VOLVO XC90 (2017)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 10,316 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,927
£161/month
MOT Pass Rate
88%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1969cc Hybrid
Solid Option
88% pass rate, £1927/year to run. 6 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the national average of 82%.
At 9 years old, 88% of VOLVO XC90s from 2017 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 10,316 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 72,733 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
72,733
Average miles
66,600
Expected for age
The average 2017 VOLVO XC90 has 72,733 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2017 sits between the two at 88%.
VOLVO XC90 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 90% | 49 | 40,659 mi | |
| 2020 | 91% | 1,309 | 41,321 mi | |
| 2019 | 90% | 9,154 | 50,386 mi | |
| 2018 | 89% | 11,631 | 61,269 mi | |
| 2017 | 88% | 10,316 | 72,733 mi | |
| 2016 | 86% | 10,879 | 84,251 mi | |
| 2015 | 85% | 5,492 | 89,253 mi | |
| 2014 | 81% | 4,171 | 99,216 mi | |
| 2013 | 81% | 4,585 | 108,019 mi | |
| 2012 | 82% | 5,327 | 114,883 mi | |
| 2011 | 78% | 8,160 | 124,635 mi | |
| 2010 | 77% | 11,184 | 130,904 mi | |
| 2009 | 78% | 6,349 | 136,576 mi | |
| 2008 | 76% | 3,096 | 141,628 mi | |
| 2007 | 73% | 5,149 | 147,081 mi | |
| 2006 | 73% | 5,088 | 150,799 mi | |
| 2005 | 73% | 6,336 | 159,047 mi | |
| 2004 | 72% | 4,432 | 161,221 mi | |
| 2003 | 72% | 1,520 | 152,528 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2017 VOLVO XC90
The 2017 VOLVO XC90 is a premium with a 1969cc hybrid engine. 10,316 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2017, the average MOT pass rate is 87%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 72,733 miles at 9 years old, VOLVO XC90 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2017 VOLVO XC90 Fuel Costs
The 1969cc hybrid engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current hybrid prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). As a hybrid, real-world fuel costs will vary significantly depending on how much electric-only driving you do.
What does it cost to own a 2017 VOLVO XC90?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,927 (£161/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
VOLVO XC90 Reliability Trend
Newer VOLVO XC90s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 11 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2017 VOLVO XC90
At 9 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 91%. With 10,316 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2017 VOLVO XC90's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Hybrid Battery Health
Watch outAfter 9 years, hybrid battery capacity may have reduced. A full replacement costs £2,000-£4,000, though reconditioning is cheaper at £500-£1,500.
Inverter and Power Electronics
Medium riskThe inverter converts DC to AC for the electric motor. Failures are expensive (£1,500+) but relatively rare. Listen for unusual buzzing sounds.
Regenerative Braking
Medium riskBrake discs can corrode from reduced use (the electric motor handles most braking). Surface rust is normal but deep pitting needs attention.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2017 VOLVO XC90 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VOLVO XC90(2017) | 88% | £1327 | £195 | Grp 18-32 | £1927 |
| MERCEDES C(2017) | 89% | £1327 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1922-£5 |
| TOYOTA YARIS(2019) | 93% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£345 |
| MINI COOPER S(2019) | 92% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£345 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2019) | 94% | £1327 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1772-£155 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Volvo Models
Explore other Volvo cars or similar models in the same category.
VOLVO XC40
2020 · 2000cc Petrol
VOLVO V40
2014 · 1984cc Diesel
VOLVO XC60
2016 · 1969cc Petrol
MERCEDES C
2017 · 1991cc Hybrid
TOYOTA YARIS
2019 · 1497cc Hybrid
MINI COOPER S
2019 · 1499cc Hybrid
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