XC90 used purchase (2018-2021)

[CyDriver]

Dear Volvo friends,

I am looking into buying a second hand XC90 and I have noticed that the model changed at 2021 having new trims etc.

I am more interested to learn which models/trims are reliable based on your experience. More inclined towards a D5 engine as I have heard it is one of the most reliable ones, however I don't know how sluggish it is for such a massive car.

I am confused though in terms of which engines are supplied at 2018 and 2021. This thread is meant to provide more knowledge about the different engines and their reliability.

[CocoPops]

D5 was until 2019 iirc... I had a B5D and that was December 2019.

[Lexman8]

Specs and prices for MY19 and MY21 attached. These show the changeover to the engine line-ups. There can also be internediate MY changes (usually minor) so you could get a MY20.5 spec.

Note that Volvo model years don't correspond to calendar years so, for example, an MY19 model went on sale around May 2018 in the UK.
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[CyDriver]

Thanks a lot guys, and especially Lexman for providing the specs.

Is there a reason they engines are now called B5(D) instead of D5? Did something change? Looking at the specs, the performance values are exactly the same.

In addition, would someone choose T8 over a D5? I presume T8 is not a mild-hybrid so once the battery is depleted, it is like carrying extra weight. Does this mean that its original mpg efficiency might be worse than the D5? Unless, the T8 can recharge the battery like a mild-hybrid can do and somebody could drive that without sacrificing fuel-efficiency.

Thanks again!

[Philip Fisher]

Originally Posted by CyDriver

Thanks a lot guys, and especially Lexman for providing the specs.

Is there a reason they engines are now called B5(D) instead of D5? Did something change? Looking at the specs, the performance values are exactly the same.

In addition, would someone choose T8 over a D5? I presume T8 is not a mild-hybrid so once the battery is depleted, it is like carrying extra weight. Does this mean that its original mpg efficiency might be worse than the D5? Unless, the T8 can recharge the battery like a mild-hybrid can do and somebody could drive that without sacrificing fuel-efficiency.

Thanks again!

The T8 is a plug in hybrid, not a mild hybrid. Yes it charges as you go along, and also from the mains. Depending on which battery spec depends on how much electric range you get.

I would suggest if you want reliability then petrol is better than diesel. Although for big miles diesel is more economical.

Please also note that D5 is a badge, not an engine. A 2019 D5 XC90 does not have the same engine as a 2015 D5 Volvo.

[garethXC]

My MY22 is a B5D ( 2ltr diesel with mild hybrid tech) - its not the most powerful ( 235bhp?) and limited to 112mph but fully loaded with 'stuff' and 2x dogs on a long run we get about 45 to 47 mpg ( real world not lie-ometer) and is rapid enough, a bit of a diesel growl but fairly quiet on the m/way and A roads. Avoid anything with alloys over 20".

[CanaryYellow]

To offer an alternative view..... I have a B5P Inscription Pro with 21 inch alloys and air suspension. I'm very happy with the ride.

To answer the original question, I don't think there is a bad engine. Choose the one that suits your usage.

I do a fair few short journeys so the diesel was out and I wasn't a fan of the sound of a 4 cylinder diesel coming out of a 6 cylinder BMW, then the spectre of ERAD issues put me off the T8 (as well as cost). I would have been looking at a 4 year old car rather than a 2 year old with the B5P.

I wanted the B5P over the T5 - time will tell if that was a good choice. Haven't seen many issues on here with the T5, but Philip of course had a big one with his T8 (which has the T6 ICE I think), so you never know. The B5P is only about 3.5 years old so quite early to say whether it's going to have major issues in later life.

I'd work on the basis the B5D is about 8-10 mpg more efficient than the B5P (maybe less if you do a lot of short journeys?). I don't do enough miles for that to bother me (c.8000 per annum which is about £300 difference over a year).