When Volvo was headed towards inevitable doom on American soil, it's the XC90 that brought them back into the game. Sitting at the top of the Volvo's lineup, the XC90 is the standing testimony of true luxury- Scandinavian style. It is studded with the best of equipment from Volvo and its Thor's hammer-LED headlamps further accentuate the presence of the car. Its huge dimensions mean it can ferry a family of seven comfortably.
However, people always look forward to changes and Volvo had dragged the same design language for almost a decade now, which again resulted in the declination of the sales numbers. Come 2015, the XC90 went under the scalpel and emerged as a much better iteration with a minimalistic design language, as most of the functions have now been taken over by a large touchscreen infotainment unit resting right in the middle of the dash. It has been receiving minor updates ever since the refreshment with each passing year. Oh and let's not forget, the XC90 is one of the very few vehicles to be known as the safest vehicle on the planet.
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Post the refreshment, the XC90 has been one of the most sold Volvos in America. A brand that was mainly known for its wagons has now gotten a new identity in the form of the XC90. That said, its generous pricing and a plethora of standard driving assist features are some of its USPs and the impeccable ride quality just enhances it more.
Irrespective of the trim you go for, every XC90 is equipped with a twin-charged, 2.0L, inline-4 motor under the hood. With the prices starting at $47,200 for the base trim, the XC90 locks horns with some other equally reputed rivals like Audi Q7, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Acura MDX. Let's move ahead and put things into motion.
2020 Volvo XC90 Front Three-quarter View
2020 Volvo XC90 Rear Three-quarter View
8.0/10 Features
7.0/10 Engine and Performance
8.0/10 Interior
9.5/10 Safety
2020 Volvo XC90 Features
8.0/10
The 2020 Volvo XC90 is offered in three engine options and four trim variants. The starting price of the 2020 XC90 is $47,200 which goes to $105,000. The powertrains are distributed in different configurations T5, T6 and T8. The XC90 R-design is the sportier among all the trims, featuring major exterior and interior upgrades.
The Inscription trim gets most luxury features of all. This trim is available with T6 and T8 engine options. If you opt the T8 hybrid, you get spectacular gearshift knob.
Plugin Hybrid Vehicle, 400 hp, 87 hp Electric Motor
LED Headlights w/ Thor's Hammer Daytime Running Lights & Auto Highbeam
R-Design Grille Metal Mesh Aluminum Inlays
Inscription Grille Linear Walnut Wood Inlays
Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound System
Collision Mitigation Support
R-Design 3-Spoke Steering Wheel
12.3-inch Digital Instrument Display
Beverage Cooler/Refrigerator
Front Sensus Navigation
Front and Rear Seats w/High-spec Ventilation and Massage Function
We Recommend
We would recommend the Volvo XC90 Momentum as it is nicely priced and available with standard features. It comes with features like heated front seats, four-zone automatic climate control and adaptive headlights.
2020 Volvo XC90 Engine and Performance
7.0/10
"The 2020 Volvo XC90 has decent overall performance. The base engine is underpowered, but two other optional engines deliver more power. Fuel economy is good for the class. The XC90 delivers a comfortable ride and stable cornering ability."- cars.usnews
The base XC90 SUV T5 trim is powered by a 2.0-liter 4 cylinder engine throughout the lineup. The base XC90 momentum churns out 250 hp while the powerful T6 propels 316 hp. You get three engine choices with the 2020 Volvo XC90 SUV. The T5 model is the only model that comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is optional. The other two available engine options come standard with AWD.
2020 Volvo XC90 Engine
The T6 is powered with a twin-charged (turbocharged and supercharged) four-cylinder powertrain that produces 316 horsepower. It's good for daily commuting as it offers quick acceleration with no issue. At last, the XC90 T8 os offerd with a plug-in hybrid powertrai, attached to a inline-four twin-charged engine with an electric motor to propel a combined 400 horsepower. All the XC90 models are offered with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Models
Volvo XC90 T5 Momentum SUV
Acura MDX SUV
Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI Premium SUV
Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring SUV
BMW X5xDrive 40i Sports Activity Vehicle
Mercedes GLE 400 4Matic SUV
MSRP
$47,200
$45,295
$53,550
$41,835
$61,695
$56,695
Engine
2.0L i4
3.5L V6
2.0L i4
2.5L i4
2.0L i6
3.0L V6
Transmission
8 Speed automatic
9 Speed automatic
8 Speed automatic
6 Speed automatic
8 Speed automatic
9 Speed automatic
Horsepower
250 hp@ 5500rpm
290 hp@ 6200rpm
252 hp@ 5000rpm
227 hp@ 5000rpm
335 hp@ 5500rpm
329 hp@ 5250 rpm
Torque
258 ft-lbs@ 1500rpm
267 ft-lbs@ 4700rpm
273 ft-lbs@ 1600rpm
310 ft-lbs@ 2000rpm
330 ft-lbs@ 1500rpm
354 ft-lbs@ 1600rpm
Acceleration
The SUV has shown decent acceleration figures despites its size. The XC90 can sprint to 60 MPG in 7.5 seconds. However, other competitors are way faster in this regard. The BMW X5 turns out to be the fastest with 5.3 seconds.
