The Volvo XC90 was introduced into Volvo’s lineup as a compact crossover SUV in 2012 and remains popular today. Volvo vehicles are known for their unique styling and for having the features consumers expect from today’s SUVs, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a 2021 Volvo XC90?
The 2021 Volvo XC90 has a towing capacity of 4,000 to 5,000 pounds.
There’s a bit more to know about Volvo XC90 towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2021 Volvo XC90 Towing Capacity
As we covered earlier, the current 2024 Volvo XC90 can tow a maximum of 5,000 lbs.
A 2021 Volvo XC90 Momentum can pull 4,000 to 5,000 pounds.
A 2021 Volvo XC90 R-Design can pull 5,000 pounds.
A 2021 Volvo XC90 Inscription can pull 5,000 pounds.
A 2021 Volvo XC90 Recharge Inscription Expression can pull 4,000 to 5,000 pounds.
A 2021 Volvo XC90 Recharge R-Design can pull 5,000 pounds.
A 2021 Volvo XC90 Recharge Inscription can pull 5,000 pounds.
| 2021 XC90 Trim Level | Max Towing Capacity |
| Momentum | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) |
| R-Design | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) |
| Inscription | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) |
| Recharge Inscription Expression | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) |
| Recharge R-Design | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) |
| Recharge Inscription | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) |
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
2021 Volvo XC90 Engine Specs
There are four powertrain options for the 2021 Volvo XC90:
- T5 FWD: 250 horsepower, 258 lb-ft torque, 4,000 lbs towing
- T5 AWD: 250 horsepower, 258 lb-ft torque, 5,000 lbs towing
- T6 AWD: 316 horsepower, 295 lb-ft torque, 5,000 lbs towing
- T8 Recharge (Plug-in Hybrid): 400 horsepower, 472 lb-ft torque, 5,000 lbs towing
2021 Volvo XC90 Tow Package Info
Does The 2021 Volvo XC90 Have A Tow Package?
Volvo offers a factory-installed XC90 trailer hitch.
The Volvo XC90 tow package includes the following:
- Class III Receiver Hitch
- 2″ Tow Ball
- Retractable Trailer Hitch: Folds out with a button in the luggage compartment for easy use.
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a 2021 Volvo XC90?
If you plan on towing anything with your Volvo XC90, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.
Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.
Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.
2021 Volvo XC90 Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Volvo XC90 uses a Class 3 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Class II) 2021 Volvo XC90 trailer hitch:
- CUSTOM DESIGNS: Draw-Tite Class 4 trailer hitch tow packages are custom built according to manufacturer specifications to ensure a perfect fit.
- MAXIMUM STRENGTH: Made of solid, all-welded steel for maximum strength and safety, each hitch is put through rigorous fatigue and stress testing to withstand road abuse. Protected by a two-part black powder coat finish to resist rust and corrosion.
- TESTED: Draw-Tite tow hitch receivers are tested to meet and exceed V-5 and SAE J684 standards.
- CAPACITY: Tow hitch package rated for up to 6,000 lbs. GTW and up to 900 lbs. TW. NOT suitable for use with Weight Distribution systems.
- VEHICLE APPLICATION: 2018-2025 Volvo XC60, 2016-2025 Volvo XC90.
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your XC90:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. Rated to tow 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offers dependability for your towing setup (weight capacity may change if trailer ball is removed)
- VERSATILE USE. This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 1-1/4-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch receiver. The ball mount has a 3-1/4-inch drop, 2-inch diameter ball, 1/2-inch hitch pin hole and 7-1/4-inch overall length
- READY TO TOW. Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-attached tow ball for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting use, this ball hitch is protected with a durable black powder coat finish, and the trailer ball has a polished chrome plating. These finishes resist damage from rain, dirt, road salt and other corrosive threats
- EASY TO INSTALL. To install the trailer hitch ball mount on your vehicle, simply insert the shank into your vehicle's 1-1/4-inch hitch receiver. The rounded shank makes installation easy
2021 Volvo XC90 Trailer Hitch Installation
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your XC90, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Volvo XC90 trailer hitch installation:
How Do I Know If My 2021 Volvo XC90 Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your XC90 to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.
That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your XC90.
Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.
Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your vehicle has any towing packages or features installed on it.
What Can You Tow With the 2021 Volvo XC90?
The 2021 Volvo XC90 is a luxury SUV with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, making it a great choice for towing various types of trailers, campers, and equipment.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can tow with your 2021 XC-90:
- Small Travel Trailers: Teardrop trailers, pop-up campers, or lightweight single-axle trailers.
- Boats and Watercraft: Fishing boats, Jet Skis, or kayaks.
- Utility Trailers: Ideal for hauling tools, building materials, or small equipment.
- ATVs and Dirt Bikes: Perfect for off-road enthusiasts.
- Small Horse Trailers: Suitable for single-horse or lightweight two-horse trailers.
2021 Volvo XC90 Payload Capacity
The payload capacity of the 2021 Volvo XC90 is 1,506 to 1,631 pounds.
Note that the max payload capacity of your 2021 XC90 will vary based on factors like the engine type, drivetrain, and trim level of your specific vehicle.
You can always contact your local dealership for extra details if you’re unsure of your vehicle’s payload capability.
2021 Volvo XC90 Towing Capacity Vs Competitors
The 2021 XC90 has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, which makes it capable of light-duty and medium-duty trailer towing.
This number is a little less than the XC90’s main competitors which are the 2021 RAV4 and the 2021 Sportage.
Here are some similar vehicles to the 2021 Nissan Rogue and their towing capacities below:
| Vehicle | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| 2021 Toyota Sequoia | 7,400 lbs |
| 2021 GMC Yukon | 8,400 lbs |
| 2021 Land Rover Range Rover | 8,200 lbs |
| 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 7,200 lbs |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 | 7,700 lbs |
| 2021 Volvo XC90 | 5,000 lbs |
2021 Volvo Models Towing Capacity Chart
| 2021 Volvo Model | Towing Capacity |
| XC90 AWD | 5,000 lbs |
| XC90 FWD | 4,000 lbs |
| XC60 | 3,500 lbs |
| V90 Cross Country | 3,500 lbs |
Data Accuracy
We’ve gathered all data represented here from the official 2021 Volvo XC90 Owner’s Manual on Volvo’s site and have checked all data thoroughly for accuracy.