2020 Volvo XC90

2020 XC90 Photos
 Editors' Pick
Autoblog Rating
7.5

While we still love the XC90's overall design, this three-row SUV isn't quite as strong as it was in the face of newer, fresher competition. The hybrid powertrain disappoints, as does the tech. This is a refresh away from being a true class contender.

Industry
8
The 2020 Volvo XC90 may look the same as it did when it launched for 2016 as the first of the new generation of Volvos, but there have been updates under the skin to help it fend off increasing competition among three-row luxury SUVs. First though, that skin: The XC90’s coolly minimalist exterior design set the template for the brand’s current lineup, and still looks fresh. That Scandinavian sensibility is even more evident inside, where a rich palette of materials creates a truly upscale vibe. The XC90’s large vertical touchscreen has improved its processor speed, but we’d still prefer to have a few more functions outside the system. Volvo’s unusual powertrain approach employs a 2.0-liter inline-four that is turbocharged, supercharged, and hybridized into various states of tune. The base T5 can’t be had with AWD, which will knock it out of contention for most buyers. The top T8 PHEV doesn’t really offer enough benefit to justify its extra cost. The sweet spot is the mid-level T6. The XC90 handles well enough and, particularly with its available air springs, now seems to do a better job filtering out ride harshness than did earlier models. Volvo’s Pilot Assist adaptive cruise control is among the more advanced systems out there, and as you’d expect, a full slate of active-safety features is standard.
For 2020, the XC90 offers second-row captain’s chairs for the first time (although they lack the typical fold-down armrests), the digital instrument cluster becomes standard across the board, and the hybrid’s battery capacity increases slightly.

The XC90 is offered in base Momentum, sporty R-Design, and luxe Inscription trim levels. Prices start at $49,345 (with destination) for the Momentum, which can be had with the T5 or T6 powertrains. The R-Design is $57,095 before options and offers all three engine choices. The Inspiration bypasses the base powertrain and opens at $63,595. The XC90 is also joining the brand’s Care by Volvo subscription service, priced at about $800 per month including insurance and maintenance.

In the base, T5 setup, the engine is turbocharged and makes 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The T6 version is supercharged and turbocharged and includes all-wheel drive. It makes 330 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. The T8 variant is a plug-in hybrid, and layers that hardware on top of the T6 engine. With the aid of its electric motors, the T8 brings to bear 400 ponies and 472 lb-ft of torque. Given a fully charged battery and a light foot on the accelerator, it’s also good for 18 miles of engine-off driving. In all cases, an eight-speed automatic transmission does the shifting.

You can use the rest of this page to find more in-depth information about the 2020 Volvo XC90, including features, specs and where to find a good deal near you.

Full Review
The 2020 Volvo XC90 may look the same as it did when it launched for 2016 as the first of the new generation of Volvos, but there have been updates under the skin to help it fend off increasing competition among three-row luxury SUVs. First though, that skin: The XC90’s coolly minimalist exterior design set the template for the brand’s current lineup, and still looks fresh. That Scandinavian sensibility is even more evident inside, where a rich palette of materials creates a truly upscale vibe. The XC90’s large vertical touchscreen has improved its processor speed, but we’d still prefer to have a few more functions outside the system. Volvo’s unusual powertrain approach employs a 2.0-liter inline-four that is turbocharged, supercharged, and hybridized into various states of tune. The base T5 can’t be had with AWD, which will knock it out of contention for most buyers. The top T8 PHEV doesn’t really offer enough benefit to justify its extra cost. The sweet spot is the mid-level T6. The XC90 handles well enough and, particularly with its available air springs, now seems to do a better job filtering out ride harshness than did earlier models. Volvo’s Pilot Assist adaptive cruise control is among the more advanced systems out there, and as you’d expect, a full slate of active-safety features is standard.
For 2020, the XC90 offers second-row captain’s chairs for the first time (although they lack the typical fold-down armrests), the digital instrument cluster becomes standard across the board, and the hybrid’s battery capacity increases slightly.

The XC90 is offered in base Momentum, sporty R-Design, and luxe Inscription trim levels. Prices start at $49,345 (with destination) for the Momentum, which can be had with the T5 or T6 powertrains. The R-Design is $57,095 before options and offers all three engine choices. The Inspiration bypasses the base powertrain and opens at $63,595. The XC90 is also joining the brand’s Care by Volvo subscription service, priced at about $800 per month including insurance and maintenance.

In the base, T5 setup, the engine is turbocharged and makes 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The T6 version is supercharged and turbocharged and includes all-wheel drive. It makes 330 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. The T8 variant is a plug-in hybrid, and layers that hardware on top of the T6 engine. With the aid of its electric motors, the T8 brings to bear 400 ponies and 472 lb-ft of torque. Given a fully charged battery and a light foot on the accelerator, it’s also good for 18 miles of engine-off driving. In all cases, an eight-speed automatic transmission does the shifting.

You can use the rest of this page to find more in-depth information about the 2020 Volvo XC90, including features, specs and where to find a good deal near you.

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Retail Price

$48,350 - $63,100 MSRP / Window Sticker Price
Engine 2.0L I-4
MPG Up to 21 city / 30 highway
Seating 7 Passengers
Transmission Geartronic 8-spd w/OD
Power 250 - 316 hp
Drivetrain all wheel, front-wheel
Curb Weight 4,394 lbs
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