2020 Volvo XC90 Acceleration
The best thing about the XC90 SUV is its calm and composed ride quality. It offers smooth cruising on any kind of terrain. The optional four-corner air suspension ($1,800 option in momentum and inspiration) further improves the ride quality. However, complete noise cancellation isn't available with air suspension equipped XC90.
Models
Volvo XC90 T5 Momentum SUV
Acura MDX SUV
Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI Premium SUV
Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring SUV
BMW X5 xDrive 40i Sports Activity Vehicle
Mercedes GLE 400 4Matic SUV
0-60 MPH
7.5 sec
6.3 sec
5.9 sec
7 sec
5.3 sec
N/A
Quarter mile
15.3 sec
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Engine
2.0L i4
3.5L V6
2.0L i4
2.5L i4
2.0L i6
3.0L V6
Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.4
N/A
N/A
Braking
All the four wheels of Volvo XC90 come with steel disc brakes. The brake pedal is soft and inspires confidence while driving. The SUV offers a braking distance of 113 feet (halt from 60 mph). Also, the 2020 XC90 comes standard with automatic emergency braking.
2020 Volvo XC90 Tire
Model
Volvo XC90 T5 Momentum SUV
Acura MDX SUV
Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI Premium SUV
Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring SUV
BMW X5 xDrive 40i Sports Activity Vehicle
Mercedes GLE 400 4Matic SUV
Brake Front (in.)
13.2
12.6
14.8
12.6
N/A
13
Brake Rear (in.)
12.1
13
13.8
12.8
N/A
12.8
Curb Weight (lbs.)
4771
4032
4696
4217
4813
4751
60-0 MPH (ft.)
113
116
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Towing Capacity
The Volvo XC90 is capable of towing around 4000 pounds, which is pretty decent in this class. However, the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz 400 4matic offers towing capacity of 6600 and 7200, respectively.
Model
Volvo XC90 T5 Momentum SUV
Acura MDX SUV
Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI Premium SUV
Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring SUV
BMW X5 xDrive 40i Sports Activity Vehicle
Mercedes GLE 400 4Matic SUV
Towing Capacity (lbs)
4000
3500
4400
3500
6600
7200
2020 Volvo XC90 Fuel Economy
Those folks at Volvo definitely were quite serious about the fuel efficiency when they decided to install a small four-cylinder into the large XC90. The XC90 is just marginally more efficient than the competitor even in most efficient guise. That's a real disappointment considering that XC90 also has compromised performance and engine refinement compared to the rivals.
Model
Volvo XC90 T5 Momentum SUV
Acura MDX SUV
Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI Premium SUV
Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring SUV
BMW X5 xDrive 40i Sports Activity Vehicle
Mercedes GLE 400 4Matic SUV
MPG (city)
21
20
19
22
18
17
MPG (highway)
29
27
25
28
24
23
MPG (combined)
24
23
21
24
20
20
2020 Volvo XC90 Interior
8.0/10
"A bit of a mixed bag from Volvo. Materials, design and workmanship are very good, class-leading in some areas. Ergonomics and functionality are behind the leaders. The centerpiece of the XC90 is a big 9-inch touchscreen that is quick to respond, but it controls more functions than it should." - Edmunds
Seating and Comfort
The XC90's interior offers amazing space and features. Right from the attractive options to the material quality, we only wish that there were more cars of this kind. The third row doesn't offer much space. However, it manages to offer more legroom than some of its prominent rivals. Available as option, the XC90 has either two or four massaging seats on offer, a rear-seat beverage cooler, a crystalline shifter knob, and handcrafted Swedish-crystal tumblers.
2020 Volvo XC90 Seating
Model
Volvo XC90 T5 Momentum SUV
Acura MDX SUV
Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI Premium SUV
Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring SUV
BMW X5 xDrive 40i Sports Activity Vehicle
Mercedes GLE 400 4Matic SUV
Passenger capacity
7
7
7
7
5
5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
38.9/57.7/40.9
38.1/61.1/41.4
38.4/59.5/41.7
39.3/57.9/41.0
40.8/60/39.8
38.9/58.5/40.3
Second
(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
38.5/56.5/37.0
38.3/59.1/36.6
38.8/58.5/38.8
38.5/58.1/39.4
38.7/58.1/37.4
38.5/58.4/38.4
There's a panaromic sunroof available as standard across the range. The XC90 SUV offers best in class headroom in the segment. As per Volvo, there's equal importance to all the occupants.
