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Volvo XC90
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The 2016 redesign brought a much nicer vehicle. The XC90 SUV's best qualities include its flexible and comfortable interior, seven-passenger seating capacity, and long list of safety features. Base models use a 250-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo, offered with front- or all-wheel drive. Our tested 316-hp, turbocharged and supercharged version delivered decent punch and returned 20 mpg overall. but had a raspy sound. A plug-in hybrid with an electric range of about 14 miles is available. All versions use an eight-speed automatic. Handling is commendable, but the ride is stiff, though the optional air suspension makes it more comfortable. The interior is quiet, plush, and modern, with super comfortable seats. But audio, phone, and navigation functions are controlled through an unintuitive touch-screen infotainment system. Volvo's Pilot Assist offers a suite of advanced driver assistance features. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert -- two important safety features -- were made standard for 2018. A surround-view camera and front park assist were also available.
Changes for 2020 included a new 12.3-inch display in the instrument panel showing information such as navigation directions, telephone and road signs. Also, the battery size for the plug-in hybrid increased to 11.6 kWh. Volvo announced a refresh for the XC90 planned for 2025, but is simultaneously also selling the prior year's car as a 2025 model into early 2025. The refreshed XC90 features a new 11.2-inch infotainment system, revised exterior styling, and an updated interior. Volvo also promises "improved suspension". The Ultimate trim has been renamed Ultra, and the PHEV version is no longer referred to as the Recharge.
The XC90 SUV's best qualities include its flexible and comfortable interior, seven-passenger seating capacity, and long list of safety features. However, its high curb weight and underpowered engines detract from the driving experience. So-so fuel economy is another negative. The ride is fairly comfortable, if a bit stiff. Handling is responsive and secure. The standard ESC works very well. A Yamaha-built, 4.4-liter V8 mated to a six-speed automatic brought significantly more power in 2006. For 2007, an adequately powerful 3.2-liter six-cylinder replaced the base five-cylinder engine; the V8 was dropped after 2011. Unfortunately, Volvo held off on the redesign too long for the XC90, so by 2013, the model scored too low to be recommended.
