2020 Volvo XC90 Hybrid Safety and Reliability

Excellent safety is expected from Volvo, and the NHTSA awarded the Volvo XC90 Hybrid with an overall five-star score - this included full marks for frontal and side crash tests, and four stars out of five for rollover evaluations. The IIHS put the gas-fuelled XC90 through its paces, scoring it top scores of Good for all five tests, and a score of Superior was given to the standard forward collision mitigation system. Similar scores were given for 2019, resulting in the IIHS awarding the XC90 with a Top Safety Pick title.

Volvo and safety are almost synonyms in the motoring world, and as expected, the flagship model in the Volvo range isn't lacking any safety features. Eight airbags are standard, taking care of all passengers by means of dual front, side curtain, front knee, and overhead airbags. The expected passive safety features feature, and the consignment of driver aids is extensive right across the range. This includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert by means of Volvo's BLIS system, a driver alert, the City Safety collision avoiding technology, hill start and descent control, lane-keeping assist, and the Pilot Assist suite with adaptive cruise control. Even rear collision warning and traffic sign recognition are part of the standard fare, but a head-up display, surround-view camera, and front park assist can be optioned on by means of the Advanced Package. By all means, the Volvo XC90 is a leader in semi-autonomous driving features but it lacks the ability to go hands-free like Cadillac SuperCruise or Tesla's Autopilot.

2020 models are recall-free at the time of writing, although 2019 models were part of a recall issued for GPS units failing to send a location in the event of a crash. J.D. Power has no contribution to make in terms of reliability and dependability, but Volvo offers comprehensive cover in terms of a four-year/50,000 mile limited warranty, which also takes care of the powertrain. A three-year/36,000 mile maintenance plan is also provided. The hybrid battery is covered for eight years/100,000 miles by default, with vehicles in California covered for an additional two years and 50,000 miles.