2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 is a potential and capable SUV that ranks high in terms of luxury and safety. We would recommend you to buy the Volvo XC90 T6 Momentum trim as it comes loaded with the most useful and practical features and also offers AWD as standard for an expected price of just $58,500.

After the recent discontinuation of the top-end Excellence trim, the 2022 Volvo XC90 will be available in three trim levels: T5 Momentum, T6 Momentum, and T6 Inscription, and three drivetrain options including the plug-in hybrid model. The base Momentum trim will start at around $51,995. As standard, the Momentum trims come with 7 seats but can be optioned with middle-row captain seats for $8,450 extra. Next in line is the XC90 T6 Momentum trim which is available with the 2.0L turbocharged and supercharged unit, and will start at around $59,395. The top-end Inscription trim is priced at around $65,695.

All the trims are decked up with the latest set of features. Although for 2022, there are a few optional extras and also a few features updates being brought in. With the recent update, all models now get front parking sensors, LED headlights, high-pressure headlight washers, Built-in navigation, wireless charging, and a Care Key system, as standard.

Some clattering from the chassis over particularly sharp bumps betrays minor imperfections, one of only a few grievances with the otherwise graceful XC90 - Car and Driver

Since the 2022 Volvo XC90 is expected to be majorly a carryover model, it will be available with three powertrains: T5, T6, and T8 Recharge. All three options use the same 2.0L turbocharged engine paired to a slick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model is available in both FWD and AWD configurations and gets the 2.0L turbocharged Inline-4 engine that produces 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Upgrading to the T6 model adds standard AWD and supercharging into the mix, bumping the power and torque figures up to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft.

The top-end T8 Recharge powertrain adds an electric motor and produces 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. It is also capable of reaching 60 MPH in just 5.3 seconds, which is commendable for such a large and luxurious SUV with excellent efficiency. Unsurprisingly, the XC90 is the slowest of the bunch from 0-60 MPH, with all of its rivals getting bigger 3.0L engines. The BMW X5 tops the list with a 0-60 MPH time of just 5.3 seconds followed by the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 at 7.0 seconds. The Audi Q7 also managed to outpace the XC90.

All models get a towing capacity of 5000 pounds. The T6 XC90 model hits 60 MPH in just 6.1 seconds and crosses the quarter-mile in 16 seconds. The steering is accurate with plenty of feedback, and as expected for a large SUV, there is a lot of body roll during hard corners. The softer suspension setup gives the 2022 XC90 a calm and comfortable ride, especially when equipped with the optional air suspension. Unlike some of its rivals, the XC90 is not aimed at off-roading and is best used on the smooth tarmac where it blends in perfectly.

Because the 2022 XC90 will be a carryover model, we can expect similar EPA ratings of 21 MPG in the city and an impressive 30 MPG on the highway. The XC90 however, lacks fuel tank capacity with just 18.8 gallons on offer, giving it a highway range of 526 miles. The smaller engine capacity helps the XC90 get the best efficiency among its rivals with similar performance.

On opting for the T6 variant, the 2022 XC90 is able to deliver 19 and 27 MPG in the city and highway respectively, whereas the T8 Recharge variant, with the electric motor, and the 2.0L engine allows the 2022 XC90 to deliver 26 and 28 MPG in the city and highway respectively, with 18 miles of total EV range. Both the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE lead with a combined efficiency of 23 MPG and get bigger fuel tanks. The Audi Q7 is the least efficient with a combined rating of 22 MPG.

Inside the quiet cabin nearly every touchpoint feels expensive, and the seats are supremely comfortable - Motortrend

The 2022 Volvo XC90 will continue to get elegant yet simple interiors with high-quality materials used everywhere. The seats are extremely comfortable and the third row is also quite spacious enough. The big 9-inch touchscreen system continues to dominate the dashboard housing almost all the controls including the climate control system. Volvo however, does provide physical audio controls below it for easier access without taking your eyes off the road. The unique crystal shifter is a joy to look at and use. The 12.3-inch driver’s display houses all the information and now even come with Built-in navigation.

The thick three-spoke steering wheel houses plenty of controls for easy access and feels premium. All models get a 7 seater configuration as standard with bench seats in the second and third row. The optional 6 seater configuration gets comfortable captain seats in the middle row with a lot more adjustability on offer. The front seats get power-adjustability as standard with memory function for the driver, and all models get 4-zone climate control along with vents for all three rows.

The unique 9-inch tablet-like touchscreen system dominates the dashboard and is standard across the range. The new Sensus operating system has improved its interface, and every model now gets Apple Carplay and Android Auto as standard. Usual connectivity options like Bluetooth and USB are available along with SiriusXM and HD radio. Higher trims also get the capable Sensus navigation system, Wi-Fi hotspot, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system with an air-ventilated subwoofer. The 2022 Volvo XC90 comes with a 15.8 cu. ft of cargo space. Both the second and third rows can be folded flat to increase cargo capacity but because of the layout, it is limited compared to some rivals.

Its exterior is low-key yet eye-catching, with chiseled details and excellent proprotions - Motortrend

With the recent facelift, the 2021 Volvo XC90 received a revised front and rear end with a new front grille design. We can expect the same design to be carried forward to 2022 with minimal changes. The classy Scandanavian design still shines through with curved body panels and the signature LED headlights. For 2022, the Volvo XC90 now removes the visible tailpipes and hides them in plain sight.

The design still looks modern even after all the years. The rear end is a typical Volvo with LED light guides and dual exhausts. The recent updates also added LED swiveling headlights as standard. The R-Design model gets a sportier design with a gloss-black grille and several R-Design elements.

Some of the notable exterior features expected to be offered on 2022 MY include the following:

• Automatic LED swiveling headlights
• 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
• Dual integrated exhausts
• Integrated roof rails
• Matte silver front grille with chrome frame
• body-colored door handles
• LED fog lights
• Panoramic moonroof
• Powered liftgate

Volvo has always been a pioneer in the safety department, and their engineering shines through with their flagship SUV. The Volvo XC90 continues to be one of the safest SUVs in its class, earning the highest scores in both the NHTSA and IIHS safety tests. It also earned the coveted “Top Safety Pick+” award from the IIHS. Volvo also equips the 2022 XC90 with a plethora of standard safety features. With such a stellar safety record, we can expect the 2022 model to be even safer than the current one. The active safety systems also received a “Superior” rating from the IIHS. 

Some standard safety features that will be offered on the 2022 Volvo XC90 are as follows:

• Road sign information
• Lane keep assist
• Oncoming lane mitigation
• Hill-start assist
• Blind-spot monitoring system
• Cross-traffic alert with auto-brake
• Steering assist
• Lane Departure warning
• Adaptive Cruise control

2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 Audi Q7

For 2022, the Audi Q7 is slated to get a slew of updates including several safety features. As for the current model, the XC90 offers a lot more technology and is cheaper than the Q7. The Audi Q7, however, gets more premium interiors and a roomier cabin. Both these SUVs are slated to get new updates, but the XC90 continues to offer the most value. The XC90 also gets a plug-in hybrid powertrain, unlike the Q7. 

2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 BMW X5

The BMW X5 caters to customers looking for better performance and handling. The X5 also gets a superior cabin with better build quality and a long list of features. The XC90 gets a more spacious cabin with more cargo space and is also more efficient. The XC90 is also equipped with a lot more standard safety features. For 2022, the BMW X5 is slated to get a refresh with a revised front end and a more efficient powertrain. Unlike the XC90, the BMW X5 can seat only 5 passengers, limiting its practicality for larger families.

Even though the second generation of the XC90 has been around for a while, it still looks modern and contemporary withs several features added on over the years. For 2022, the XC90 will most likely and majorly be a carryover model because of the recent facelift. For now, the XC90 continues to be one of the best options on the market with affordable pricing and plenty of safety features on offer. The T8 recharge model is surprisingly powerful and one of the only plug-in hybrid models in this segment. Overall, the 2022 XC90 continues to be one of the best luxury SUVs in the market with exceptional safety ratings and a comfortable cabin.