VOLVO XC90 R-DESIGN T8 RCHARGE AWD A (2021)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,116 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,777
£148/month
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1969cc Hybrid
Great Choice
92% pass rate, £1777/year to run. 10 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 10 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the VOLVO brand average of 87%.
At 5 years old, 92% of VOLVO XC90 R-DESIGN T8 RCHARGE AWD As from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,116 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 33,617 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
33,617
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2021 VOLVO XC90 R-DESIGN T8 RCHARGE AWD A has 33,617 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 2020 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2021 model has the lowest at 92%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
VOLVO XC90 R-DESIGN T8 RCHARGE AWD A by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2021 VOLVO XC90 R-DESIGN T8 RCHARGE AWD A
The 2021 VOLVO XC90 R-DESIGN T8 RCHARGE AWD A is a premium with a 1969cc hybrid engine. 1,116 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 33,617 miles at 5 years old, VOLVO XC90 R-DESIGN T8 RCHARGE AWD A owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2021 VOLVO XC90 R-DESIGN T8 RCHARGE AWD A 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 2021 VOLVO XC90 R-DESIGN T8 RCHARGE AWD A?
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 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 2021 VOLVO XC90 R-DESIGN T8 RCHARGE AWD A
At 5 years old, the VOLVO XC90 R-DESIGN T8 RCHARGE AWD A 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 T8 RCHARGE AWD A's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Hybrid Battery Health
Medium riskAfter 5 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
Low 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.
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 T8 RCHARGE AWD A 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 T8 RCHARGE AWD A(2021) | 92% | £1327 | £195 | Grp 18-32 | £1777 |
| TOYOTA YARIS(2019) | 93% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£195 |
| MINI COOPER S(2019) | 92% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£195 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2019) | 94% | £1327 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1772-£5 |
| TOYOTA C-HR(2019) | 92% | £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.
VOLVO XC40
2020 · 2000cc Petrol
VOLVO V40
2014 · 1984cc Diesel
VOLVO XC60
2016 · 1969cc Petrol
TOYOTA YARIS
2019 · 1497cc Hybrid
MINI COOPER S
2019 · 1499cc Hybrid
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT
2019 · 1997cc Hybrid
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