Longtime lurker, first-time poster. I’ve always had a strong appreciation for Volvo’s engineering philosophy, design language, and safety leadership. Oddly enough, I never seriously considered owning one until recently. I spotted a 2025.5 XC90 in Mulberry Red in traffic, and it completely drew me in. The modern Scandinavian design, clean lines, and overall road presence stood out. That moment prompted a test drive the very next day.
Now I’m seriously considering the XC90 as my next vehicle. My goal is to find something that can reliably serve as my primary vehicle for 10 (or more) years, ideally logging 150,000 to 200,000 miles. I’m prioritizing long-term reliability, reasonable maintenance costs, and mechanical durability. I also plan to tow a 3,000 lb boat two or three times per year, so low-end torque and drivetrain resilience under load are important considerations.
Initially, I focused on the B5 mild hybrid, largely due to its relative mechanical simplicity. With a single turbo, no supercharger, and conservative tuning, it appears to be the most sustainable drivetrain from a longevity standpoint. That said, the driving experience left me disappointed. Power delivery felt adequate but uninspiring, especially for a vehicle of this size. I’m also uncertain how well it would perform with occasional towing.
I haven’t yet driven the B6 or T8, mainly because I have reservations about their complexity. The B6’s turbocharged and supercharged 2.0L is a known quantity in Volvo’s lineup. Still, I’m concerned about its long-term durability, particularly under mixed driving and moderate towing. The T8 plug-in hybrid adds additional complexity with high-voltage systems, eAWD, and dual propulsion sources. While its performance and efficiency are appealing, I question whether post-warranty ownership is even practical unless it has proven to be reliable over time.
I recognize that other reliable luxury options exist, such as Lexus, or even something like a Mazda CX90. However, their design, driving dynamics, and ergonomics have never really resonated with me. Volvo offers a more tailored and intuitive experience, which I value just as much as reliability.
To those with firsthand experience or technical knowledge, I’d appreciate your insight.
- Is the B5 a smart long-term choice in terms of drivetrain reliability and overall cost of ownership, even with the trade-off in performance and occasional towing?
- Have the common issues associated with the twincharged 2.0L in the B6 and T8, such as PCV system wear, cooling system weakness, or carbon buildup, been addressed in recent model years?
- Is post-warranty long term T8 ownership realistic, particularly with a goal of 10yrs/150,000 miles or more?
- And more broadly, does the SPA XC90 platform hold up well as a high-mileage daily driver as it ages, or should I be looking elsewhere if long-term reliability is my top priority?
Thanks in advance for any technical input or long-term ownership experiences. I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts