Looking for a Volvo subscription in 2025? You might be surprised to learn that Care by Volvo—the company’s once-popular subscription service—has been discontinued. If you’re weighing your Volvo options and wondering what happened to their subscription model, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about what’s available now and why the subscription era ended.
What Happened to Volvo’s Subscription Service?
Care by Volvo launched in 2017 as one of the automotive industry’s pioneering subscription services. It offered a refreshing alternative to traditional car ownership or leasing. But in August 2024, Volvo pulled the plug on the program.
Why would Volvo end what seemed like an innovative approach to car access? The company cited a need for “concentrated focus on our core customer offers and the coming introduction of new products and an increase in operational efficiencies.” In plain English: they needed to cut costs and focus on their traditional business model.
The timing coincided with cooling EV demand and changing market conditions. Care by Volvo was partially positioned to drive electric vehicle adoption, but broader market slowdowns affected customer interest.
What Made Care by Volvo Different?
Before its discontinuation, Care by Volvo offered several attractive features that set it apart from traditional leasing:
- All-inclusive monthly payments ranging from $650 to over $960 depending on model
- Zero down payment required (unlike traditional leases)
- Comprehensive insurance through Liberty Mutual included in the fee
- Factory scheduled maintenance and wear-and-tear protection up to $1,000
- Flexible terms allowing cancellation after just five months without penalties
- Vehicle swapping capabilities to change models after certain periods
- 15,000 annual miles (1,250 per month) included
The service covered popular models including the XC40, XC60, and XC90, with the XC40 being the entry-level option starting around $650 monthly.
Why Car Subscriptions Failed Industry-Wide
Volvo isn’t alone in abandoning the subscription model. BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac, and Genesis have all retreated from subscription services. Only Porsche Drive remains as a major OEM subscription service.
Several factors contributed to the industry-wide failure:
- Premium Pricing: Subscriptions typically cost 20-25% more than traditional alternatives
- Limited Consumer Appeal: Most buyers still prefer ownership or traditional leasing
- Operational Complexity: Managing diverse fleets and services proved too costly
- Dealer Relations Issues: The program faced criticism from Volvo dealerships and regulatory scrutiny
As industry analyst Sam Fioranoi noted, “Nobody has really proven that there’s a market for this.”
Current Volvo Ownership Options in 2025
With subscriptions off the table, what options remain for getting into a new Volvo? Here’s what’s available:
Traditional Leasing Options
Current Volvo leasing offers competitive monthly payments:
| Model | Monthly Payment | Down Payment | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 XC40 | $449-$469 | $2,000-$4,619 | 36 months |
| 2025 XC60 | $639-$723 | $2,000-$4,000 | 36 months |
| 2025 XC90 | $699-$729 | $3,500 | 36 months |
These leases typically include 10,000 annual miles and factory warranty coverage. Unlike the subscription, insurance and maintenance beyond warranty are separate costs.
Financing Options
If you prefer to own your Volvo outright, financing through Volvo Car Financial Services offers:
- Interest rates as low as 3.99% for qualified buyers on select models
- Terms up to 72-85 months available
- Loyalty bonuses up to $1,000 for existing Volvo owners
Connected Services: Volvo On Call
While the car subscription is gone, Volvo still offers connected services through Volvo On Call for $200 annually:
- Remote start/stop, lock/unlock via smartphone app
- Theft alarm notifications and stolen vehicle tracking
- Roadside assistance access
- Four-year complimentary subscription with new vehicles
Cost Comparison: Subscription vs. Traditional Options
Based on detailed analysis, Care by Volvo carried a convenience premium of approximately 5% over traditional leasing when comparing total costs. For a 24-month period with an XC60-equivalent vehicle:
| Option | Total 24-Month Cost |
|---|---|
| Care by Volvo (when available) | $23,040 |
| Current lease plus insurance | $21,936 |
| Financing option | $24,800 |
The subscription service was positioned between traditional leasing and financing in terms of total cost but offered significantly more flexibility and included services.
Alternative Subscription Services in 2025
If you’re still set on a subscription model despite Volvo’s exit, some options remain:
Porsche Drive
The only remaining major OEM subscription service offers three tiers:
- Monthly fees ranging from $1,500 to over $3,100
- Access to various Porsche models including 911, Cayenne, and Panamera
- All-inclusive pricing with insurance and maintenance
SIXT+
This third-party service provides multi-brand subscriptions:
- Starting around $649-$899 monthly
- $199 sign-up fee
- Month-to-month flexibility
- Available in most major cities
Who Benefits From Car Subscriptions?
