The T5 R-Design trim of the 2021 Volvo XC90 seems like a fair value if you want a luxurious 3 seater crossover SUV. With that, you have distinctive exterior styling and a premium Nappa leather upholstery for the inside. The comfort levels are impressive with the 14-way power heated seats. The optional packages add greater value to the XC90. It bears an MSRP of $55,600, however, opting for the AWD variant will cost you around $1,500 in excess.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 is offered in 5 trim levels with two engine options. The base price climbs up from $49,000 for the T5 Momentum and goes up to $63,250 for the T6 Inscription. Even from the base variant, the SUV gets some interesting standard features such as the adaptive LED headlamps, leather upholstery with aluminum inlays. Now coming to the engine choices, the T5 XC90 gets a turbocharged 2.0L engine, and the T6 variant gets a 316 hp 2.0L turbocharged and supercharged engine.

New additions to the lineup now include the Momentum trim getting both a wireless charging pad and front parking sensors. R-Design and the above trims get treated with standard heated front seats, whereas the top-tier Inscription trim gets plenty of other optional features that are bundled into packages. New for 2021 is the Lounge package, which now includes massaging front seats and a suede headliner amongst others.

The base engine that powers the Volvo XC90 is a turbocharged 2.0L Inline-4 engine. It is a 250 hp motor that gets peak power at 5,500 RPM and outputs a torque of 258 lb-ft at just 1,500 RPM. With the top trims, you get a more powerful 4-cylinder engine with a peak power of 316 hp and a torque output of 295 lb-ft. Both the engines are mated to an 8-Speed Geartronic automatic transmission that comes with selectable driving modes and it ensures slick adaptive shifts to give you a seamless driving experience. The XC90 base powers front wheels where the higher trims get power delivered to all the wheels with the full-time AWD.

The 250-hp engine powering the 2021 XC90 is quite capable with its 7.5 seconds 0-60 MPH sprint and a quarter-mile run that takes 15.5 seconds. The 316 hp engine is more agile and fun to drive with the robust acceleration that pushes it ahead with a 6.5 seconds 0-60 MPH whereas the quarter-mile run takes close to 15.0 seconds where it tops at 143 MPH.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 handles surprisingly well for an SUV this big. It deals with the corners well with minimal body roll but the trade-off is a slightly firm suspension which is further aggravated by bigger alloy wheels. The air suspension does smoothen the drive-by quite a bit but remains on the firmer side of the scale. The base engine is fairly punchy but is a bit noisy and feels a bit rough when the revs are high.

Safety has always been Volvo’s prime selling point and when it's about braking, it won't take any chances. That's why the 2021 XC90 has 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes with ABS and brake assistance with the XC90 to deliver proper braking. With that, you have 13.2-inch brake rotors at the front and smaller 12.1-inch rotors at the back. The XC90 can stop from a speed of 60 MPH in just 115 feet of distance.

Volvo cars have a thing about fuel economy. With the same old idea, the 2021 XC90 has a good enough fuel economy from its 250 hp 4 cylinders. The 2021 XC90 delivers 21 MPG in the city, 30 MPG on the highway, and a combined 25 MPG. The 18.8-gallon tank provides a maximum range of 564 miles which can take you anywhere. With an increase in power on the 316 hp engine, the fuel economy isn't much affected. The XC90 will provide 19 MPG in the city, 28 MPG on the highway, and a combined 22 MPG. The economy isn't that bad for a bump of 66 hp. Still, you have a highway range of 526.4 miles which is still something.

When compared with the rivals, the XC90 has the best fuel economy and an extraordinary highway economy from both powertrains. The BMW X5 gets close to the XC90 with its similar city MPG. The Volvo XC90’s smaller tank does eat up in the estimated range and it could do better with a bigger fuel tank.

Volvo has designed the second-generation XC90 with the same practical approach. Among the luxury brands, it is one the most spacious 3 row SUV. Yet again Volvo has made major changes to the cabin with top-notch luxury features and technology. Its main focus was on quality and comfort, and the XC90 does offer that. When the leather upholstery is mixed with chrome, wood, and aluminum inlays, the interior becomes undeniable. The dashboard offers a massive vertical display at the center as well as a driver's display in the cluster. Ergonomics are also fine, with everything falling to hand.

