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SUV · seven seats
- From
- £69,540
- Boot, 7 up
- 172 L
- Length
- 4,956mm
Volvo XC90 7-seater
Seven seats on every version, including the T8 plug-in hybrid, and a third row adults can use.
- Price from
- £66,270
- Boot, 7 seats up
- 247 L
- Seats
- 7
- Isofix points
- 2
- Length
- 4,953mm
Quick answer
Is the Volvo XC90 a 7-seater?
Yes. Every UK XC90, whether the B5 mild hybrid or the T8 plug-in hybrid, has seven seats as standard.
Best for Premium SUV buyers who want seven seats and a plug-in hybrid
On this page
The Volvo XC90 7-seater is unusual among premium plug-in hybrids: unlike the plug-in BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE, which are five-seat only, the T8 keeps its third row.
Reviewers rate the third row for adults on short trips, and Auto Express found six-footers could sit in the back. The caveats are age and safety data: the XC90 has been on sale since 2015, and carwow notes that its five-star Euro NCAP rating from that year has expired.
Volvo XC90 specifications
| Body | SUV |
|---|---|
| Seats | 7 |
| Seat layout | 2-3-2 |
| Boot, 7 seats up | 247 litres |
| Boot, 5 seats up | 653 litres |
| Boot, maximum | 1,950 litres |
| Third row suits | Adults on short trips |
| Isofix points | 2 (outer seats in row 2) |
| Isofix in row 3 | No |
| Length | 4,953mm |
|---|---|
| Width without mirrors | 1,931mm |
| Width with mirrors | 2,140mm |
| Height | 1,771mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,984mm |
| Fuel, with seven seats | Mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid |
| Gearbox | Automatic only |
| Price from | £66,270 |
| Towing, braked | 2,400kg |
| Euro NCAP | 5 stars (2015) |
| Electric-only range (plug-in hybrid) | Up to 43 miles |
Volvo XC90 boot space
- 7 seats up
- 247L
- 5 seats up
- 653L
- Maximum
- 1,950L
With all seven seats in use the boot holds 247 litres, the 14th largest of the 29 SUVs with a published boot figure and close to the median of 240 litres. With five seats in use the boot holds 653 litres, rising to a maximum of 1,950 litres.
Volvo publishes two sets of figures for the same layouts: 247 and 653 litres, and larger maximums of 301 and 980 litres, without saying how either is measured. Auto Express quotes 302 litres with seven seats up. This page uses Volvo's lower figures, so the comparisons here are conservative.
The T8 plug-in hybrid gives up very little space, with 244, 650 and 1,941 litres, so the boot is no reason to avoid it. The electric EX90 offers more with seven seats up, 324 litres by Volvo's figure.
How it is measured Volvo UK B5 figures with the third row up, the second row up and all rows folded; Volvo also lists larger maximum figures of 301 and 980 litres for the first two, without stating the measuring method. The T8 plug-in hybrid has 244, 650 and 1,941 litres. Auto Express quotes 302, 680 and 1,856 litres, calling the last a to-the-roof figure, and carwow also gives 680 litres with five seats.
Volvo XC90 dimensions
- Length
- 4,953mm4.95m · 16ft 3in
- Width
- 1,931mm1.93m · 6ft 4in
- Height
- 1,771mm1.77m · 5ft 10in
Wheelbase 2,984mmLength 4,953mmHeight 1,771mmWidth 1,931mmMirrors 2,140mm
At 4,953mm (4.95m, 16ft 3in) long, the XC90 is 79mm longer than the median SUV, and the 15th longest of the 37 SUVs we track. It is 1,931mm wide without mirrors (2,140mm with them) and 1,771mm tall. The wheelbase, the distance between the front and rear axles, is 2,984mm.
Third row: who fits?
Third row suitsAdults on short trips
Auto Express testers found six-foot adults could sit in the back row behind people of similar height, though it was a tight fit. There is little room for feet when climbing in, and Auto Express found it easier to get in backwards. Carwow rates the rearmost seats as fine for adults on short runs or older children on longer drives, and the cushions are not so low that knees ride up.
Reviewers rate the XC90's third row for adults on short trips, ahead of the seven-seat BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE, whose back rows they consider best for children.
Child seats need more thought. Both Isofix points are on the outer middle-row seats and there are none in the third row, whereas the electric Volvo EX90 has Isofix on both third-row seats. Families with three young children should weigh that up.
- Seat
- Isofix point
- Driver
Isofix and child seats
2Isofix points
The XC90 has two Isofix points: outer seats in row 2. None are in the third row.
