2020 Volvo XC90 Review

　　

2020 Volvo XC90 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).

　　Step into most any modern luxury car and you'll find a cabin with enough buttons and switches to make an airline pilot feel right at home. In contrast, the 2020 Volvo XC90 offers a simple, elegant interior that exemplifies the minimalist Swedish design ethos. It's a refreshing approach that helps set the XC90 apart from other three-row SUVs.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Volvo XC90 T5 Momentum 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 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

　　$189/mo  for XC90 T5 Momentum

　　XC90 T5 Momentum

　　T5 Momentum 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $48,350 MSRPT5 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $50,850 MSRPT5 R-Design 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $56,100 MSRPT5 R-Design 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $58,600 MSRPT6 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) - $56,300 MSRPT6 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD w/6 Passenger Seating (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) (Most Popular) - $56,800 MSRPT6 R-Design 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) - $62,000 MSRPT6 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) - $62,600 MSRPT6 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD w/6 Passenger Seating (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) - $63,100 MSRPT8 Momentum Twin Engine Plug-In Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $67,000 MSRPT8 Momentum Twin Engine Plug-In Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD w/6 Passenger Seating (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $67,500 MSRPT8 R-Design Twin Engine Plug-In Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $72,700 MSRPT8 Inscription Twin Engine Plug-In Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $73,300 MSRPT8 Inscription Twin Engine Plug-In Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD w/6 Passenger Seating (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $73,800 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　The unusual cabin design isn't the only thing that differentiates the Volvo XC90. While some rivals offer a range of powerful (but thirsty) V6 and V8 engines, the XC90 is driven exclusively by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. There are three versions, which Volvo dubs T5, T6 and T8. The T5's 250 horsepower is a little underwhelming, but the T6's 300 hp and the T8's 400 hp are certainly satisfying.

　　The XC90 isn't perfect, however. The minimalist design means most of the vehicle's functions are accessible in the infotainment screen, and the layout isn't the most intuitive. We also take issue with half-baked voice controls that fail to recognize points of interest. Technology missteps aside, the XC90 is one of the better choices in the segment. This year's improvements to the suspension and T8 hybrid's brake pedal make recommending the Volvo XC90 easier than ever.

　　

Which XC90 does zzdcar recommend?

The base turbocharged four-cylinder is the least expensive of the bunch, but we're skeptical of its ability to effortlessly carry seven people and luggage. And while the T8 is the most powerful, it also adds quite a bit to the bottom line. The T6 is just right. While the Momentum has a lengthy list of standard features, we think buyers should upgrade for the true luxury experience. Either of the two upper trims is worth the extra money — it comes down to personal preference between the sport-themed R-Design and the luxurious Inscription.

　　

2020 Volvo XC90 models

The 2020 Volvo XC90 is a luxury SUV with two seating configurations and three trim levels: Momentum, R-Design and Inscription. Three engine choices of increasing power are offered for most trim levels, named T5, T6 and T8 eAWD Plug-in Hybrid. The T5 is available in either a front- or all-wheel-drive configuration, while the other drivetrains come with all-wheel drive. Seating for seven is standard, though the T6 and T8 powertrains in Momentum or Inscription trims can have a six-seat configuration with second-row captain's chairs.

　　The base Momentum comes with 19-inch wheels, LED lighting, a panoramic sunroof, roof rails, a power tailgate, rear parking sensors, keyless entry and ignition, premium vinyl upholstery, four-zone automatic climate control, heated washer nozzles, power front seats, driver-seat memory settings, 40/20/40-split second-row seats (with individual slide and recline functions), a 50/50-split third-row seat, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

　　Technology features include Pilot Assist driving aids (includes adaptive cruise control and lane centering assist), blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, an oncoming-traffic lane mitigation system, a 9-inch central touchscreen, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a 10-speaker sound system with satellite radio and two USB ports.

　　The T5 uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine (250 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque) and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Either front- or all-wheel drive is available, and opting for the latter adds heated front seats.

　　The T6 upgrades to a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (316 hp, 295 lb-ft) and all-wheel drive. This powertrain adds heated front seats, navigation and leather upholstery to the Momentum trim level.

　　The T8 eAWD Plug-in Hybrid uses the same engine as the T6 but adds an 87-hp electric motor and battery. Total output is 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. A 240-volt Level 2 charger can fill the battery in about 2.5 hours, providing 18 miles of pure electric driving. The T8 comes with an 11-speaker audio system and a tire repair kit in lieu of a temporary spare and tools.

　　The R-Design trim level is largely a sporty appearance package, adding 20-inch wheels and different exterior and interior design elements. It also offers front parking sensors, paddle shifters, ambient lighting, upgraded sport seats (with power thigh support), premium leather upholstery, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, navigation and rear window shades.

　　The Inscription is available on the T6 and the T8. It's similar to the R-Design but features its own wheel, interior and exterior trim designs. It reverts to the Momentum's seats but adds power cushion extension, side support and ventilation for the front seats, along with upgraded leather upholstery all around.

　　Most options are grouped into packages. The Advanced package — available on all trims — adds adaptive headlights, headlight washers, a top-view parking system, front parking sensors, and a head-up display. An automated parking assist function is optional in conjunction with this package. The Inscription-only Luxury package adds a heated steering wheel, front seat massage, heated rear seats, a simulated suede headliner, and leather grab handles and sun visors.

　　Individual option highlights depend on trim level and include an adaptive air suspension (with adaptive dampers), a heated steering wheel, blended wool upholstery, a built-in second-row child booster seat, a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and 20-, 21- or 22-inch wheels.

　　

2020 XC90 Highlights

Type: SUVPlug-in HybridSUV

　　Trim: T5 MomentumT5 R-DesignT6 MomentumT6 R-DesignT6 InscriptionT8 Momentum Twin Engine Plug-In HybridT8 R-Design Twin Engine Plug-In HybridT8 Inscription Twin Engine Plug-In HybridT5 Momentum

　　

Base MSRP	$48,350
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$189/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	41.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles