The Volvo XC90 is one of the best luxury SUVs around. A comfortable and tech-laden interior, zippy and fuel-efficient powertrains, and an eye-catching exterior all help it give serious competition to rivals, while also making it an excellent option for family transport.
But if you want to have optimal performance, it’s crucial that you pair the XC90 with the right set of tires. Those that could enhance the areas where this SUV is already good at. For instance, most people don’t have any complaints about this crossover’s fuel economy.
At the same time, the aftermarket tires you’re going to install on the XC90 must also address the shortcomings that plague its performance. Of which there are a few, the most notable being its ride quality, which is noticeably less comfortable than rivals’.
Finding tires that meet the above criteria is easier said than done, which is why we have come up with this comprehensive guide. This article will list and review the top nine best tires for Volvo XC90. So that you can take full advantage of this crossover’s qualities.
#1. Michelin Premier LTX – Best Overall
The Michelin Premier LTX is our top tire pick for Volvo XC90. Mainly because this luxury touring tire offers excellent road manners, an extended treadlife and reliable wet performance. But also because it has the ability to enhance the XC90’s already excellent fuel economy.
A sunflower and silica oil tread compound is the reason for this tire’s excellent road manners and reliable wet performance. The combination of the two substances has given the tread compound the optimal mix of firmness and flexibility to stay quiet and useful year-around.
EverGrip Technology helps extend this model’s treadlife. It does that by replacing the tire’s built-in grooves with hidden ones once the former are nearing expiry date. The arrival of new grooves gives the tread a new lease of life, extending the tires’ replacement date.
Its lightweight construction enables this tire to increase the fuel efficiency of any vehicle you install it on. This is great news for XC90 drivers, since this SUV already boasts an admirable fuel economy, one which will only increase upon the installation of the Premier LTX.
Unfortunately, there are two areas where this tire disappoints. The first of which is its 60,000-mile treadwear warrant, which is 10,000 miles shorter than what you get on rival touring tires. Its astronomical asking price is another thing that might prove to be a deal-breaker.
Pros
- Dynamic handling characteristics
- Will enhance the XC90’s fuel economy
- Offers a quiet and comfortable driving experience
Cons
- Average treadwear warranty
#2. Continental CrossContact LX20 – Best Runner Up
The CrossContact LX20 rivals our top pick on various counts. This model comes in as many sizes as the Premier LTX, is equally quiet on the highway and gives a similar fuel economy. The only reason it isn’t our top pick is because the LX20 isn’t vibration-free at high speeds.
An eco-friendly tread compound featuring silicone and polymers helps keep fuel emissions low while increasing the tire’s fuel economy. It also forces the contact patch to expand on road contact, thereby helping this tire wear evenly for an extended treadlife.
Independent tread blocks and a continuous center rib go both ways. On the plus side, they provide more steering feedback than what you usually get from an all-season touring tire. However, the added feedback makes the ride firm, especially at above-average speeds.
To enhance this model’s wet performance, Continental has equipped it with circumferential and lateral grooves. This should excite you as most tires come with one of these water channels. The fact that LX20 has both means its hydroplane resistance will be exceptional.
Remember what we said about the Premier LTX’s 60,000-mile warranty? We deemed it below-average because we were aware that the next option on our list is backed to last at least 70,000 miles.
Pros
- 70,000-mile treadwear warranty
- Excellent hydroplaning resistance
- Is extremely quiet
Cons
- Susceptible to vibrations at high speeds
#3. Pirelli Scorpion Verde All-Season Plus – Best Fuel-Efficient
Per EPA estimates, the 2022 Volvo XC90 does 20 – 22 miles mpg in the city and 26 – 28 mpg on the highway. No matter how you look at these numbers, they are excellent for a three-row SUV. Yet they can be improved by a tire that prioritizes fuel economy over everything else.
Which is precisely what the Scorpion Verde All-Season Plus does. Tests conducted by Pirelli report that this all-season touring tire consumes almost 4% less fuel than its rivals on the street. On mixed routes (street and highway), the fuel savings can be as high as 3.4%.
In case you’re wondering, these numbers have been made possible by this tire’s design elements. Or, to be more precise, by its computer-optimized pitch sequence and the symmetric tread pattern. Both reduce this model’s rolling resistance to lower its gas consumption.
Apart from being fuel efficient, the Scorpion Verde is also pretty quiet. A patch of thick rubber lining the inside of the tread deflects road noise before it could reach the cabin. It also absorbs road vibrations, making this tire’s ride quality less firm than the above LX20.
The only issue with this tire is its lackluster wet performance. Though you can easily overcome this issue by being cautious and not pushing it to its limits on water-logged roads. Think you could do that? Then we see no reason why you might want to give this model a pass.
