Volvo XC90 vs the field
Every head-to-head WhichTrim has scored for the XC90: 6 comparisons against 6 rivals across the 2026–2027 model years, each on price, fuel, safety, space, performance, tech and warranty from EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer data — the weights yours to change on any of them.
By rival
6 rivals · verdicts at default weightsToyota HighlanderHighlander leads 1–0
Ford ExplorerExplorer leads 1–0
Kia TellurideTelluride leads 1–0
Hyundai PalisadePalisade leads 1–0
Ford ExpeditionExpedition leads 1–0
Clear win 6+ points · Edge 2–6 · Toss-up under 2. Open any pair for the scorecard, the biggest gaps in words and the sliders.
Where the XC90 wins and loses
6 scored head-to-headsThe XC90 trails on performance in 5 of 5, fuel & range in 5 of 6, safety in 5 of 6. Category scores are 0–100 from the data on each pair page; a lead here means the XC90 scored higher in that category, whatever the weights.
| Category | XC90 leads | Trails | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | 0 of 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel & range | 1 of 6 | 5 | 0 |
| Safety | 1 of 6 | 5 | 0 |
| Space & cargo | 1 of 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Performance | 0 of 5 | 5 | 0 |
| Tech & comfort | 0 of 1 | 1 | 0 |
Common questions about the Volvo XC90 head-to-heads
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the Volvo XC90 or the Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander wins clearly, 100 to 66.4, on tech & comfort, fuel & range, price. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Toyota Highlander comes out ahead in the newest scored pairing (2026 Toyota Highlander vs 2026 Volvo XC90). Open the full comparison to change the weights.
Which is better, the Volvo XC90 or the Ford Explorer?
The Ford Explorer wins clearly, 96.2 to 86.2, on safety, performance, fuel & range. The Volvo XC90 is ahead on space & cargo. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2027 Ford Explorer comes out ahead in the newest scored pairing (2027 Volvo XC90 vs 2027 Ford Explorer). Open the full comparison to change the weights.
Which is better, the Volvo XC90 or the Kia Telluride?
The Kia Telluride wins clearly, 94.3 to 78.7, on fuel & range, safety, performance. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2027 Kia Telluride comes out ahead in the newest scored pairing (2027 Volvo XC90 vs 2027 Kia Telluride). Open the full comparison to change the weights.
Which is better, the Volvo XC90 or the Hyundai Palisade?
The Hyundai Palisade wins clearly, 99.9 to 79.5, on fuel & range, safety, performance. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2027 Hyundai Palisade comes out ahead in the newest scored pairing (2027 Hyundai Palisade vs 2027 Volvo XC90). Open the full comparison to change the weights.
Which is better, the Volvo XC90 or the Chevrolet Traverse?
The Volvo XC90 wins clearly, 97.8 to 84, on safety. The Chevrolet Traverse is ahead on fuel & range. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2027 Volvo XC90 comes out ahead in the newest scored pairing (2027 Volvo XC90 vs 2027 Chevrolet Traverse). Open the full comparison to change the weights.
Where does the Volvo XC90 win and lose against its rivals?
The XC90 trails on performance in 5 of 5, fuel & range in 5 of 6, safety in 5 of 6. Every count comes from the category scores on the pair pages linked above, which use EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press-kit data.
How does WhichTrim decide which vehicle wins?
Each of seven categories — price, fuel and range, safety, space and cargo, performance, tech and comfort, warranty — is scored 0–100 from the data on the page. Relative measures give 100 to the better vehicle and a proportional share to the other; NHTSA stars and the Safety Signal use their own scales. The overall score is the weighted mean at the default weights (price 4, safety 4, fuel 3, tech 3, space 2, performance 2, warranty 2). A margin of 6 points or more is a clear win, 2 to 6 an edge, under 2 a toss-up. Every pair page has sliders to set your own weights.