2022 Volvo S90

　　

2022 Volvo S90 Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz may have created and mastered the midsize luxury sedan, but that hasn't discouraged the disrupters. The Volvo S90 is a distinctly different flavor of European sedan, with its stately repose, airy, uncluttered interior, and singular focus on safety. The S90 doesn't try to match its rivals with staggering performance or invigorating high-speed handling. Instead it competes in areas like exceptional seat comfort, safety innovation (seats and headrests that adjust in milliseconds to prevent whiplash in a rear-end collision) and details, including a gear selector made from solid crystal and open-pore oak, ash and walnut interior trim. It's also among the few midsize luxury sedans available as a plug-in hybrid.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Volvo S90 B6 Momentum 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 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

　　$178/mo  for S90 B6 Momentum

　　S90 B6 Momentum

　　B6 Momentum 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $52,850 MSRPB6 Inscription 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $55,950 MSRPB6 R-Design 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $55,950 MSRPRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription 4dr Sedan AWD w/Prod. End 11/21 (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $61,050 MSRPRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 R-Design 4dr Sedan AWD w/Prod. End 11/21 (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $61,050 MSRPRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription Extended Range 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $62,050 MSRPRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 R-Design Extended Range 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $62,050 MSRP

　　vs

　　$198/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　That plug-in hybrid model, known as the Recharge, gets a significant midyear update that includes a higher-capacity battery and a more powerful rear electric motor. The combination provides more power — a heady 455 horsepower — plus the ability to drive around 38 miles on a full charge, which is quite good for a plug-in hybrid. Recharging frequently can really help reduce your use of gasoline.

　　For 2022, the S90 also gets a 48-volt mild hybrid system for its base non-plug-in hybrid engine. It gives the S90 a slight boost in EPA-estimated fuel economy (1 mpg compared to last year's S90) and helps to smooth out operation of the engine's stop-start system while at stoplights. Techwise, Volvo has integrated a small suite of Google-based functions into the infotainment system, such as maps, voice assistant and smart home device controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is a delayed feature that should arrive midyear.

　　While the S90 lacks the polish of established heavies like the BMW 5 Series or Lexus ES, it remains a compelling choice for a roomy and classy luxury sedan, especially if you pick the Recharge version. Read our Expert Rating below for a deeper dive into the S90's features and performance.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the S90 drive? The Volvo S90 Recharge uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain, meaning there's both a gasoline engine and a battery pack that allows for an estimated 21 miles of all-electric range or 38 miles if you get the Extended Range version. That combination provides a generous amount of power. Acceleration is quick and relatively smooth, and there's plenty of power for passing on the highway, though it sometimes takes the transmission a second to kick down a gear. It's easy to come to a smooth stop, and the brakes are strong enough to give you confidence in panic situations.

　　This isn't a sport sedan, but the S90 Recharge feels composed on winding roads. The steering lacks road feel but is light and direct, which helps make parking a breeze too.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the S90? When the S90 debuted a few years back, it lacked the polish of its German rivals. That's changed. While Volvo hasn't given the S90 Recharge a wholesale redesign, it's done a lot to improve refinement. It no longer crashes over bumps or potholes. It's not quite as insulating as some other luxury cars, but bumps in the road are muted rather than amplified.

　　It helps that Volvo's seats remain some of the best around. Soft but supportive padding is wrapped in great-feeling leather. There's a good bit of adjustment, and the S90 Recharge is available with heated and ventilated seats both front and rear. The controls for the climate control can be frustrating since they're located in the touchscreen, but the system works quickly and quietly.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below