The XC90 has a standard seating capacity of 7 people whereas the top Inscription trim offers 6 people seating with its 2nd row Captain chairs. For the front row, we have 10-way power adjustments as standard. With that, you have driver's seat memory settings as well. The second row has a 40-20-40 split-bench seat which is foldable to make way for the cargo. At the back, we get dual bucket seats with fold-to-floor options that are suitable for the children. Other than standard leather upholstery, you have Nappa leather upholstery too. Behind its third row, what we are left with is the XC90's 15.8 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 carries a 9.0-inch Sensus Connect touchscreen infotainment. It is a vertical display that ensures proper visibility, usability, and clarity for the ease of the driver. The infotainment supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto device integration. From the R-Design trim onwards, you get the Sensus Satellite navigation pro with a real-time traffic display to let you arrive at your destinations on time.

The new addition is a wireless charging dock and 2-Type C ports that will keep your devices from running out of battery. You can even avail an intuitive 12.3-inch all-digital gauge cluster with the XC90. There is a lot in the XC90 to keep the occupants entertained with some of the highlights being:

• 9-inch touchscreen with navigation
• Standard 10-speaker Bowers and Wilkins audio system
• 360-degree camera system
• Head-up display
• Optional 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
• Optional 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system

The 2021 Volvo XC90 is all about its design. With the second generation model, Volvo has revamped its flagship SUV to make it bolder against the German brands. The sharp front fascia of the 2021 Volvo XC90 is a result of its directional adaptive LED headlamps that will find you the road on its own. The black grille is designed trimmed with chrome surround where the Volvo looks like a medallion at the center. A new aerodynamic bumper offers LED fog lamps with huge air ducts.

The side profile of the XC90 makes you realize that it is a pretty huge SUV. There is a chrome surround on the beltline that gets wider around the fixed third-row windows. From the rear, the XC90 looks like a sporty SUV with those huge dual chrome exhausts. The unique tail lamps have taken shape with the rear fascia of the XC90 and that's what makes them look cool. The 2021 XC90 has 19-inch 6-spoke sparkling silver alloy wheels as standard, that can be upgraded to bigger 20- or 21-inch wheels as well.

Some of the exterior features on offer are-

• 19- /20- /21-inch wheels
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Hands-free liftgate
• Heated wiper blades
• Illuminated door sills
• Black exterior trim (R-Design only)

To make it more agile and safe, the 2021 Volvo XC90 is based on a new SPA platform that makes the structure both lightweight and rigid at the same time. The cabin is protected by a safety cage crafted with high-strength steel to keep the passengers intact. Also, it is a light armored vehicle and that's why it scored a perfect 5 stars on the NHTSA safety test. Moreover, it is the “Top safety pick+” SUV for 2021 MY, awarded by IIHS. Inside, the cabin is protected with 8 standard advanced airbags with occupant detection. Other than that, the 2021 XC90 is equipped with plenty more advanced active safety features.

Some of the standout safety features are as follows:

• Forward collision mitigation 
• Adaptive cruise control 
• Rear cross-traffic alert 
• Rear automatic braking 
• City safety alert and braking
• Rear collision warning

2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350

The Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 gives the closest competition to the Volvo XC90 with its better performance, next-level luxury experience, and technology. In terms of comfort, the XC90 is still behind the GLE 350. If you want a value-for-money SUV with better safety and convenience, the Volvo XC90 is a better pick than the GLE 350 at $49,000.

2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 is the only SUV in the class that gives Volvo XC90 a tough time with its agility, dynamics, and sporty handling. The XC90 is still far away from all that stuff. However, the lightweight structure is a step ahead of the and still gets closer to the BMW X6 with the 316 hp motor that makes it a worthy SUV for its price.

With the recent updates, the 2021 Volvo XC90 looks attractive and capable. The two engine options offer decent performance and a great fuel economy. You have the luxury as well as a practical cabin. A long list of convenience and comfort will keep your ride comfortable and enjoyable. At a starting price of $49,000, the XC90 is the best valued 3-row luxury SUV you can have if you are in for a long haul.