Pros
- Offers excellent fuel economy
- Decent treadwear warranty (65,000-miles)
- High levels of grip and traction in wet conditions
Cons
- Handling in wet isn’t the best
#4. Nitto NT 421Q – Best High-Performance
The Nitto 421Q checks several boxes for the enthusiast XC90 driver. This ultra-high-performance tire comes with an all-season compound that has been refined to a fault. For this reason, even at speeds where its rivals make a lot of noise, this tire stays quiet.
An asymmetric tread design helps this model stay glued to the tarmac, regardless of the weather conditions. This results in enhanced grip and traction on dry and wet roads. In fact, if you can keep an eye on the speed, you can even use this tire on light snow.
Outer shoulder blocks serve more purposes. They improve this models stability at high speeds, while also enhancing its traction, handling, and cornering on dry roads. The inner blocks provide all these benefits, too, albeit on waterlogged and (light) wintry roads.
The Nitto 421Q also boasts extremely short braking distances, thanks to the 3D interlocking sipe design which locks the biting edges together as you apply brakes. The coming together of the sipes also results in a larger contact patch, improving this tire’s traction.
Unlike most Nitto tires, the 421Qs come fitted with maintenance indicators. You can use them to inspect the wheels’ alignment status and how the tires are wearing. Depending on the sizes you pick, a 60,000 or 75,000-mile treadwear warranty will come as part of the package.
Pros
- Comes with an above-average treadwear warranty
- Best-in-class dry, wet and winter traction
- Offers a comfortable and quiet riding experience
Cons
- Pricey
#5. Pirelli Scorpion Zero – Best High-Performance
The Pirelli Scorpion Zero is an ultra-high-performance offering for sporty sedans, muscle cars, and more importantly, high-performance crossover SUVs. Just like the Nitto 421Q, this model performs reliably in a variety of conditions, including dry, wet, and snowy roads.
That isn’t where the similarities end. Both the Scorpion Zero and 421Q have an asymmetric tread design which, as noted above, maximizes their road grip and traction. Furthermore, both these tires come with design elements that minimize road noise at breakneck speeds.
As with the 421Q, the Scorpion Zero’s stable shoulder blocks allow for faster cornering and more stable handling. Plus, multiple sipes on these blocks enhance the tires’ wet traction, with separate winter sipes helping this tire stay useful in mild to moderate wintry conditions.
If reading all these similarities has left you thinking that choosing between the two tires won’t be easy, you are right on the mark. Yet, a few difference might make the selection easy for you.
All sizes of the Scorpion Zero come with a treadwear coverage of 50,000 miles, which is lower than the treadwear warranty you get with the 421Q. As such, it’s safe to expect the 421Q to have a longer treadlife than its counterpart and competitor.
Pros
- Outstanding dry traction and cornering
- Above-average wet and winter handling
- Quick and responsive steering
Cons
- Treadlife could be better
#6. Yokohama Parada Spec X – Best High-Performance
The Yokohama Parada Spec X is a budget alternative to the above high-performance tires. But just because this model’s asking price is low doesn’t mean it has cut any corners. Here’s why we’re so sure.
An aggressive tread pattern increases this model’s road grip regardless of the weather conditions, giving you a sure-footed driving experience on dry and wet roads. The added grip also translates into enhanced high-speed stability and an improved cornering performance.
Yokohama’s exclusive Variable Tread Pitch technology dissipates road noise for a quiet driving experience, even when you’re driving at full speed with windows rolled down. At the same time, an internal polyester cord body keeps will keep the vibrations to a minimum
The fact that it has a stiff sidewall might make you happy or worried, depending on whether you prefer increased steering feedback or ride comfort. A built-in rim protector won’t evoke such feelings – it will simply do its job of protecting your XC90’s wheels from curb damage.
Bear in mind, though, Yokohama doesn’t back this tire with a treadwear coverage. This downgrades its reputation vis-à-vis the Nitto 421Q and Pirelli Scorpion Zero, both of which come with respectable treadwear warranties.
Pros
- Offers superb cornering performance
- More pocket friendly than competitors
- Amazing steering response and feedback
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a treadwear warranty
#7. General Grabber UHP – Best High-Performance
The General Grabber UHP can give serious competition to its three above competitors. This model comes at a price at which most drivers could easily afford it. In addition, it is available in 50+ sizes, meaning you can install it on almost all the trims of the XC90.
A 2nd generation silica tread compound has been molded into a directional tread pattern. The result? High levels of ride comfort on dry and wet roads. The combination has also increased this model’s dry grip and wet traction, making it a reliable all-season performer.
Its V-shaped grooves and wide shoulder blocks provide this tire with high levels of cornering grip, inspiring confidence in its ability to attack corners without oversteering. The V-shaped grooves also quickly evacuate water to reduce the risk of aquaplaning.
Inside the Grabber UHP, a continuous wrapped nylon reinforces two steel belts for extra strength and durability. The sturdy internal construction also helps promote even tread wear for a longer life span. Plus, it shields this tire from premature deformation.
