Volvo XC90
Volvo XC90
Volvo XC90

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.

The Facts
Class Premium Midsize SUV
Body Style(s) 4-door wagon
Passenger Count 6 or 7
Drive Wheels front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Manufacturer Volvo
Nation of Manufacture Sweden
Base Prices T5 Momentum 7-passenger: $49,345
AWD T5 Momentum 7-passenger: $51,845
T5 R-Design 7-passenger: $57,095
AWD T5 R-Design 7-passenger: $59,595
AWD T6 Momentum 7-passenger: $57,295
AWD T6 Momentum 6-passenger: $58,595
AWD T6 R-Design 7-passenger: $62,995
AWD T6 Inscription 7-passenger: $63,595
AWD T6 Inscription 6-passenger: $64,095
AWD T8 Momentum 7-passenger: $67,995
AWD T8 Momentum 6-passenger: $68,495
AWD T8 R-Design 7-passenger: $73,695
AWD T8 Inscription 7-passenger: $74,295
AWD T8 Inscription 6-passenger: $74,795

Base Engine
turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (T5)
Horsepower
250
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
20-21
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
27-29

Optional Engine
turbocharged/supercharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (T6)
Horsepower
316
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
19
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
26

Optional Engine
turbocharged/supercharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder/electric motor (T8)
Horsepower
410
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA Combined Gas Range (mpg)
25
EPA Electric Combined Range (MPGe)
58

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