2022 Volvo XC90

　　

2022 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).

　　The 2022 Volvo XC90 is the largest and most expensive model in the automaker's lineup. We looked at this three-row SUV in a new light after substantial improvements for the 2020 model year. The plug-in hybrid version, in particular, changed from a hard pass to a must-have seemingly overnight. With top-notch interior materials, a pleasant ride and intriguing selection of powertrains, the Volvo XC90 should make the to-consider list of anyone looking at a midsize three-row luxury SUV.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 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) - $50,900 MSRPT5 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $53,400 MSRPT6 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) (Most Popular) - $58,300 MSRPT6 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD w/6 Passenger Seating (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) - $58,800 MSRPT6 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) - $64,600 MSRPT6 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD w/6 Passenger Seating (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) - $65,100 MSRPRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription Expression 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 11/21 (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $64,800 MSRPRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription Expression 4dr SUV AWD w/6 Passenger Seating, Prod. End 11/21 (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $65,300 MSRPRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription Expression Extended Range 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $65,800 MSRPRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription Expression Extended Range 4dr SUV AWD w/6 Passenger Seating (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $66,300 MSRPRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 R-Design 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 11/21 (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $70,500 MSRPRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 11/21 (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $71,100 MSRPRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD w/6 Passenger Seating, Prod. End 11/21 (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $71,600 MSRPRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 R-Design Extended Range 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $71,500 MSRPRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription Extended Range 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $72,100 MSRPRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription Extended Range 4dr SUV AWD w/6 Passenger Seating (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $72,600 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　There will be some rival models on that list, of course. You'll want to check out the Acura MDX and Infiniti QX60. Both are family-friendly SUVs — just like the XC90 — and add some new features and style as part of their full 2022 redesigns. The Audi Q7 and Lincoln Aviator are great choices too. But overall the XC90 holds its own and should easily satisfy if you're seeking a roomy and classy luxury SUV. And if you want a few guilt-free miles on your trip, the XC90 is one of the few vehicles in its class available as a plug-in hybrid. Partway through the 2022 model year, the Recharge Extended Range powertrain replaced the Recharge. It adds a more potent motor and a larger battery pack, doubling all-electric range from an estimated 18 miles to 36 miles.

　　

Which XC90 does zzdcar recommend?

We're fond of the XC90 with the Recharge plug-in hybrid powertrain. It's more expensive than the other XC90 engines, but the satisfying acceleration and ability to do short commutes on all-electric power make it worth the stretch. As for trims, the Momentum (called Inscription Expression for the Recharge) will get you a solid mix of features and value.

　　

Volvo XC90 models

The 2022 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. 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 lets you drive about 18 miles on all-electric power before it switches to regular gasoline power. Partway through the model year, Volvo replaced the Recharge with the Recharge Extended Range. The battery pack grows from 11.6 kWh of capacity to 18.8 kWh, increasing EPA-estimated EV range from 18 miles to 36 miles. Output stands at 455 hp and 523 lb-ft. 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 Digital instrument panel Four-zone automatic climate control Driver's seat memory settings Heated front seats (all-wheel drive only) Faux leather upholstery (T5) or leather upholstery (T6 and Recharge) 9-inch touchscreen Navigation system 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 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 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the XC90 and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield) Climate package Heated front seats (front-wheel drive only) Heated rear seats (AWD only) Heated steering wheel Air ionizer (helps further filter and clean air in the cabin) 20- or 21-inch wheels Leather upholstery 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system Integrated booster cushions for outboard rear seatsR-Design (Recharge only)

　　The R-Design is positioned as the sporty XC90. Available only with the Recharge powertrain, the R-Design adds:

　　20-inch wheels Black exterior trim Illuminated doorsills Ambient interior lighting Front sport seats with thigh-cushion extension and heating Passenger-seat memory settings Leather upholstery Rear sunshades 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 doorsills 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 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)

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