Volvo XC90

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2018 Volvo XC90 Overview

The two thousand eighteen Volvo XC90 ranks fourteen out of twenty two Luxury Midsize SUVs.

The two thousand eighteen Volvo XC90 stands out from its many rivals by suggesting an exceptional interior. It’s spacious, refined, and packed with standard tech and safety features. Fuel economy is outstanding, but the XC90`s laid-back road manners may bore those in search of excitement.

Scorecard

Overall: 8.Two
Critics’ Rating: 8.Five
Spectacle: 8.Two
Interior: 8.8
Safety: 9.Four
Reliability: N/A

Pros & Cons

Impeccable interior styling and premium materials
Exceptional passenger space and cargo room
Abundance of standard safety and tech features
Very fuel-efficient for class

Stiff rail on uneven pavement
Base engine has mediocre acceleration

Notable for 2018

Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert now standard

2018 Volvo XC90 Specs

Volvo XC90 Rankings and Research

The two thousand eighteen Volvo XC90 ranking is based on its score within the Luxury Midsize SUVs category. Presently the Volvo XC90 has a score of 8.Two out of ten which is based on our evaluation of twenty one lumps of research and data elements using various sources.

Rankings

# fourteen in Luxury Midsize SUVs
# twenty two in Luxury Crossover SUVs
# eight in Luxury SUVs with three Rows

2018 XC90 Pictures

2018 Volvo XC90 Review

Is the Volvo XC90 a Good SUV?

The Volvo XC90 is a good SUV in many ways, but drawbacks in a few key areas mar its overall appeal. Among its top attributes is one of the finest interiors in the class. Volvo furnishes this vehicle with first-class materials and an attractive infotainment system, and there’s more passenger space and cargo room than in most other vehicles this size. It also comes with an epic amount of advanced safety technology. However, its base engine is a bit underpowered, and the suspension could better absorb rough patches in the road. Additionally, the XC90`s current generation has below-average predicted reliability ratings.

Should I Buy the Volvo XC90?

You should buy a Volvo XC90 if railing in the lap of luxury, having slew of passenger and cargo space, or getting explosions of advanced safety features is on your brief list of priorities. This midsize crossover SUV is overflowing in all three of these categories. The XC90 isn`t a good pick if you choose athletic treating or a powerful engine; the Audi Q7 and BMW X5 will serve you better.

We Did the Research for You: twenty one Reviews Analyzed

Simplify your fresh SUV search with our comprehensive Volvo XC90 review. We gathered and analyzed almost two dozen evaluations from auto professionals and included details like standard and available safety features, fuel economy ratings, and available trim levels.

Volvo last redesigned the XC90 for the two thousand sixteen model year and has made few switches since (beyond minor trim adjustments). As a result, this overview uses applicable research and reviews from the two thousand sixteen through two thousand eighteen model years.

Why You Can Trust Us

U.S. News & World Report has been publishing car, truck, and SUV reviews for ten years. We draw from our team’s 75-plus years of combined automotive practice to create our Best Car rankings, along with our annual Best Cars for the Money and Best Cars for Families awards.

How Much Does the Volvo XC90 Cost?

For 2018, the Volvo XC90 starts at $46,900. That’s a little less than the commencing price of the average luxury midsize SUV. In addition to the five-seat base trim, the XC90 also comes with sportier styling (commencing at $52,300), as a seven-seat SUV ($54,050), and as a plug-in hybrid (prices begin at $64,950). The priciest trim is the $104,900 XC90 Excellence, which comes only with the plug-in hybrid powertrain. The hybrid models may also qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $Five,002. For good savings at your local Volvo dealer, check out our U.S. News Best Price Program.

Volvo XC90 Versus the Competition

Which Is Better: Volvo XC90 or Audi Q7?

The Audi Q7 ranks among the class leaders in our luxury midsize SUV class because it’s so well-rounded. Its interior feels high-grade and luxurious, many cutting-edge features are available, and its seating is convenient. The Q7 is athletic and muscular yet still offers a soothing rail quality.

Which Is Better: Volvo XC90 or Mercedes-Benz GLE?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE is posh inwards, gets top scores in crash testing, and is expected to be one of the most reliable vehicles in this segment. Compared to the XC90, however, the GLE’s value comes into question. The Mercedes costs about $Five,000 more than the Volvo, but its steeper price tag doesn`t come with sweeping advantages.

Which Is Better: Volvo XC90 or BMW X5?

When it comes to agility, satisfying acceleration, first-class interior finishes, and excellent predicted reliability, the BMW X5 hits a home run. Its sporty spectacle ranks among the class leaders and spices up your daily drive. Keep an eye on the price, tho’. It costs about $Ten,000 more than the XC90, and its options add up rapid.

XC90 Interior

How Many People Does the XC90 Seat?

The XC90`s base T5 trim seats five people in two rows. Uplevel T6 and T8 trims have a third-row seat and can hold up to seven people, while the range-topping T8 Excellence only has room for four. The very first two rows are roomy, granting more than enough space for even tall travelers to spread out. The second-row seats slide and recline in the T6 and T8 trims, upping the convenience level further. The available third-row seats suggest more legroom than you’ll get in an Acura MDX or BMW X5, but Volvo cautions that it’s best left for travelers up to Five.5-feet tall.

