Is the Rivian R1s more reliable than the Volvo XC60?

Based on our data, the Volvo XC60 is more reliable with an average score of 74/100 compared to 58/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.

Which has more recalls, the Rivian R1s or the Volvo XC60?

The Volvo XC60 has more recalls (42) compared to the Rivian R1s (25). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the Rivian R1s or the Volvo XC60?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Volvo XC60 has a lower complaint rate at 5.3 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 20 for the Rivian R1s. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-05-15

Rivian R1s vs Volvo XC60: Reliability Compared

Rivian R1s

Mixed

More Reliable

Volvo XC60

Good

Choosing between the Rivian R1s and the Volvo XC60? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Volvo XC60 currently leads with an average score of 74/100 compared to 58/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Rivian R1s and Volvo XC60 Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Volvo XC60 is in its second generation, introduced in 2017 and last facelifted in 2025. With nearly a decade since its redesign, this mature platform benefits from well-sorted reliability, as any initial issues have likely been resolved over time. The XC60's consistent updates, including the 2021 and 2025 facelifts, suggest a focus on refinement and reliability. The Rivian R1S is currently in its second generation, which began in 2024 after a brief first generation from 2022 to 2023. Being early in its generation cycle, the R1S may experience typical first-year issues as the platform continues to evolve. However, the 2024 update indicates responsiveness to early feedback, which could enhance reliability as the model matures.

Verdict

The Volvo XC60 is more reliable than the Rivian R1s, scoring 74/100 vs 58/100.

The Volvo XC60 demonstrates stronger reliability compared to the Rivian R1s, with an average reliability score of 74/100 versus the R1s's 58/100. The XC60 also has a significantly lower owner complaint rate at 5.3 per 10,000 sold, compared to the R1s's 19, indicating fewer issues relative to the number of units sold. While both vehicles have faced multiple recalls, the XC60 has been on the market longer, suggesting a more stable long-term track record. Additionally, the XC60's estimated annual repair cost is quantifiable at $746, providing more predictable maintenance expenses, unlike the R1s.

Key Differences

1Rivian R1s has 17 fewer total recalls
2Volvo XC60 scores 16 points higher in reliability
3Volvo XC60 has 14.7 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

1Rivian R1s

—

2Volvo XC60

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Rivian R1s vs Volvo XC60: Which Is More Reliable?

Rivian R1s vs Volvo XC60 at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Rivian R1s	Volvo XC60
Reliability Score	58/100	74/100
Years Tracked	4	8
Total Recalls	25	42
Complaints per 10k Sold	20	5.3
Year Wins	0	2

What Are the Common Problems With the Rivian R1s and Volvo XC60?

The Volvo XC60 exhibits a higher number of complaints in the electrical system category, with 81 complaints and 5 linked to crashes, indicating a potential reliability issue in this area. In contrast, the Rivian R1s has fewer overall complaints, with 28 related to air bags being the most significant category, though it also has a notable number of electrical system complaints. Both models have crash-linked complaints in their respective key problem areas, but the Volvo XC60's electrical system concerns are more pronounced compared to the Rivian R1s' air bag issues. Additionally, the Volvo XC60 has a broader range of minor issues across several non-safety-critical components, unlike the Rivian R1s, which shows more concentrated complaints in potentially safety-related areas like air bags and power train.

Rivian R1s vs Volvo XC60 common problem areas comparison
Component	Rivian R1s	Volvo XC60
AIR BAGS	4.5Average	—None
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	2.6Low	1.8Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	2.3Low	0.5Very Low
STEERING	1.3Low	0.3Very Low
SUSPENSION	1Very Low	—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	1Very Low	—None
POWER TRAIN	0.8Very Low	0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER	0.5Very Low	0.2Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES	0.3Very Low	0.4Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.6Very Low	—None
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	0.5Very Low	0.1Very Low
STRUCTURE	0.3Very Low	0.2Very Low
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES	0.3Very Low	—None
BACK OVER PREVENTION	—None	0.2Very Low
TIRES	—None	0.2Very Low
LANE DEPARTURE	—None	0.1Very Low
ENGINE	—None	—None
WHEELS	—None	—None
SEAT BELTS	—None	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Rivian R1s or Volvo XC60?

The Volvo XC60 has an annual repair cost of $746, with an average of 0.5 repair visits per year and a 7% risk of major repairs. This translates to a total of $3,730 over five years, with a relatively low frequency of visits and a moderate risk of significant issues. Unfortunately, detailed repair cost data for the Rivian R1s is currently unavailable, making direct comparisons challenging. However, the established data for the Volvo XC60 suggests it may be a more predictable choice for cost-conscious buyers seeking to minimize unexpected expenses over the long term.

How Does Rivian R1s vs Volvo XC60 Reliability Compare by Year?

Rivian R1s vs Volvo XC60 year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Rivian R1s	Volvo XC60	Edge
2025	56/1009R / 45C	76/1004R / 22C	Volvo XC60
2023	57/1009R / 60C	74/1005R / 40C	Volvo XC60
2026(predicted)	58/100(predicted)	74/100(predicted)	Volvo XC60

Best years to cross-shop: The 2023 Rivian R1s scored 57/100 and the 2025 Volvo XC60 scored 76/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Rivian R1s vs the Volvo XC60?

If you prioritize reliability and lower running costs, the Volvo XC60 is your best choice. With a reliability score of 74/100, it stands out for having fewer owner complaints (5.3 per 10,000 sold) and a manageable estimated annual repair cost of $746. Despite its 42 recalls, the XC60's repair frequency is just 0.5 times per year, and it has a lower major repair risk of 7%. Its primary issues include the electrical system and brakes, but these are manageable within regular maintenance. On the other hand, if you are intrigued by innovative electric vehicles and can tolerate some growing pains, consider the Rivian R1S. Although it has a lower reliability score of 58/100 and a higher complaint rate, its total recalls are fewer at 24. However, be aware that specific repair cost estimates and frequency data are not available, which might pose a challenge for budgeting. This choice suits those who value cutting-edge technology and are prepared for potential uncertainties in maintenance.

Rivian R1s vs Volvo XC60: Common Questions

Is the Rivian R1s more reliable than the Volvo XC60?: Based on our data, the Volvo XC60 is more reliable with an average score of 74/100 compared to 58/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the Rivian R1s or the Volvo XC60?: The Volvo XC60 has more recalls (42) compared to the Rivian R1s (25). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Rivian R1s or the Volvo XC60?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Volvo XC60 has a lower complaint rate at 5.3 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 20 for the Rivian R1s. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More Rivian R1s comparisons

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More Volvo XC60 comparisons

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How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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