Pros: Spacious, luxuriously trimmed cabin; economical-for-the-class 4-cylinder engine; broad range of unconventional safety and technology features
Cons: Third-row seats are a bit cramped for adults; some complicated touchscreen controls; fully-equipped models are very pricey
CG Says: After taking the 2015 model year off, the Volvo XC90 is redesigned for 2016. The new XC90 retains a three-row, seven-passenger seating layout but adds a host of new safety and technology features and a trio of high-tech 4-cylinder powertrains. A turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder powers T5 models, a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder powers T6 models, and the T8 plug-in hybrid uses the T6 engine coupled with an electric motor in back to drive the rear wheels (and deliver a combined 400 horsepower). T5s are available with front- or all-wheel drive. All T6 and T8 models have standard all-wheel drive. All powertrains are available in base Momentum, sporty R-Design, and luxury Inscription trim levels. In addition to the expected list of available luxury and technology features, the XC90 offers unusual options such as an integral second-row child booster seat, active air suspension with height adjustment, parallel and perpendicular park assist, and a windshield head-up display. The XC90’s long-overdue redesign vaults it to the head of the premium midsize SUV class. It offers excellent all-around refinement, a smorgasbord of available features, and cushy road manners, all while maintaining a distinct Scandinavian character.
| Class | Premium Midsize SUV |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door wagon |
| Passenger Count | 7 |
| Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Volvo |
| Nation of Manufacture | Sweden |
| Base Prices | T5 Momentum: $43,950 AWD T5 Momentum: $45,950 T5 R-Design: $49,350 AWD T5 R-Design: $51,350 T5 Inscription: $51,250 AWD T5 Inscription: $53,250 AWD T6 Momentum: $49,800 AWD T6 R-Design: $53,800 AWD T6 Inscription: $55,400 AWD T8 Momentum: $68,100 AWD T8 R-Design: $70,000 AWD T8 Inscription: $71,600 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 250 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 22 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 25-26 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged/supercharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 316 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 20 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 25 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged/supercharged 2.0-liter 4-cyl./electric |
| Horsepower 400 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA Combined Range (mpg) 53 MPGe; 25 (gas only) |