Engines and fuel economy
The plug-in hybrid can cover up to 43 miles on electric power alone.
Gearbox: automatic only.
| Version | Fuel | Power | Gearbox | Seven seats | Electric range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B5 AWD mild hybrid | Mild hybrid | 250PS | Automatic | Yes | Not published |
| T8 AWD plug-in hybrid | Plug-in hybrid | 406PS | Automatic | Yes | 43 miles |
Official fuel economy and CO2
| Variant | Fuel | Gearbox | MPG | CO2 g/km | Electric range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B5 Plus AWD | Mild hybrid | Automatic | 40.9 | 180 | Not published |
| B5 D Plus | Mild hybrid | Automatic | 39.7 | 185 | Not published |
| B5 Core | Mild hybrid | Automatic | 33.6 | 190 | Not published |
| B5 Plus - Dark Theme | Mild hybrid | Automatic | 32.8 | 195 | Not published |
| B5 Plus Black Edition | Mild hybrid | Automatic | 32.8 | 195 | Not published |
| B5 Plus Pro - Dark Theme | Mild hybrid | Automatic | 32.8 | 195 | Not published |
| B5 Plus Pro Black Edition - Dark Theme | Mild hybrid | Automatic | 32.8 | 195 | Not published |
| B5 Plus Edition - Dark Theme | Mild hybrid | Automatic | 32.8 | 195 | Not published |
| B5 Core AWD | Mild hybrid | Automatic | 32.4 | 197 | Not published |
| B5 Ultimate AWD | Mild hybrid | Automatic | 32.4 | 197 | Not published |
| B5 Ultra - Dark Theme | Mild hybrid | Automatic | 32.1 | 200 | Not published |
| B5 Ultra - Bright Theme | Mild hybrid | Automatic | 32.1 | 200 | Not published |
| B5 Ultra Black Edition | Mild hybrid | Automatic | 32.1 | 200 | Not published |
| B5 Ultra Edition - Dark Theme | Mild hybrid | Automatic | 32.1 | 200 | Not published |
| B5 P Plus | Mild hybrid | Automatic | 31.7 | 202 | Not published |
| B6 Ultimate | Mild hybrid | Automatic | 30.0 | 214 | Not published |
| B5 Plus AWD | Mild hybrid | Automatic | 29.4 | 218 | Not published |
| Plug-in Hybrid T8 Core - Bright Theme | Plug-in hybrid | Automatic | 235.1 | 29 | 45 miles |
| Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T8 AWD Core | Plug-in hybrid | Automatic | 235.1 | 28 | 43 miles |
| Plug-in Hybrid T8 Plus - Dark Theme | Plug-in hybrid | Automatic | 217.0 | 31 | 44 miles |
| Plug-in Hybrid T8 Plus Black Edition | Plug-in hybrid | Automatic | 217.0 | 31 | 44 miles |
| Plug-in Hybrid T8 Plus Pro - Dark Theme | Plug-in hybrid | Automatic | 217.0 | 31 | 44 miles |
| Plug-in Hybrid T8 Plus Pro Black Edition - Dark Theme | Plug-in hybrid | Automatic | 217.0 | 31 | 44 miles |
| Plug-in Hybrid T8 Ultra - Dark Theme | Plug-in hybrid | Automatic | 217.0 | 32 | 43 miles |
| Plug-in Hybrid T8 Ultra - Bright Theme | Plug-in hybrid | Automatic | 217.0 | 32 | 43 miles |
| Plug-in Hybrid T8 Ultra Black Edition | Plug-in hybrid | Automatic | 217.0 | 32 | 43 miles |
| Plug-in Hybrid T8 Plus Edition - Dark Theme | Plug-in hybrid | Automatic | 217.0 | 31 | 44 miles |
| Plug-in Hybrid T8 Ultra Edition - Dark Theme | Plug-in hybrid | Automatic | 217.0 | 32 | 43 miles |
| Plug-in Hybrid T8 Ultra Edition - Bright Theme | Plug-in hybrid | Automatic | 217.0 | 32 | 43 miles |
| Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T8 AWD Plus | Plug-in hybrid | Automatic | 217.0 | 30 | 42 miles |
| Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T8 AWD Ultimate - Dark Theme | Plug-in hybrid | Automatic | 201.5 | 31 | 42 miles |
| Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T8 AWD Ultimate - Bright Theme | Plug-in hybrid | Automatic | 201.5 | 31 | 42 miles |
| Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T8 Core | Plug-in hybrid | Automatic | 188.1 | 29 | 73 miles |
| Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T8 Plus | Plug-in hybrid | Automatic | 188.1 | 29 | 73 miles |
| Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T8 Ultimate | Plug-in hybrid | Automatic | 188.1 | 29 | 73 miles |
| Plug-in Hybrid T8 AWD Ultra - Dark Theme | Plug-in hybrid | Automatic | 183.0 | 32 | 42 miles |
Source: Vehicle Certification Agency, data updated 4 October 2026.
