2020 Volvo S90 Review

　　

2020 Volvo S90 Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　Many shoppers focus on popular German models when shopping for a midsize luxury sedan and then call it a day. But they are doing themselves a disservice as there are a few gems in the class that are less expensive but just as impressive. Take the 2020 Volvo S90, for instance.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Volvo S90 T6 Momentum 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$185/mo  for S90 T6 Momentum

　　S90 T6 Momentum

　　T6 Momentum 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) - $50,550 MSRPT6 R-Design 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) (Most Popular) - $53,650 MSRPT6 Inscription 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) - $53,650 MSRPT8 R-Design Twin Engine Plug-In Hybrid 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $63,200 MSRPT8 Inscription Twin Engine Plug-In Hybrid 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $63,200 MSRP

　　vs

　　$197/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　Though we think the Volvo S90's exterior styling is one of its most appealing attributes, the cockpit deserves praise, too. The design is simple yet elegant, with ample use of leather, chrome and wood trim. Limited use of hard plastics gives the cabin an impression of quality that is in line with more expensive competitors.

　　The price differential is much wider when you consider the Volvo's standard turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine. Though not quite as powerful as the turbo six-cylinders in competitors, this unusual engine produces plenty of thrust and propels the S90 to highway speeds in no time. There's even a high-performance plug-in hybrid that increases power considerably while returning better fuel economy and an electric-only range of 21 miles.

　　While the Volvo S90 has plenty going for it, there are a few drawbacks. It doesn't feel as sporty as others — the steering is heavy but not particularly sharp, and you can feel the weight of the car transferring as you drive it quickly around corners. Even with the optional air suspension, larger wheels translate to jostling while traveling on broken pavement. Finally, tall rear passengers might rub heads against the downward sloping roof. Overall, though, we think you'll be quite pleased with Volvo's S90.

　　

Which S90 does zzdcar recommend?

If the price differential were tighter, we'd probably recommend the Momentum because it comes loaded with so many features. But the R-Design and the Inscription — which carry the same MSRP — are only a few thousand dollars more and add a ton of luxury upgrades. Which one is better is mostly a matter of personal taste. The R-Design adds black exterior trim and a few sporty touches, while the Inscription has chrome trim and extra amenities.

　　

2020 Volvo S90 models

The 2020 Volvo S90 is a luxury midsize sedan offered in Momentum, R-Design and Inscription trim levels. The Momentum is well-equipped for a base-level sedan, with features that include LED lights, keyless entry, leather upholstery, and a slew of driving aids. The trim structure then branches to the sporty R-Design and the luxurious Inscription, both of which offer more features than the Momentum.

　　All three trims come standard with the T6 powertrain, which features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is both supercharged and turbocharged. It produces a healthy 316 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque; power is routed to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The R-Design and the Inscription are also available with the plug-in hybrid T8, which adds an 87-hp electric motor to the T6 engine for a combined output of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft.

　　Standard features for the Momentum include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and leather upholstery. On the technology front, you also get Volvo On Call remote features, a 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system, and a 10-speaker audio system. A suite of advanced driver safety aids also comes standard.

　　The R-Design looks a little sportier, while the Inscription has a few trim and styling details to make it seem more luxurious. With these two versions you also get four-zone climate control, upgraded front seats, upgraded leather upholstery, and a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

　　A few other optional features are available for the S90, including a head-up display, a 360-degree parking camera, massaging front seats, heated and ventilated rear seats, an adaptive air suspension, and a Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system (R-Design and Inscription only).

　　

2020 S90 Highlights

Type: SedanPlug-in HybridSedan

　　Trim: T6 MomentumT6 R-DesignT6 InscriptionT8 R-Design Twin Engine Plug-In HybridT8 Inscription Twin Engine Plug-In HybridT6 Momentum

　　

Base MSRP	$50,550
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$185/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles