The 2021 Volvo XC90 is a sleek, stylish SUV from a brand known for safety. The 2021 Volvo XC90 driving experience is great. This is one of the data points that Consumer Reports uses to try to predict the owner satisfaction rating of a vehicle. So why is the overall owner satisfaction low?

The 2021 Volvo XC90 driving experience is high, but owner satisfaction score is average

To determine the predicted owner satisfaction score, Consumer Reports sends out surveys to people who have bought previous versions of the XC90. They combine this survey data with what they know about the current model. They say that with these two pieces of information, they can “expertly predict the reliability of new and redesigned models.”

Volvo XC90 owners rated the owner satisfaction a 3/5. It scores a 75 for predicted driving experience, which is high enough to think that perhaps the owner satisfaction rating would be higher. The XC90 also receives an 85 for comfort, a 93 for styling, and a 48 for value. 66% of XC90 owners would buy their XC90 again.

The Volvo XC90’s road test score is high

Consumer Reports gives the 2021 Volvo XC90 scores a very good 4/5 for its acceleration. It can reach 0 to 60 in 7.7 seconds. Its transmission scores a 5/5. Routine and emergency handling both receive a decent 3/5. The Volvo XC90’s max avoidance speed is 53 mph.

The Volvo XC90 gets a perfect 5/5 for its braking. It can brake from 60 mph on dry pavement in 126 feet and 137 feet on wet pavement. The XC90’s headlights only score a 3/5.

The 2021 Volvo XC90’s comfort rating gets a mediocre 3/5 for its ride. However, it’s pretty quiet: it scores a 4 for its noise. Front and rear seat comfort gets a perfect 5/5, while the third row comfort is only a 1. It’s not the ideal 3-row SUV for people who will utilize the third row regularly.

Interior fit and finish get a perfect 5. The trunk and cargo space scores only a 3/5, with just 35 cubic feet of storage space.

The Volvo XC90 comes with all the safety features

Consumer Reports recommends a slew of advanced safety features that car shoppers should consider. These include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking at city and highway speeds, lane-keeping assistance, and lane departure warning. Consumer Reports also says that pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning are important to have. Rearview cameras now come standard in all new cars. You should also look for anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, and daytime running lights.

It probably isn’t surprising that the 2021 Volvo XC90 comes with all of the safety features. Additionally, its crash-test ratings are very good. Both the IIHS and NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Volvo XC90. The IIHS gave the XC90 all good scores. The NHTSA gave the XC90 five stars for everything except the rollover ratings. These are four stars. 

The 2021 Volvo XC90’s driving experience is so good that one might think that the owner satisfaction score would have been higher. Additionally, it has a good road test score and loads of safety equipment. Perhaps the perceived value of the Volvo XC90 weighs heavily on its owners.