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: For 2017, Volvo XC90 adds a new topline Excellence model. Excellence uses the T8 drivetrain and deletes the third-row seat, but adds luxury equipment such as heated/ventilated and massaging rear bucket seats, Bowers and Wilkins sound system, and a beverage refrigerator. All models gain Spotify and Park and Pay apps. Volvo XC90 was 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; while 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. 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 | 4 or 7 |
| Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Volvo |
| Nation of Manufacture | Sweden |
| Base Prices | T5 Momentum: $45,750 AWD T5 Momentum: $47,750 T5 R-Design: $51,150 AWD T5 R-Design: $53,150 AWD T6 Momentum: $52,250 AWD T6 R-Design: $56,250 AWD T6 Inscription: $57,050 AWD T8 R-Design: $67,800 AWD T8 Inscription: $68,600 AWD Excellence: $104,900 |
| 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) 54 MPGe; 25 (gas only) |
