2022 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: For 2022, all Volvo XC90s get a standard navigation system, and the R-Design trim level is now restricted to the Recharge plug-in-hybrid version. Also, the 2022 Volvo XC90 Recharge gets an Extended Range version with a notable increase in horsepower and pure-electric driving range. 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 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder powers T5 models, and a 315-hp turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder powers T6 models; the Recharge T8 plug-in hybrid uses the T6 engine coupled with an electric motor for a combined output of 410 horsepower and an estimated pure-electric driving range of 18 miles. The Extended Range version has 455 horsepower and an estimated pure-electric driving range of 35 miles. 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. The Volvo XC90 has standard wireless cell phone charging, steering-linked LED headlights with washers, and front parking sensors. Connected Safety is a feature that allows Volvos to communicate road hazards (such as ice) to one another. 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, and parallel and perpendicular park assist. All models have standard Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system that controls steering, braking, and acceleration to help follow traffic in a chosen lane. Despite being one of the older basic designs in the segment, the XC90 is one of the best entries in 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.