“Its not as powerful as I would have liked, but its a pleasure to drive in many other ways.”
2018 Volvo S90: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2018 Volvo S90 is the longer-wheelbase body fitted to every U.S. model, adding about 4.5 inches of rear legroom and a redesigned rear seat. Volvo also introduced T8 plug-in hybrid trims and upgraded the touchscreen and safety systems.
About the 2018 Volvo S90
Modern S90 generation introduced for 2017; 2018 is the second model year and the first U.S. year with the longer-wheelbase body.
Volvo positions the S90 as a Scandinavian alternative to the usual midsize luxury sedan formula. The brand’s launch material emphasizes clean design, high-quality materials, a calm cabin built around a portrait touchscreen, and advanced safety technology rather than flashy styling or aggressive performance cues. For most buyers, the S90 is a comfortable long-distance sedan with a distinctive understated feel, strong driver-assistance tech, and unusually generous rear-seat space for its class.
The 2018 S90 ranges from the straightforward T5 Momentum to the comfort-focused T6 Inscription, which adds Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, four-zone climate control, and power rear sunshades. The new T8 Momentum and T8 Inscription pair a 400-hp plug-in hybrid system with AWD, while every trim has a portrait-style 9-inch touchscreen and driver-assistance features.
What changed, by category
Structural
Every U.S. S90 moved to the longer-wheelbase body. Rear legroom increased from 35.9 to 40.4 inches, and the rear seat was redesigned.
Powertrain
The T8 Momentum and T8 Inscription joined the lineup with a 400-hp plug-in hybrid powertrain and AWD.
Safety
Volvo added Oncoming Lane Mitigation and steering assistance for the blind-spot monitoring and City Safety systems. Blind-spot monitoring became standard across the lineup, and automatic high beams became standard on T5 Momentum and T6 Momentum.
Tech
The 9-inch touchscreen received an updated interface. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard on the Momentum trims.
2018 Volvo S90 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Drive-E, 2.0T | 4-Cyl, Drive-E Sprchgd, 2.0T | 4-Cyl, Drive-E Sprchgd Hybrid, 2.0T | 4-Cyl, Drive-E Sprchgd, 2.0T | 4-Cyl, Drive-E Sprchgd Hybrid, 2.0T |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 8-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 8-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 8-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 8-Spd Geartronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid |
| MPG City | 24 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | ||
| MPG Highway | 34 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | ||
| Horsepower | 250 hp | 316 hp | 400 hp | 316 hp | 400 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 472 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 472 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3700 lb | 4600 lb | 4600 lb | ||
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.5 cu-ft | 13.5 cu-ft | 13.5 cu-ft | 13.5 cu-ft | 13.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 40.4 in | 40.4 in | 40.4 in | 40.4 in | 40.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 21 | 21 | |||
| MPGe Combined | 71 | 71 | |||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Park Assist | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| 360 Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Head-Up Display | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| 4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Massage Front Seat | |||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
| Ventilated Rear Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2018 Volvo S90?
The biggest change is the longer-wheelbase body used for every U.S. 2018 S90. It provides about 4.5 inches more rear legroom and a redesigned rear seat.
Does the 2018 Volvo S90 have more rear-seat room than the 2017 model?
Yes. Rear legroom increased from 35.9 inches in the 2017 S90 to 40.4 inches in the 2018 model, an increase of about 4.5 inches.
Did Volvo add a plug-in hybrid S90 for 2018?
Yes. The 2018 lineup added T8 Momentum and T8 Inscription plug-in hybrids, each with a 400-hp powertrain and AWD.
What safety features changed on the 2018 Volvo S90?
The 2018 S90 added Oncoming Lane Mitigation and steering assistance for its blind-spot monitoring and City Safety systems. Blind-spot monitoring also became standard across the lineup, while automatic high beams became standard on T5 Momentum and T6 Momentum.
Is the 2018 Volvo S90 a major update over the 2017 model?
Yes, especially for rear-seat passengers. The 2018 S90 has a longer body with substantially more rear legroom, plus new T8 plug-in hybrid trims and upgraded safety and touchscreen technology; it is an update rather than a full redesign.
2018 Volvo S90 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Volvo S90.
4.1
2018 Volvo S90
(163 reviews)
“The S90 is a luxury car with a very smooth ride and excellent control. Best car you will ever drive.”
“The S90 is a dream to drive. Love all of the semi-autonomous technology, the comfort, the fuel economy.”