Yet there are reasons why this tire is our 4th HP pick for Volvo XC90. Unlike the above three high-performance tires, the Grabber UHP is not suited for winter driving conditions. Plus, it doesn’t come with a treadwear warranty of any sort.
Pros
- Offers smooth and comfortable ride
- Outstanding traction on dry and wet pavement
- Provides good value for the money
Cons
- Not suited for winter driving conditions
#8. Bridgestone Dueler HP Sport – Best Summer Performance
The Bridgestone Dueler HP Sport comes in two versions: standard and run-flat. The standard version is the one we’re recommending because it comes with a treadwear warranty, offers better fuel economy, and lasts much longer than its run-flat sibling.
Three features – UNI-T Technology, L.L. Carbon Black tread compound, symmetric tread pattern – work together to increase this model’s dry grip and handling. The symmetric tread pattern also absorbs vibrations for a more comfortable driving experience.
Both versions of this tire come with two continuous center ribs and wide shoulder blocks. How is that important? Both features enhance cornering grip to let you attack bends with a vengeance. The center ribs also increases steering feedback for a more responsive drive.
A plethora of lateral and circumferential grooves dot the tread area, evacuating water for improved wet traction. From the inside, two high-tensile steel belts provide this model with high-speed stability.
Treadwear warranty is another area where this model impresses. A 40,000-mile treadwear warranty on a summer performance tire is the same as an 80,000-mile warranty on a touring tire – both are unbelievably extended and leave no reason for complaints.
Pros
- Offers supreme wet performance
- Comes with the 3PMSF emblem
- Delivers exciting high-speed handling
Cons
- Pricier than rivals
#9. Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 – Best Winter Tire
If you have to deal with severe winter, there’s no substitute for a dedicated winter tire. While all-season tires like the Michelin Premier LTX can help you out in light snow, only a set of winter-specific tires can safely take you from point A to point B on snow-laden roads.
As such, if the area where you live/drive receives more than its fair share of snow, the Blizzak DM-V2 should be a permanent presence on your XC90 in winter months.
These tires come with a special tread compound that doesn’t stiffen up in sub-zero temperatures. Their aggressive and deep biting edges help you plow through snow and ice. Plus, multiple circumferential grooves ensure quick snow and water evacuation for reliable traction.
MutliCell Technology helps enhance their snow traction by trapping snow and ice within the tread area. This is done because snow-on-snow contact generates high levels of friction.
However, the fact that the MultiCell Technology covers only the first 55% of the tread area might dampen your mood. This means that as soon as half of the tread is eaten up, the DM-V2’s snow and ice traction will take a noticeable though not a fatal hit.
Pros
- Has superb braking power
- Offers great hydroplaning resistance
- Provides excellent traction on snow and ice
Cons
Snow performance might take a hit after some time
Best Tires for Volvo XC90
All-Season Touring Tires
All-season touring tires offer almost everything an average XC90 driver could ask for. These tires come with above-average treadwear warranties, offer excellent road manners, and comfortable ride quality. Plus, you can vouch for their usefulness in wet conditions and light snow.
Take our top three picks as proof. All three are backed with respectable treadwear warranties ranging from 60,000 to 70,000 miles. Provided you mainly use them on the highway or street and don’t push them to their limits, they won’t require replacement for 5, 6 years.
However, not everyone likes what touring tires can offer. Enthusiast drivers might point to the muted steering response and feedback as these tires’ shortcomings. Still, for anyone who uses their XC90 for everyday driving, these ‘flaws’ won’t amount to much.
Performance Tires
Performance tires are the ideal option for enthusiast XC90 drivers. In addition to delivering high levels of cornering grip and stability, these models deliver enhanced feedback to the steering. As such, they are much more responsive than your premium touring tires.
These tires also have very short braking distances on dry roads, meaning you can count on them to be controllable at the limit. A rigid internal construction consisting steel belts wrapped in nylon casings saves them from premature deformation, a common problem with cheap tires.
That said, their high fuel consumption and low treadwear warranty puts off the everyday driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should tires last on Volvo XC90?
Premium all-season touring tires should last 4, 5 years on Volvo XC90, depending on road conditions your driving style, and the weather in your area. However, if you put on performance tires on this crossover, be prepared to replace them more often.
What tires fit a Volvo XC90?
Different tire sizes can fit a Volvo XC90, including 275/45R20, 275/40R21, 275/35R22, 235/55R19, among others. Check your XC90’s owners’ manual to know its tire size.
How much do Volvo tires cost?
Volvo tires cost anywhere between $150 and $350 per tire. All-season touring and grand-touring tires cost on the lower end of this range, with extreme performance summer tires more expensive.
What brand of tires does Volvo use?
The 2022 Volvo XC90 Recharge TB comes with Pirelli Scorpion Verde All-Season Plus tires.
Conclusion
Make sure to consider your driving style, road conditions, and weather when picking tires for your Volvo XC90. All-season touring and grand-touring tires can come in handy year-around, except heavy snow, for which dedicated winter tires will be a better option.
