2021 Volvo XC90 Review

　　

2021 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).

　　A three-row SUV with a spacious interior and style to spare, the 2021 Volvo XC90 is well suited for luxurious family duty. It's Volvo's biggest vehicle and it gives you seven-passenger seating plus more available cargo space than its smaller XC60 sibling.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 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) - $49,000 MSRPT5 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $51,500 MSRPT5 R-Design 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $55,600 MSRPT5 R-Design 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $58,100 MSRPT6 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) (Most Popular) - $56,950 MSRPT6 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD w/6 Passenger Seating (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) - $57,450 MSRPT6 R-Design 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) - $62,650 MSRPT6 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) - $63,250 MSRPT6 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD w/6 Passenger Seating (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) - $63,750 MSRPRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription Expression 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $63,450 MSRPRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription Expression 4dr SUV AWD w/6 Passenger Seating (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $63,950 MSRPRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 R-Design 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $69,150 MSRPRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $69,750 MSRPRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD w/6 Passenger Seating (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $70,250 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　Every XC90 comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This might seem odd given that six-cylinder engines are the norm for this class, but Volvo has applied enough techno-wizardry to make it work. There are actually three engine versions, which Volvo calls the T5, T6 and Recharge (formerly called the T8). The Recharge is a plug-in hybrid with an impressive 400 horsepower plus 18 miles of electric range. Volvo made noticeable improvements to the suspension and brakes last year that significantly elevated the hybrid's standing in our eyes.

　　With that upgrade in the rearview mirror, and a next-generation model a few years away, not much changes for the 2021 model. Adaptive headlights, a wireless charging pad and front parking sensors are just a few of the newly standard features, and the interior trim and upholstery color combinations have been shuffled slightly.

　　Otherwise, the XC90 is the same as it's always been, which is to say a fully competitive luxury crossover SUV with a surprisingly affordable price tag. It costs less than other three-row SUVs yet offers a broader range of standard safety and convenience features. At the same time, the XC90's distinctive exterior and cabin designs help it stand out. Whether you're looking to make a statement or simply save a few dollars, the pull of the XC90 is hard to resist, even in this illustrious class.

　　

Which XC90 does zzdcar recommend?

A large people-mover like the XC90 requires an engine that can carry its weight, and we're not convinced the base T5's power is sufficient when you've got your XC90 laden with passengers and cargo. As such, the next-level T6 is worth the upgrade for its ability to accelerate effortlessly. We think it's also worth paying extra for either the R-Design or Inscription trim level. Both cost roughly the same and add a healthy list of features.

　　

2021 Volvo XC90 models

The 2021 Volvo XC90 is a three-row midsize luxury SUV. It comes with one of three available powertrains that Volvo calls the T5, T6 or Recharge (last year's T8). These powertrains can then be matched to one of three trim levels that influence how many features the XC90 comes with. The trim levels are Momentum (called Inscription Expression for the Recharge powertrain), R-Design and Inscription.

　　The XC90 comes with one of three available engines:

　　The T5 has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (250 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque). The T6 upgrades to a turbocharged and supercharged version of that engine (316 hp, 295 lb-ft of torque). The Recharge uses the same engine as the T6 but adds an electric motor and battery pack (combined 400 hp, 472 lb-ft). This is a plug-in hybrid powertrain that allows you to go about 18 miles on all-electric power before it switches over to regular gasoline power. All XC90s come with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 comes standard with front-wheel drive and offers optional all-wheel drive. All other XC90s come standard with all-wheel drive.

　　Seating for seven is standard, though the T6 and Recharge powertrains in Momentum/Inscription Expression or Inscription trims can have a six-seat configuration with second-row captain's chairs.

　　Momentum (called Inscription Expression for the XC90 Recharge)

　　This base trim level comes with:

　　19-inch alloy wheels Adaptive LED headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves) Panoramic sunroof Hands-free liftgate Four-zone automatic climate control Driver-seat memory settings Heated front seats (AWD only) Faux leather upholstery (T5) or leather upholstery (T6 and Recharge) 9-inch touchscreen Navigation system (T6 and Recharge only) 10-speaker audio system Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration Wireless charging padAdvanced driving aids and safety features include:

　　Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Volvo and the car in front) Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane) Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse) Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)There are several packages and stand-alone options available for the Momentum/Inscription Expression trim level. They include:

　　Advanced package Ambient interior lighting Navigation system (T5 only) 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Volvo and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield) Climate package Heated wiper blades Heated front seats (FWD only) Heated rear seats (AWD only) Heated steering wheel 20- or 21-inch wheels Leather upholstery 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system Integrated booster cushions for outboard rear seats Air ionizer (helps further filter and clean air in the cabin)R-Design

　　The R-Design is positioned as the sporty XC90. Upgrades over the base model include:

　　20-inch wheels Black exterior trim Illuminated door sills Ambient interior lighting Front sport seats with thigh cushion extension and heating Passenger-seat memory settings Leather upholstery Rear sunshades Navigation system 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio systemUnless already included, the optional features listed above for the Momentum trim are available for the R-Design, except the 21-inch wheels. Additional options include:

　　22-inch wheels with performance tires Air suspension (adapts to provide greater ride comfort or sportier handling) Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with no driver intervention) 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio systemInscription (T6 and Recharge only)

　　The Inscription offers more luxury features, building off the Momentum with these additions:

　　20-inch wheels Chrome exterior trim Illuminated door sills Ambient interior lighting Heated and ventilated front seats with thigh cushion extension and side bolster adjustment Passenger-seat memory settings Upgraded leather upholstery Rear sunshades Navigation system 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio systemUnless already included, all features on the Momentum/Inscription Expression trim are available for the Inscription. Additional options include:

　　Lounge package Massaging front seats Simulated suede headliner 21-inch wheels Air suspension Automated parking system 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system Wool blend upholstery (removes front-seat ventilation)

　　

2021 XC90 Highlights

Type: SUVPlug-in HybridSUV

　　Trim: T5 MomentumT5 R-DesignT6 MomentumT6 R-DesignT6 InscriptionRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription ExpressionRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 R-DesignRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 InscriptionT5 Momentum

　　

Base MSRP	$49,000
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