Volvo might not be the most well-known luxury brand out there, but the Swedish automaker is trying to change that with its luxury SUVs. It’s made some major changes to the XC90. Just four years ago, the Volvo XC90 had some dangerous problems that turned drivers away. Now Volvo hopes to draw consumers back in, and it seems to be working. It got the attention of CARFAX and was picked as the safest luxury SUV of 2020.

Safety matters to drivers

When looking at a new vehicle, many drivers are now concerned with the safety features that are offered. There are some who wonder if safety truly matters, however, especially if they’re looking at a luxury vehicle. It’s easy to assume that just because you’re paying out a lot of money that it has to be safe, right? Well, not always.

Not all SUVs are created equal, and that remains true when it comes to the luxury division. BMW is notorious for charging extra for features that other brands make standard, so it’s important to make sure the SUV you’re looking at is actually safe. 

The one major flaw of having tons of safety features is the cost of repairs. When things like backup cameras and rain-sensing windshield wipers work, it’s great. If any of those parts break, they can be very expensive to fix. Still, they’re worth having it. Yes, safety features cost extra in some cases, but they can make a real difference between you narrowly missing a wreck or calling an ambulance.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 takes safety seriously

The 2021 XC90 comes standard with a lot of safety features thanks to the Volvo Pilot Assist system. It includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Volvo didn’t stop there, however. Other features available on the 2021 XC90 include traffic sign recognition and a driver attention monitor. For anyone who struggles to notice those obscure traffic signs that you don’t see often, this could be a lifesaver.

All of these safety features helped the XC90 earn the CARFAX safety award. This wasn’t the only award it received, however. It won the IIHS 2020 Top Safety Pick+ award, which was a huge win for Volvo. The NHTSA also gave it a huge boost with a safety rating of  5/5.

What else does the XC90 have going for it?

The 2021 Volvo XC90 starts at $49,000. While that’s not exactly cheap, it’s a bargain for a luxury SUV. When you add in a lot of the safety features that helped it impress CARFAX, that price jumps to $57,945.

There are three engine options available on the XC90, including a hybrid version. All three are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It can also tow up to 5,000 lbs. That’s not great, but given that the XC90 is a luxury vehicle, most drivers probably won’t be towing anything with it.

One thing you won’t have to pay extra for is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. AWD does not come standard, but it is optional. For anyone who enjoys off-roading or lives in an area where the weather can become decidedly unpleasant, this is a great option to have. Other features include high-pressure headlight washers, wireless charging, Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats with massage functions, a Harman/Kardon audio system, and two USB-C ports on the back of the center console.

The Volvo XC90 does have its share of problems, but Volvo has gone out of its way to change that. While the 2020 model was considered too underpowered to be a real contender, the 2021 model is racking in the awards. It just shows that you can’t judge a vehicle solely based on how previous model years have performed.