Volvo XC90 price
From£66,270
Volvo UK list price for the XC90 Core B5 AWD mild hybrid, which the site currently shows struck through with a £9,000 saving, so it is offered at £57,270; Volvo does not say on the page whether the figure is on the road. Carwow gives the same £66,270 RRP. The cheapest T8 plug-in hybrid, also in Core trim, is £73,765 on Volvo UK.
Prices checked October 2026.
Safety and recalls
5 stars from Euro NCAP, tested in 2015.
DVSA recalls
The DVSA lists 25 recalls for the XC90. The latest 10:
3 December 2025 · Ref R/2025/517 · 1 vehicles
Front seat belts
On affected vehicles the front left seat bolts may not have been torqued according to specification which could reduce the occupant protection in an impact.
Remedy: Re-torque front seat bolts.
Built 15 March 2016 to 1 September 2025
23 June 2025 · Ref R/2025/211 · 1,764 vehicles
BCM2 SW – Safety Notice
Affected vehicles may experience a temporary loss of braking functionality after coasting downhill with ‘B’ mode selected or when using One Pedal Drive. This could potentially lead to a collision.
Remedy: Install modified software via an Over the Air (OTA) update.
Built 24 July 2019 to 11 June 2025
24 March 2025 · Ref R/2025/117 · 2,081 vehicles
SPA1 Cell Modules
On affected vehicles the High Voltage (HV) Battery may have a manufacturing defect which could cause the battery cells to overheat when the HV Battery is fully charged. In a worst-case scenario there is a risk of fire when the vehicle is parked up with a fully charged HV Battery.
Remedy: Check and replace the HV Battery if necessary and install modified software.
Built 29 April 2019 to 29 November 2021
5 November 2024 · Ref R/2024/446 · 1,028 vehicles
BCM2 – Push Road
The rod connecting the brake pedal to the brake booster may not have been assembled correctly. The final torque might not be according to manufacturing specification due to deviations in the equipment. If the rod does disconnect the mechanical connection between brake pedal and brake booster cannot be guaranteed. In the worst-case scenario if the rod disconnects the brake pedal function cannot be guaranteed
Remedy: A Volvo retailer will check and if necessary tighten the rod to correct specification.
Built 28 May 2019 to 5 February 2020
11 March 2024 · Ref R/2024/124 · 4 vehicles
Seat and Seat Belt Torque
The screw joints for the seats and seat-belts may not have been torqued to the correct specification which means in the event of an impact insufficient protection will be available.
Remedy: The solution is to check and adjust the torque.
Built 23 August 2022 to 9 July 2023
8 December 2023 · Ref R/2023/345 · 572 vehicles
The anchorage bolts for the second-row seat belts and seat belt buckles may not have been correctly secured. In a worst-case scenario this may not provide sufficient protection in the event of a collision.
The anchorage bolts for the second-row seat belts and seat belt buckles may not have been correctly secured. In a worst-case scenario this may not provide sufficient protection in the event of a collision
Remedy: Inspect and re-install.
Built 12 January 2014 to 29 September 2023
24 January 2023 · Ref R/2023/025 · 10,197 vehicles
There may be a potential software error in the brake control module.
There may be a potential software error in the brake control module.
Remedy: Update the brake control module software.
Built 11 October 2022 to 13 January 2023
27 October 2022 · Ref R/2022/313 · 4,755 vehicles
A SOFTWARE ERROR MAY PREVENT THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE FROM STARTING THE ENGINE
The Engine Control Module (ECM) may prevent the combustion engine from starting.�
Remedy: Download updated software.
Built 25 March 2021 to 8 October 2022
18 October 2021 · Ref R/2021/360 · 2,083 vehicles
THRUST BEARING IN TURBO CHARGER MIGHT NOT BE ROBUST ENOUGH
The thrust bearing in the turbo charger may not be robust enough.
Remedy: Replace turbocharger with a modified version which has an improved thrust bearing.