Interior Features
4-Zone Electronic Climate System
Power Driver Seat W/Memory
Heated Front Seats (Optional)
Heated Rear Seats (Optional)
Heated Steering Wheel (Optional)
360 Degree Surround View Camera (Optional)
Cargo volume
The Volvo XC90`s exemplary exterior styling has turned out to be plus point by offering best in class luggage space across the lineup. With all three seats up, the XC90 offers a cargo volume of 16 cubic feet shared with Audi Q7. With the second row folded, the capacity increases to 42 cubic feet marginally greater than the Audi Q7 (41 cubic feet).
Caption
When all rows are folded, the XC90 can accomodate all of your luggage with 86 cubic feet of luggage volume. The lowering of rear end for convenient loading of luggage is further facilitated by the optional air suspension.
"The Volvo XC90 SUV's exterior is equally elegant with no small dose of strength. Just look to those T-shaped LED running lights, dubbed "Thor's Hammer," or that significant grille with a large Volvo emblem floating in the middle." - Kelley Blue Book
Design and Styling
The Volvo XC90 follows the tradition by offering tasteful design keeping minimalistic approach. The crisp and sharp design elements add more refinement to the SUV. Dimensionwise, the XC90 SUV offers a bold stance on the road.
2020 Volvo XC90 Side View
Model
Volvo XC90 T5 Momentum SUV
Acura MDX SUV
Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI Premium SUV
Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring SUV
BMW X5 xDrive 40i Sports Activity Vehicle
Mercedes GLE 400 4Matic SUV
Curb weight (lbs.)
4771
4032
4696
4217
4813
4751
Length(in)
194.9
196.2
199.6
199.4
194.3
189.1
Width(in)
79.1
77.7
77.5
77.5
78.9
78.9
Height(in)
69.9
67.4
68.5
69.0
69
70.7
Ground clearance (in)
9.4
7.3
8.1
8.8
8.5
7.2
Wheelbase (in)
117.5
111.0
117.9
115.3
117.1
114.8
Track width (in) F/R
65.7/65.8
66.3/66.3
66.1/66.6
65.3/65.2
66.1/66.9
64.9/65.2
2020 Volvo XC90 side view2020 Volvo XC90 front view2020 Volvo XC902020 Volvo XC90 side view2020 Volvo XC90 rear view2020 Volvo XC90 emblem2020 Volvo XC90 headlight
2020 Volvo XC90 Safety
9.5/10
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rated the 2020 XC90 with a five-star overall crash test rating. The XC90 scored five out of five stars in the frontal and side crash tests and four stars in the rollover test. The XC90 the highest rating of Good in five individual crash tests conducted by the IIHS. The XC90 earned the best rating "Superior" for its front crash prevention features, as well as "Acceptable" for headlights.
2020 Volvo XC90 Safety Feature
Safety Features
The 2020 Volvo XC90 is loaded with an array of safety features listed below.
Rear Door Child Safety Locks
Cornering Lights
Turn Signal Mirrors
Daytime Running Lights
Engine Immobilizer
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags
Stability Control
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
2 Front Headrests
3 Rear Headrests
Tire Pressure Monitoring
Traction Control
Front, Rear And Third Row Head Airbags
Pre-Collision Safety System
4-Wheel ABS
Self-Leveling Headlights
Emergency Braking Preparation
Front Fog/Driving Lights
Rear Center 3-Point Belt
Post-Collision Safety System
Child Seat Anchors
Emergency Braking Assist
LED Headlamps
Blind Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System
Rear Folding Headrest
Adaptive Headlights
2020 Volvo XC90 Competition
2020 Volvo XC90 vs Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 is one of the most well-crafted luxury SUV in its segment. It offre convenient packag along with ample interior space. It's also one of the fastest in the segment with a supercharged V6 that's certainly more accomplished than the XC90`s small 2.0-liter Inline-4.
2020 Audi Q7
2020 Volvo XC90 vs Acura MDX
The Acura MDX is a great value for money car if you are looking for spacious interior. Acura has also included semi-autonomous driving technologies. However, the Acura MDX lacks panache of the XC90 like any other SUV in the segment.
2020 Acura MDX
2020 Volvo XC90 Final Verdict
Its been two years since the inception of the second generation Volvo XC90 in the market. It still remains one of the most handsome and charming SUV inside-out. It is very practical and offers useful third-row seating and boot space. Meanwhile, the Volvos try to churn out maximum power from the 2.0-liter engine while the competitors bet on the larger engine with smooth transmission. Having a good reputation on the safety part, you will feel relaxed while driving the Volvo XC90.
