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Our Volvo XC90's First Service Includes Oil Change, Software Update
Long-Term Review: Volvo XC90 Maintenance & Performance Insights
When investing in a luxury SUV like the Volvo XC90, understanding its long-term reliability and maintenance requirements is crucial. At MotorVero, we put the 2016 Volvo XC90 through an extensive long-term test to evaluate its real-world performance, maintenance needs, and technological updates. Here's what we discovered after nearly 11,000 miles of driving.
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Initial Maintenance Experience
Our Volvo XC90 demonstrated impressive durability, covering 10,930 miles before requiring its first dealership visit. The vehicle's intelligent maintenance reminder system proved particularly helpful, providing progressive alerts:
- Initial notification: "Book time for maintenance"
- Follow-up reminder: "Time for regular maintenance"
- Final alert: "Maintenance overdue"
Key Maintenance Insight
While Volvo recommends service at 10,000-mile intervals, our experience shows the XC90 can handle slight mileage exceedance without issues, thanks to its robust engineering and full-synthetic oil formulation.
Comprehensive 10,000-Mile Service
The first major service included:
- Full-synthetic 5W-30 oil change with new filter
- Comprehensive multi-point inspection
- Tire rotation (which our vehicle required)
- Software system updates
Notably, Volvo's complimentary maintenance program covered all these services, offering significant value for owners during the first three years or 36,000 miles.
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Technology & Software Updates
While the service addressed mechanical needs, we were particularly interested in the software updates for the XC90's much-discussed Sensus infotainment system. The updates brought several notable improvements:
New Vehicle Functions
- Enhanced safety: Added Large Animal Detection to City Safety system
- Improved convenience: All doors now unlock when opening a front door after parking
- Driver customization: New Driver Profiles feature
- Cruise control options: Ability to select standard cruise without distance-keeping
Updated Applications
- Spotify integration for in-car streaming
- Renamed "Remote updates" to "Download Center"
- Added Record & Send functionality
- Improved SiriusXM Travel Link features
Navigation Improvements
The update modified the "Pause Guidance" button to "Cancel Guidance" for clearer functionality. While these updates added valuable features, we noted the touchscreen's responsiveness showed only marginal improvement, suggesting hardware limitations may be at play.
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Cost of Ownership Considerations
Volvo's maintenance program provides excellent coverage for the first three services (at 10,000, 20,000, and 30,000 miles). However, owners should budget for:
- Tire replacement: The XC90's large, performance-oriented tires wear faster and cost significantly more than average
- Out-of-warranty repairs: While our test vehicle showed no mechanical issues, luxury vehicles typically have higher repair costs after warranty expiration
- Premium fuel requirements: The XC90 performs best with recommended premium gasoline
Long-Term Reliability Assessment
After nearly 11,000 miles, our Volvo XC90 demonstrated:
- Strong mechanical reliability with no unexpected repairs
- Excellent build quality with no rattles or interior issues
- Consistent performance from both engine and transmission
- High safety system reliability with all features functioning as designed
The only notable concern was the infotainment system's occasional sluggishness, which software updates only partially addressed.
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Who Should Consider the Volvo XC90?
Based on our long-term experience, the XC90 is ideal for:
- Families prioritizing safety and comfort
- Drivers who value Scandinavian design and luxury
- Tech-savvy users who appreciate connected vehicle features
- Buyers who plan to keep their vehicle within warranty period
MotorVero's Verdict
The Volvo XC90 proves to be a compelling luxury SUV choice, offering exceptional safety features, elegant design, and strong performance. While maintenance costs are covered initially, potential buyers should consider long-term ownership costs, particularly regarding tire replacement and potential out-of-warranty repairs. The vehicle's technology package, while feature-rich, could benefit from hardware improvements to match its software capabilities.
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Final Thoughts
Our long-term test of the Volvo XC90 reinforces its position as one of the most well-rounded luxury SUVs available. With its combination of safety, comfort, and Scandinavian elegance, it delivers on Volvo's premium promise. The complimentary maintenance program provides excellent peace of mind during the initial ownership period, making it particularly attractive for those who prefer predictable costs in their luxury vehicle ownership experience.
For more in-depth vehicle reviews and ownership insights, explore MotorVero's comprehensive library of automotive evaluations and buying guides.
Motorveroben
Last Updated On May, 29-2025