VOLVO XC90 R-DESIGN B5 MHEV AWD AUTO (2021)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 2,911 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,777
£148/month
MOT Pass Rate
90%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1969cc Petrol
Great Choice
90% pass rate, £1777/year to run. 8 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%.
At 5 years old, 90% of VOLVO XC90 R-DESIGN B5 MHEV AWD AUTOs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,911 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 33,488 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
33,488
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2021 VOLVO XC90 R-DESIGN B5 MHEV AWD AUTO has 33,488 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 2021 model has the lowest at 90%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
VOLVO XC90 R-DESIGN B5 MHEV AWD AUTO by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2021 VOLVO XC90 R-DESIGN B5 MHEV AWD AUTO
The 2021 VOLVO XC90 R-DESIGN B5 MHEV AWD AUTO is a premium with a 1969cc petrol engine. 2,911 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 33,488 miles at 5 years old, VOLVO XC90 R-DESIGN B5 MHEV AWD AUTO owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2021 VOLVO XC90 R-DESIGN B5 MHEV AWD AUTO Fuel Costs
The 1969cc petrol 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 petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2021 VOLVO XC90 R-DESIGN B5 MHEV AWD AUTO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,777 (£148/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
VOLVO XC90 R-DESIGN B5 MHEV AWD AUTO Reliability Trend
The VOLVO XC90 R-DESIGN B5 MHEV AWD AUTO has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2021 VOLVO XC90 R-DESIGN B5 MHEV AWD AUTO
At 5 years old, the VOLVO XC90 R-DESIGN B5 MHEV AWD AUTO offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2021 VOLVO XC90 R-DESIGN B5 MHEV AWD AUTO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 2021 VOLVO XC90 R-DESIGN B5 MHEV AWD AUTO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VOLVO XC90 R-DESIGN B5 MHEV AWD AUTO(2021) | 90% | £1327 | £195 | Grp 18-32 | £1777 |
| LAND ROVER DISCOVERY SPORT R-DYN SE D A(2020) | 90% | £1327 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1772-£5 |
| BMW 520D M SPORT MHEV AUTO(2021) | 89% | £1327 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1922+£145 |
| BMW 320D M SPORT MHEV AUTO(2021) | 91% | £1327 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1772-£5 |
| BMW X4 XDRIVE20D M SPORT MHEV AUTO(2021) | 94% | £1327 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1772-£5 |
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.
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LAND ROVER DISCOVERY SPORT R-DYN SE D A
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BMW 520D M SPORT MHEV AUTO
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BMW 320D M SPORT MHEV AUTO
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