-today)

The Volvo XC90 D5 is also based on the basic 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with bi-sequential turbocharging and produces 235 hp. This modern diesel with AdBlue system and particulate filter proved to be significantly cleaner than its predecessor and complies with the Euro 6 standard. The Volvo XC90 D5 is considered to be the most economical and long-distance engine of this generation, with a test consumption of just 6.2-6.8 liters per 100 km. Problems are mostly limited to the complex exhaust aftertreatment system or occasional software errors, but these can be rectified by updates.

Volvo XC90 hybrid drive: Generation II (2015-today)

The Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine combines the T6 petrol engine with an 87 hp electric motor on the rear axle for 407 hp system output and all-wheel drive. The T8 Recharge with 455 hp was added later. These Volvo XC90 hybrids offer an electric range of up to 50 km and impressive driving performance, but occasionally suffer from problems with the complex electronics or battery performance in extreme temperatures. The B5 and B6 mild hybrids with 48-volt technology joined the range in 2020 and are considered particularly reliable.

Volvo XC90 engines: Generation III (2024-today)

The current Volvo XC90 generation is fully electrified and represents Volvo's vision of a sustainable future. All powertrains are now electrified - from mild hybrid to plug-in hybrid to fully electric variants. As the generation has only been on the market since 2024, there is no long-term experience yet, but the initial tests show promising approaches. The top-of-the-range engine is the T8 Recharge with 455 hp system output, which combines sporty performance with high efficiency. The new 48-volt mild hybrid technology promises a service life of over 350,000 kilometers, as the electric support significantly reduces the load on the combustion engine.

Volvo XC90 mild hybrid petrol engine: Generation III (2024-today)

The Volvo XC90 engine range is based on two B5 and B6 mild hybrid engines with 250 hp and 300 hp. Both Volvo XC90 engines feature advanced 48-volt mild hybrid technology with integrated starter-generator and optimized recuperation. The Volvo XC90 B6 with 300 hp is considered to be particularly successful and is developing into the best conventional engine of this generation - it offers smooth power delivery over a wide engine speed range and has so far been free of major series production problems.

Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrids: Generation III (2024-today)

The Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge variants offer system outputs of 455 hp with an electric range of up to 70 km. These Volvo XC90 engines combine efficiency with exceptional performance, but are technically very complex and require specialized maintenance.

Volvo XC90 diesel engines: Generation III (2024-today)

An upgraded Volvo XC90 B5 diesel with 235 hp and mild hybrid technology is available, continuing the tradition of reliable Volvo XC90 diesels, but with significantly reduced model availability due to the electrification strategy.

Volvo XC90 all-electric: Generation III (2024-today)

For the first time, there is a fully electric Volvo XC90 with 408 hp and a range of up to 600 km. This Volvo XC90, called EX90, represents the future of the brand and offers state-of-the-art technology, but has not yet been sufficiently tested for a final evaluation.

Conclusion: The best Volvo XC90 engines of all generations

The development of the Volvo XC90 engines clearly shows Volvo's shift from conventional large engines to consistent electrification. While the Volvo XC90 diesel engines have remained reliable across all generations, the modern mild-hybrid systems have developed into the most balanced powertrains. The new third-generation electrification strategy promises a bright future for environmentally conscious luxury SUV buyers.

• Best Volvo XC90 gasoline engine:

The Volvo XC90 B6 mild hybrid (300 hp, Generation III) combines modern 48-volt technology with high performance and excellent reliability to date.

• Best Volvo XC90 diesel engine:

The Volvo XC90 2.4 D5 (185 hp, Generation I) and the modern D5 (235 hp, Generation II) offer the best combination of reliability, economy and long-distance capability.

• Best Volvo XC90 hybrid engine:

The Volvo XC90 B5 mild hybrid (250 hp, Generation III) with its well-balanced combination of efficiency, reliability and suitability for everyday use.

For maintenance and spare parts for all Volvo XC90 generations, AUTODOC offers a comprehensive range of original and quality spare parts with fast delivery and expert advice.