Volvo XC90 Vs. BMW X5 | Luxury SUV Comparison

The Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5 matchup pits two midsize luxury SUVs against each other. Each brings unique features and capabilities to the table. Perhaps the most significant difference between the two is the fact that the BMW X5 has two rows of seats while the Volvo XC90 boasts three. The North Point Volvo Cars team has composed this page to help you learn more about these two bold vehicles.
Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5: Specs and Performance

2024 Volvo XC90 Specs
The new Volvo XC90 is available with three powertrains. Two are mild hybrid setups found on the Volvo XC90, while the third is the plug-in hybrid T8 eAWD powertrain used by the Volvo XC90 Recharge. We'll begin with the mild hybrid model. The entry-level B5 AWD powertrain mates a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder internal combustion engine to a 48-volt mild hybrid battery-and-motor system to make 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain is efficient but still quite powerful.
The upgraded mild hybrid choice, the B6 AWD powertrain, brings a supercharger to the B5 AWD configuration. This unlocks 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. No matter the powertrain you select, the Volvo XC90 sports a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
The T8 eAWD powertrain exchanges the mild hybrid architecture of the B5 AWD variant for a stronger battery-and-motor system. This plug-in hybrid Volvo XC90 engine setup makes 523 pound-feet of torque and 455 horsepower. The Volvo XC90 Recharge is by far the most powerful of the Volvo XC90 SUVs.
Volvo XC90 MPG
Another important dimension of our Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5 comparison is the question of gas mileage. The Volvo XC90 has three ratings from the EPA – one for each powertrain. A 2024 Volvo XC90 with the B5 AWD powertrain reaches an EPA-estimated 22/27/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1 If you get a B6 AWD model, you'll achieve an EPA-estimated 20/26/23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2
The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 58 MPGe (Combined).3 The vehicle is also able to drive without using its gasoline-fed engine. In this all-electric Pure Mode, it can go up to 32 miles.3 You can take care of errands in town without spending a penny on fuel.
2024 BMW X5 Specs
For this portion of our BMW X5 vs. Volvo XC90 page, we'll consider three BMW X5 variants. There are also M-badged models available, but these iterations are significantly more expensive, making them less comparable to the Volvo XC90. The entry-level BMW X5 SUVs have rear-wheel drive and come with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine that produces 375 horsepower. You can also get an all-wheel drive BMW X5 xDrive40i, but this is an expensive upgrade for something the Volvo XC90 has standard.
The last choice is the plug-in hybrid BMW X5 xDrive50e. It also has a turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine but mates it to a battery-and-motor architecture. This model provides drivers with 483 horsepower. While the BMW X5 has higher horsepower ratings than the Volvo XC90, it does not come with standard all-wheel drive.
BMW X5 MPG
The entry-level BMW X5 engine has the same gas mileage rating whether you get rear- or all-wheel drive. Models with the turbocharged inline-six-cylinder score an EPA-estimated 23/27/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).4 The plug-in hybrid BMW X5 xDrive50e does not, unfortunately, have an official EPA estimate for its gas mileage, but the automakers claim 58 MPGe (Combined),5 which equals the Volvo PHEV specs.3
The BMW X5 and Volvo XC90 both have powerful engines that get excellent gas mileage ratings. The differences between the 2024 Volvo XC90 vs. 2024 BMW X5 will become more clear as we continue to learn about these cars. Now, we'll turn to the question of each vehicle's dimensions.
BMW X5 vs. Volvo XC90: Dimensions

Volvo XC90 Dimensions
The 2024 Volvo XC90 is 69.9 inches tall, 195 inches long, and 79.1 inches wide (84.3 inches including the mirrors). These external measurements allow for a spacious cabin with seating for up to seven people. The front row of this luxury SUV sports 38.9 inches of headroom, 40.9 inches of legroom, 57.7 inches of shoulder room, and 56 inches of hip room.
The second row offers you 38.5 inches of headroom, 37 inches of legroom, 56.5 inches of shoulder room, and 56.5 inches of hip room. Your third-row passengers will enjoy 36.3 inches of headroom, 31.9 inches of legroom, 46.9 inches of shoulder room, and 44.9 inches of hip room. The Volvo XC90 provides spacious seating for six or seven people, depending on the seating configuration you select.
This roomy luxury SUV also allows you to haul a tremendous amount of cargo. If you fold all of the seats down, the Volvo XC90 cargo space expands to 85.7 cubic feet. With just the third row down, you can still bring up to 65.5 cubes of cargo along for the ride. Whether you're moving, taking a cross-country trip, or heading out for a camping adventure, the Volvo XC90 has the space you need.
BMW X5 Dimensions
The new BMW X5 is 69.1 inches tall, 194.2 inches long, and 78.9 inches wide (87.3 inches including the mirrors). The BMW X5 is about as long and tall as the Volvo XC90 but is several inches wider when one considers the mirrors. This will make it more difficult to park in tight spots.
The front row of the BMW X5 sports 40.7 inches of headroom, 39.8 inches of legroom, and 60 inches of shoulder room. The back seats have 39.4 inches of headroom, 37.4 inches of legroom, and 58.1 inches of shoulder room. While these dimensions slightly outstrip the Volvo XC90, this makes sense – the Volvo SUV has more seats to offer.
Speaking of what the Volvo XC90 provides, the BMW X5 cargo space has a maximum capacity of just 72.3 cubic feet. If you need to move or pack for a cross-country journey, the additional 13.4 cubes found in the Volvo vehicle will be appreciated.
Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5: Interior and Features

