2020 Volvo XC90

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: The 2020 Volvo XC90 gets a few styling tweaks and all models now have a 12.3-inch control screen. Second-row captain’s chairs are newly available on Momentum and Inscription models. The T8 hybrid powertrain has a larger capacity battery that increases horsepower from 400 to 410, plus a new energy-recovery braking system that is said to improve fuel economy. The topline Excellence model has been dropped. The Volvo XC90 is premium midsize crossover SUV with a three-row, six- or seven-passenger seating layout. A trio of high-tech 4-cylinder powertrains is offered. 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 410 horsepower). T5s are available with front- or all-wheel drive. All T6 and T8 models have standard all-wheel drive. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, oncoming-lane mitigation, blind-spot alert, and cross-traffic alert. 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. All models have standard Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system that controls steering, braking, and acceleration to help follow traffic in a chosen lane. The XC90 is at 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.