MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2026 Volvo Xc90 MHEV

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2026 Volvo Xc90 MHEV Safety Ratings

The 2026 Volvo Xc90 MHEV scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 2 owner complaints on file.

Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar

0Recalls
2Complaints
0Investigations
VERDICT

The 2026 Volvo XC90 MHEV AWD achieves a notable NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, positioning it firmly within the Strong band. This assessment is supported by a flawless defect record score and a complete absence of recalls. Furthermore, the model year secured top marks in the majority of NHTSA crash-test categories.

The 2026 Volvo XC90 MHEV AWD received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, based on NHTSA data.

MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026

Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Volvo Xc90 MHEV ranks 81 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
2026 Volvo Xc90 MHEV safety at a glance (source: NHTSA)
NHTSA Safety Index88 / 100 (Strong)
Overall crash rating5 of 5 stars
Frontal / Side / Rollover5 / 5 / 4 stars
Rollover risk17.9%
Recalls on file0
Owner complaints2 (unverified allegations)
Class rank81 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026
Data verifiedOct 1, 2026

ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Volvo Xc90 MHEV?

The 2026 Volvo XC90 MHEV presents a safety profile marked by excellent passive protection and a clean defect record. Its perfect 20 out of 20 sub-score for defect record is particularly notable, reflecting zero recalls on file for this model year. This distinguishes it as a current-year vehicle that has avoided early production issues. Crash protection scores a strong 66 out of 70, anchored by NHTSA's five-star frontal and side impact results. The XC90 MHEV also earned a four-star rollover score, with an 18 percent risk figure and a clean dynamic tip outcome. However, the vehicle's NHTSA Safety Index of 88 points is tempered by its avoidance technology score of just 2 out of 10. NHTSA data shows neither forward collision warning nor lane departure warning as standard equipment for this configuration. Electronic stability control is the sole active-safety feature credited. This gap in active avoidance systems represents the defining tension of the 2026 XC90 MHEV's safety assessment. Two owner complaints have been reported, both concerning Back Over Prevention, though these remain unverified allegations and do not indicate a pattern at this time. No prior-year Index is available for comparison.

NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Volvo Xc90 MHEV perform in crash tests?

The 2026 XC90 MHEV achieved an overall safety rating of five stars from NHTSA. Its frontal and side crash protection earned five stars each. While strong, the rollover category is comparatively weaker, receiving four out of five stars, with an 18 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test.

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 17.9%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20880

Index breakdown

Crash protection66/70
Avoidance tech2/10
Defect record20/20
Forward collision warning: NoLane departure warning: NoStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Volvo Xc90 MHEV have any recalls?

No recall campaigns are on file for the 2026 Volvo XC90 MHEV. There are zero open recall campaigns to report, no park-outside advisories, and no do-not-drive orders associated with this model year at this time. Shoppers should still verify their specific VIN through the NHTSA recall database, as campaigns can be opened at any point.

No vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Volvo Xc90 MHEV at NHTSA as of 2026-10-01. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the safety score.

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Volvo Xc90 MHEV?

Two unverified consumer complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. Both alleged concerns involve the Back Over Prevention system. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and no injuries, fires, crashes, or deaths are reported among them.

2 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

0reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsBack Over Prevention 2

USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Volvo Xc90 MHEV?

Because this is a current-model-year vehicle, shoppers should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. Recall campaigns can open after a model year launches, so confirming zero open campaigns at the time of sale is the key safety step.

  • Zero recalls are on file for the 2026 XC90 MHEV, contributing a perfect 20 out of 20 to its defect record sub-score, the highest possible mark in that category.
  • NHTSA awarded five stars in both frontal and side crash protection for this model year, with the rollover category coming in at four stars and an 18 percent rollover risk with a No Tip dynamic result.
  • The avoidance technology sub-score is just 2 out of 10 for this model year, driven by the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning in the NHTSA configuration data, making this the primary safety gap to evaluate.
  • Two unverified owner complaints are on file with NHTSA for this model year, both alleging concerns with the Back Over Prevention system, with no associated crashes, injuries, fires, or deaths reported.

RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Volvo Xc90 MHEV places

The 2026 Volvo Xc90 MHEV qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:

FAQ2026 Volvo Xc90 MHEV safety questions

Was the 2026 Volvo Xc90 MHEV crash-tested by NHTSA?

Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Volvo Xc90 MHEV, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.

What are the 2026 Volvo Xc90 MHEV crash-test star ratings?

In NHTSA testing the 2026 Volvo Xc90 MHEV earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 17.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.

How many recalls does the 2026 Volvo Xc90 MHEV have?

According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Volvo Xc90 MHEV as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Volvo Xc90 MHEV?

According to NHTSA's complaint database, 2 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Volvo Xc90 MHEV. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.

READ MORE

Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.

Rivals in SUV (2026)

Safest SUV rivals, 2026 (NHTSA Safety Index)
VehicleNHTSA Safety IndexOverall starsRecalls
2026 Lexus GX 550100/100not rated0
2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV100/100not rated0
2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV100/100not rated0
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV100/100not rated0
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross100/100not rated0
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid99/100not rated1
HOW THIS PAGE WAS MADE
  • DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20880), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volvo Xc90 MHEV 2026.
  • SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 81 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
  • EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
  • VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.