Volvo XC90 Interior
The cabin of every new Volvo XC90 is well-equipped with luxury features. The SUV comes standard with:
- Four-zone climate control
- Panoramic roof
- Leatherette upholstery
- Keyless entry function
- Heated front seats
- Interior mid-level illumination
- High-performance audio system
- 12-inch digital driver's display
- 9-inch touch screen
- Cell phone connectivity features
- Numerous safety technologies (more on that below)
These features combine to form a luxurious cabin that is sure to drop the jaws of your friends and family when they first set foot inside of it. The Volvo XC90 is ready for both warm and cold weather with its four-zone climate control and heated seats, and it's perfect for transporting people who appreciate luxury, given its comfortable leatherette upholstery and welcoming interior illumination.
If you opt for a mid- or top-tier model, you'll enjoy even more comforts. The Volvo XC90 Plus has a heated steering wheel, heated rear outbound seats, and 20-inch tires (they're 19 inches on the entry-level Volvo XC90 Core model). It also swaps out leatherette upholstery for the genuine article and includes real wood interior decor. The Ultimate trim offers Nappa leather upholstery, a Head-Up Display, front-seat ventilation, and more. Please contact us to learn more about the 2024 Volvo XC90 trim levels.
BMW X5 Interior
The BMW X5 is also a luxury SUV, so its lineup of features is similar to that of the Volvo XC90. The entry-level model has heated front seats, multi-zone climate control, and cell phone connectivity features. It does not, however, come standard with a panoramic roof. The mid- and top-tier models are also well-equipped but still fall short of their Volvo XC90 counterparts.
While the BMW X5 is impressive, the Volvo XC90 provides more competitive value to drivers. Our Volvo XC90 lease and finance deals make it even easier for you to pilot one of these dynamic luxury SUVs. Please reach out to us today to schedule your test drive.
Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5: Safety
Volvo XC90 Safety Rating
The Volvo XC90 is full of state-of-the-art safety features – and has the receipts to prove it. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2024 Volvo XC90 B5 AWD a five-star rating.6 As we shall see below, this is better than the score earned by the BMW X5.
The Volvo XC90 comes standard with an array of safety technologies, including:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Information System and Cross Traffic Alert
- Collision Mitigation Support, rear
- Lane Keeping Aid
- Oncoming Lane Mitigation
- Park Assist Camera, rear
- Park Assist, rear and front
- Pilot Assist
- Road Sign Information System
- Slippery Road Alert
These systems work together to try to safeguard you, your passengers, and your vehicle as you travel. If you want to experience everything this luxury three-row SUV has to offer, please visit us today to shop new Volvo XC90 SUVs.
BMW X5 Safety Rating
The 2024 BMW X5 earned a four-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.6 The agency considers this vehicle to be less safe than the Volvo XC90. In our book, this is one of the most important things to consider when purchasing a car, and the Volvo SUV wins handily.
Thank you for reading our 2024 Volvo XC90 vs. 2024 BMW X5 comparison. As we have seen, the Volvo SUV offers more value when you're looking for a new luxury vehicle. It has a better safety rating and a more compelling lineup of standard features. When you're ready for your next set of wheels, our new Volvo specials can help smooth your path to the driver's seat.
The North Point Volvo Cars team works hard to provide competitive Volvo financing options to qualifying drivers. Whether you're interested in the Volvo XC90 or another dynamic model from the company's lineup, we're excited to help you purchase or lease it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more reliable: the Volvo XC90 or the BMW X5?
The Volvo XC90 relies on a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is found across the Volvo lineup. This means that parts will be readily available if you need repairs, which is a long-term aspect of reliability. The BMW X5, on the other hand, does not share an engine with the majority of the BMW stable. Please contact us to learn more.
Does the Volvo XC90 or the BMW X5 have more passenger room?
The Volvo XC90 has more space for you and your loved ones. The vehicle features seating for up to seven people, while the BMW X5 tops out at five occupants. Whether you're taking your kids and their friends to the beach or driving your buddies around town, the Volvo XC90 has the space you need in a luxury SUV. Visit North Point Volvo Cars for a test drive today.
Does the Volvo XC90 or the BMW X5 have more cargo space?
The Volvo XC90 has a higher maximum cargo capacity score than the BMW X5. The car can stow up to 85.7 cubic feet of luggage, groceries, or furniture, while the BMW X5 caps out at 72.3 cubes. Whether you're packing for a cross-country odyssey or you need lots of space for moving, the Volvo XC90 is ready.
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1EPA estimated range is 22 MPG city/27 MPG highway/24 MPG combined B5 AWD. Your actual range will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle, battery-package/condition, and other factors. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov.
2EPA estimated range is 20 MPG city/26 MPG highway/23 MPG combined B6 AWD. Your actual range will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle, battery-package/condition, and other factors. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov.
3Estimated range according to the EPA driving cycles. The actual range achieved under real conditions varies depending on driving behavior, driving conditions, how you maintain your vehicle, battery and other external factors. Visit fueleconomy.gov for further information.
4Preliminary EPA-estimated figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on speed, driving habits, trip length and driving conditions; actual mileage may be lower.
5Preliminary EPA-estimated figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on speed, driving habits, trip length and driving conditions; actual mileage may be lower. Note for MPGe: All data are provisional and subject to official confirmation. The provisional power consumption figures have been calculated based on the ECE test cycle.
6Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit www.nhtsa.gov