While Volvo’s subscription is no longer an option, the model might appeal to specific users:
Good For:
- Urban dwellers who want occasional car access without ownership commitments
- Business travelers needing temporary vehicle access
- People wanting to test different vehicle types before purchasing
- Those prioritizing convenience over cost optimization
Not Good For:
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking the lowest monthly payments
- High-mileage drivers (most services have strict limits)
- Long-term vehicle users who prefer ownership
Are Traditional Volvo Leases Worth It in 2025?
For most Volvo shoppers in 2025, traditional leasing offers the best value proposition. Here’s why:
- Lower Monthly Commitment: Current lease offers start at $449 for the XC40, significantly less than the $650+ subscription costs
- More Control: You can negotiate terms, mileage allowances, and choose your own insurance
- No Availability Issues: Unlike the limited subscription inventory, dealerships maintain robust selections
- Potential Tax Benefits: Business users may qualify for tax advantages with leasing
The main disadvantage compared to subscriptions is the longer commitment period (typically 36 months) and the down payment requirement.
Is Buying a Volvo Outright Better Than Leasing?
Financing a Volvo purchase makes sense if:
- You’re a high-mileage driver: No restrictions on annual mileage
- You plan to keep the car long-term: After the loan is paid off, your costs drop significantly
- You want to customize your vehicle: Ownership allows for modifications
- You prefer building equity: Unlike leasing, payments build toward full ownership
The Volvo Cars Financial Services program offers competitive rates for qualified buyers, making purchasing more attractive than in years past.
The Future of Car Access Models
The subscription experiment’s failure doesn’t mean the concept is dead forever. Some experts predict subscriptions might resurface in an all-electric future, where vehicle switching for different use cases becomes more valuable.
What might work better in the future:
- Hybrid models that combine aspects of leasing and subscription
- Membership-based services with tiered access to different vehicles
- Shared fleet services managed by dealer networks rather than manufacturers
- On-demand short-term access for specific use cases
Volvo Safety and Technology in 2025
While the subscription model is gone, Volvo’s commitment to safety and technology remains. The 2025 lineup features:
- Advanced driver assistance systems that exceed NHTSA safety standards
- Expanded electrification with more hybrid and full-electric options
- Google-built infotainment with native Google Maps and Assistant
- Over-the-air updates that improve vehicle functionality over time
These features are available regardless of whether you lease or purchase your Volvo.
Making the Right Volvo Decision in 2025
Without the subscription option, your decision comes down to leasing vs. buying. Here’s a simple framework:
- How long do you plan to keep the car? Less than 3 years: lease. More than 5 years: buy.
- How many miles do you drive annually? Over 15,000: buying makes more sense.
- Do you value having the newest features? Leasing gives you a new car every few years.
- Is budget your primary concern? Calculate total costs for both options based on your situation.
Why Volvo Still Stands Out Without Subscriptions
Even without the innovative subscription model, Volvo continues to distinguish itself in the luxury market:
- Industry-leading safety innovations continue to set standards
- Scandinavian design aesthetic provides a distinctive alternative to German luxury
- Commitment to sustainability with increasing electrification
- Competitive warranty coverage with 4-year/50,000-mile protection
For shoppers who were attracted to Care by Volvo, the company’s traditional leasing options now offer the closest equivalent experience, just with a longer commitment period and separate insurance costs.
The Bottom Line: Is Volvo Worth It in 2025?
Is a Volvo subscription worth it in 2025? It’s a moot point since the service no longer exists. However, Volvo vehicles themselves continue to offer compelling value through traditional purchase methods.
The current leasing options represent the best balance of affordability and flexibility for most shoppers, with monthly payments below what the subscription service charged, albeit with separate insurance costs and down payments.
For those absolutely set on a subscription model, third-party services like SIXT+ offer alternatives, though without the Volvo-specific benefits and potentially at higher costs.
The subscription experiment showed that while innovative access models generate buzz, most car shoppers still prefer traditional ownership or leasing options that have stood the test of time.