Built 5 February 2019 to 2 September 2019
18 September 2021 · Ref R/2021/331 · 28 vehicles
POTENTIALLY INSUFFICIENT OR MISSING WELDING CONNECTION IN THE HYDRAULIC UNIT OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM
There may be an insufficient or missing welding connection in the Hydraulic Unit of the Brake System.
Remedy: Replace the Hydraulic Unit.
Built 16 May 2019 to 27 November 2020
Recall data updated 4 October 2026. Ask a dealer to check a specific car by its registration.
Volvo XC90 verdict: pros and cons
Our verdict Seven seats come on every XC90, including the T8 plug-in hybrid, and reviewers rate the third row for adults on short trips. It has been on sale since 2015, though, and its Euro NCAP rating from that year has expired.
Pros
- Seven seats on every version, including the T8 plug-in hybrid
- Third row rated for adults on short trips
- All-wheel drive and 2,400kg braked towing
Cons
- Five-star Euro NCAP rating from 2015 has expired
- No Isofix in the third row
- 247-litre boot with all seven seats up
Good to know
- Volvo UK is showing a £9,000 saving on the B5 mild hybrid, cutting the Core from £66,270 to £57,270 (Volvo UK)
- Volvo UK rates the current T8 at 406hp with up to 42.9 miles of electric range, while carwow still lists a 455hp T8 and up to 44 miles (Volvo UK, carwow)
- A revised plug-in hybrid with a 41.2kWh battery and a claimed 99 miles of electric range is due towards the end of 2026, replacing the current 18.8kWh battery (Auto Express)
- The five-star Euro NCAP rating comes from a 2015 test and has since expired (carwow)
- Carwow and Auto Express list the XC90 as 1,776mm tall, against Volvo UK's 1,771mm, and Auto Express says it launched in 2014 while carwow says it went on sale in 2015 (carwow, Auto Express)
Practicality
Every XC90 has all-wheel drive, an automatic gearbox and a 2,400kg braked towing limit, so the engine choice comes down to how you drive. The T8 plug-in hybrid suits owners who can charge at home and make plenty of short trips, while the B5 mild hybrid never needs plugging in.
At 4,953mm long and 2,140mm wide with its mirrors, the XC90 needs a large garage or drive. Our list of plug-in hybrid 7-seaters shows the T8's closest rivals.
Alternatives to the Volvo XC90
Volvo XC90 FAQs
How big is the Volvo XC90 boot with all seven seats up?
247 litres with all seven seats in use, 653 litres with five seats in use and a maximum of 1,950 litres.
How long is the Volvo XC90?
The Volvo XC90 is 4,953mm long (4.95m, 16ft 3in), 1,931mm wide without its mirrors and 1,771mm tall.
How many Isofix points does the Volvo XC90 have?
Two: outer seats in row 2. There are no Isofix points in the third row.
Can adults sit in the third row of the Volvo XC90?
On shorter trips, yes. Over longer distances the third row suits children and teenagers better.
Is there a hybrid Volvo XC90 7-seater?
Yes. With seven seats you can have mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, and the plug-in hybrid's electric-only range is up to 43 miles.
Does the Volvo XC90 still have a five-star Euro NCAP rating?
Not a current one. The XC90 earned five stars in a 2015 Euro NCAP test, and carwow notes that the rating has since expired.
If an up-to-date rating matters, the electric Volvo EX90 was awarded five stars in 2025.
Should I choose the Volvo XC90 B5 or T8?
The B5 is a 250PS mild hybrid. The T8 is a 406PS plug-in hybrid with up to 42.9 miles of electric range, according to Volvo UK, and it costs more. Both have seven seats, all-wheel drive and almost identical boots.
Auto Express reports that a revised T8 with a 41.2kWh battery and a claimed 99 miles of electric range is due towards the end of 2026, replacing the current 18.8kWh battery, so plug-in buyers may want to wait for it.
What is the difference between the Volvo XC90 and EX90?
The Volvo EX90 is the fully electric seven-seater, with up to 383.4 miles of official range from the 106kWh Twin Motor. It is longer, at 5,037mm against 4,953mm, and Volvo quotes 324 litres of boot with all seven seats up plus a 46-litre front boot, against the XC90's 247 litres.
The EX90 has Isofix on both third-row seats, but reviewers rate its back row for children, while the XC90's suits adults on short trips. See all electric 7-seaters if you want to go fully electric.
Sources Volvo UK, carwow, Auto Express, DVSA, VCA
