Source: www.volvocars.com
Electrified midsize luxury SUV designed for families
Price From $57,095 – To $80,995
by SUViews Editor | Jun 6, 2023
Overview
When it comes to elegant design, unwavering safety, and Scandinavian craftsmanship, Volvo has long been an undeniable force in the automotive industry. With a rich history dating back nearly a century, the Swedish automaker has consistently pushed boundaries and redefined excellence in the pursuit of crafting remarkable vehicles. Among its notable achievements, the Volvo XC90 stands tall as a true embodiment of the brand’s commitment to innovation, luxury, and safety.
Since its introduction in 2002, the Volvo XC90 has captivated discerning drivers worldwide, strengthening its foothold as a frontrunner in the fiercely competitive midsize luxury SUV segment. Offering a harmonious blend of Scandinavian elegance, cutting-edge technology, and top-notch performance, this remarkable vehicle has continued to set new standards for its class, winning over the hearts of critics and consumers alike.
The XC90’s ascent to success can be attributed to Volvo’s dedication to safety, an area where the company has long been an industry pioneer. With an extensive suite of advanced safety features, including intelligent driver-assistance systems and impeccable crash protection measures, the XC90 is a stalwart guardian of passenger well-being. Besides safety, the vehicle boasts an interior environment exuding opulence and meticulous attention to detail. The cabin’s sleek design, premium materials, and minimalist aesthetic create a serene environment that envelops occupants in a world of refined luxury.
Whether you’re going on a cross-country road trip or tackling daily commutes, the XC90 ensures every journey is a first-class experience, effortlessly blending comfort and sophistication.
Performance, Engine, and Comfort
Engine & Performance
Electrification is available even for the entry-level trim, which helps in improving the overall performance and fuel economy. The engines are powerful and reliable.
Engine
The base model is powered by a 2-liter turbo engine and 48V electric motor, generating 247 hp. There is another variant available which bumps up the combined output to 295 hp. Recharge trims get the most powerful PHEV setup (inline four paired with electric motors) in this lineup, producing an output of 455 hp.
Transmission
The engines are paired with 8-speed automatic transmission.
Suspension
The vehicle comes with front control arms and rear multi link suspension. Air suspension is available as an optional feature (for an additional $1800) which easily smoothes out road bumps.
Steering
The steering strikes a good balance between being heavyweight and lightweight, and offers accurate steering response.
Safety & Reliability
The vehicle has a JD Power reliability score of 76/100, and it’s a part of IIHS’ Top Safety Pick+ list.
Brakes
Volvo XC90 uses 14.4-inch vented discs for front brakes and 13.4-inch vented discs for rear brakes. Emergency braking preparation and emergency braking assist are standard.
Airbags
This luxury SUV comes equipped with different types of airbags to keep the driver and the passengers protected in case of a collision. It has driver and passenger airbags, driver’s knee airbag, side-impact airbags, and curtain airbags as part of the standard package.
Electronics
Blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, pre and post-collision safety systems, driver attention alert, lane keep assist, and rear cross traffic alert are some of the notable electronic safety features.
Lights
The standard safety feature list includes adaptive headlights, LED headlamp, daytime running lights, cornering lights, and front fog lights.
Traction control
Traction control, available as a standard feature in the Volvo XC90, is a technology designed to enhance the vehicle’s stability and control on various road surfaces and weather conditions. By constantly monitoring the rotational speed of the wheels and detecting any slippage, the system applies individual brakes and adjusts engine power to ensure optimal traction. This not only improves the vehicle’s handling and maneuverability but also enhances overall safety for both the driver and passengers.
Fuel Economy
In this lineup, electrification makes a big difference in efficiency. If low fuel consumption is your ultimate aim, you can check out the PHEV powertrain options and choose one that suits your needs.
Engine size
The base variant is a turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2-liter engine. The engine pairs with electric motors to increase efficiency.
Gas per mileage consumption
The powertrain with 247 hp output is good for 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, while the 295 hp variant delivers 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The Recharge trim offers a mileage of 66 MPGe.
Interior
The interior is thoughtfully designed, providing a good balance of spaciousness, practicality, and comfort. There is enough legroom in all seats except the third row, the boxy shape of the vehicle enhances its cargo hauling ability, and the use of premium materials in the cabin give the vehicle a truly premium feel. Overall, the interior gets a big thumbs up.
Seats
The front seats have a legroom of 40.9 inches, premium upholstery, 8-way power driver’s seat with height adjustment and lumbar support, memorized seat settings, and multi-level heating. The rear seats are comfortable as well, boasting a legroom of 37 inches, reclining seats, and folding center armrest.
Design
The aesthetics and design language of Volvo XC90 are in tune with its luxury image. Both the interior and exterior design is commendable, and as you take this one out for a spin, it’s bound to turn heads.
Infotainment
You get a sleek 9-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system comes with 10 speakers, USB connection, satellite radio, and optional WiFi hotspot. While the infotainment system is intuitive and simple to operate, the automaker could do away with the hard buttons.
Overall height and space
This vehicle is 195 inches long, 84.3 inches wide, and 69.9 inches in height. It has a ground clearance of 8.8 inches.
Trunk space
The SUV has a maximum cargo capacity of 85.7 cubic feet, but the base cargo volume is only 11 cubic feet.
Price and Extras
When considering the Volvo XC90, it’s worth noting that the higher trims undoubtedly boast extravagant luxury and impressive performance, but they also come with a hefty price tag. But if you have a higher budget and seek the utmost in opulence and power, these upper-level trims are an excellent choice. On the other hand, the middle trims of the Volvo XC90 provide a compelling proposition, as they offer a remarkable blend of premium amenities, advanced safety technologies, and satisfying performance, all at a more accessible price point. These trims cater to individuals who desire a sophisticated driving experience without breaking the bank.
Market Price
The all new Volvo XC90 comes in 6 trim levels — Core, Plus, Ultimate, Recharge Core, Recharge Plus, and Recharge Ultimate.
| Trim Level | Base Price |
| Core | $57,095 |
| Plus | $60,995 |
| Ultimate | $70,295 |
| Recharge Core | $72,995 |
| Recharge Plus | $74,695 |
| Recharge Ultimate | $80,995 |
AWD/FWD
All-wheel drive is standard across all trim levels in this lineup.
Warranty
When the segment is luxury, we often expect more from the automakers. While Volvo’s warranty front is nothing remarkable, the company does make the deal sweeter by offering complimentary maintenance for 3 years or 36,000 miles. The basic offerings include limited warranty coverage for 4 years or 50,000 miles, powertrain warranty for 4 years or 50,000 miles, and electrical component warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles.
Extras
The vehicle has a maximum towing capacity of 5000 pounds, which is definitely impressive for this segment.
Verdict
The Volvo XC90 proves to be an excellent choice for families seeking a versatile and luxurious SUV. Its premium interior offers a comfortable and refined driving experience, while the range of engine options ensures ample power and efficiency. The notable aspect of the XC90 is that all models are electrified, contributing to a greener future. However, it’s worth noting that the top trims of the XC90 can be on the expensive side, potentially limiting its accessibility for some buyers. However, considering its overall package of safety, performance, and eco-consciousness, the Volvo XC90 remains a solid purchase for those seeking a well-rounded family SUV.