XC90 and Car Seats

In all XC90s, only the 2nd row comes with child seat anchors. There are three clearly marked tether anchors for each second-row seat. Both outboard seats have a set of lower anchors that are effortless to use but mounted deep in the seat cushions.

XC90 Interior Quality

The XC90 trickles European elegance. From its exquisite front seats to trimmings made of wood and metal, high-quality materials are plentiful. The styling and build quality feel refined, and the modern center stack adds to the cabin’s sleek design.

XC90 Cargo Space

The XC90 has one of the largest cargo holds among luxury midsize SUVs. When you fold every seat down, you get 85.7 cubic feet of space, which is more than in a Mercedes-Benz GLE. Behind the second-row seats is a 41.8-cubic-foot cargo area, and even with the available third-row seat in use, you get an above-average 15.Four cubic feet of cargo room. Loading the back is a breeze, thanks to the standard hands-free tailgate (which opens with a wave of your foot) and the available air suspension system (which can lower the height of the cargo floor).

XC90 Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation

The XC90 earns a gold starlet for its technology. This SUV comes standard with a wealth of interior features. A large, vertically placed touch screen, Apple CarPlay, navigation, and ten speakers are among the many features included in the base infotainment system. There’s also a laundry list of standard safety features (listed in detail in the safety section below). More importantly, the technology works exceptionally well. Once you`re familiar with the infotainment system, you’ll appreciate its intuitive, responsive touch screen. The interface can also display more than one menu, so you won’t have to roll back and forward inbetween CarPlay (for example) and climate settings.

XC90 Spectacle

XC90 Engine: three to Pick From

If you are looking for a basic SUV for cruising the highway or running errands, the base T5 engine should suit you just fine. This turbocharged four-cylinder is fuel-efficient and polished, however a bit sluggish. The T6 engine is more commanding with its off-the-line acceleration, and the better pick if your travels frequently include mountain passes or towing. This 316-horsepower engine is twin-charged, which means it has both a turbocharger and a supercharger. For extra power and a speck of fuel savings, there’s the T8 plug-in hybrid option. Its single electrified motor and twin-charged four-cylinder have a combined output of four hundred horsepower.

XC90 Gas Mileage: Outstanding for its Size

For a luxury midsize SUV, the base XC90 is fairly thrifty. Its fuel economy rating of twenty two mpg in the city and twenty nine mpg on the highway is one of the highest in the class. This drops marginally (20/27 mpg) with the T6 engine. The plug-in hybrid T8 powertrain has a fifty four mpg-equivalent rating and a twenty five mpg combined city/highway rating with gasoline alone, which results in an average savings of about $200 in fuel costs compared to the base engine.

XC90 Rail and Treating: Composed but Not Cushy

Treating is a bit of a mixed bag for the XC90. On the plus side, this crossover SUV feels stable and composed, with effortless steering and very little figure roll. However, the rail quality isn’t as sleek as you may want from a luxury SUV (tho’ the XC90 is still relatively pleasant). For some test drivers, adding the available air suspension system alleviated much of the harshness. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is either available or included in every trim.

XC90 Reliability

Is the Volvo XC90 Reliable?

The current generation of XC90 has a below-average predicted reliability rating from J.D. Power and Associates. Among the dozen or so competitors with a higher rating are the Mercedes-Benz GLE and the BMW X5.

Volvo XC90 Warranty

The two thousand eighteen XC90 comes with a four-year/50,000-mile fresh car limited warranty.

XC90 Safety

XC90 Crash Test Results

The two thousand eighteen Volvo XC90 has a five-out-of-five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It gets top scores in every test administered, except for the rollover test, where it receives four starlets. This vehicle`s current generation also gets the highest marks possible for crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, however evaluations for the two thousand eighteen model year have not yet been released. In addition, the IIHS notes that the XC90 offers Superior front crash prevention.

XC90 Safety Features

The XC90’s list of standard and available safety features is outstanding. Every model comes with a rearview camera, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, road sign detection, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. Also standard is Volvo`s City Safety (a system featuring forward collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian, cyclist, and large animal detection). Available safety features include a 360-degree surround-view camera, active headlights, a head-up display, front parking sensors, and active park assist.

Which Volvo XC90 Model Is Right for Me?

There’s a lot to choose from when picking out your XC90. Simplify your search by very first determining on your preferred horsepower and people-hauling abilities. Your reaction will direct you to either the T5 models – which have five seats and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine – or the T6 models, which seat seven, come with a more powerful twin-charged four-cylinder engine, and have standard all-wheel drive. Volvo also offers the all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid T8, which seat four or seven, depending on trim. XC90 trim levels include the base Momentum, the elegantly fashioned Inscription, the athletically styled R-Design, and the elite four-seat Excellence.

The available powertrains for each trim level vary, along with a few styling elements and other amenities. For its combination of power and versatility, we recommend the XC90 T6 Inscription. This all-wheel-drive model comes with a twin-charged four-cylinder engine that most will choose over the base engine. Its interior upgrades include a third-row seat, air conditioning vents for the third row, quad-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. Prices for this trim commence at $59,150. Details on each trim go after.

Volvo XC90 Momentum

The base Momentum trim is available with the T5 engine ($46,900 with front-wheel drive or $49,100 with all-wheel drive), the T6 engine ($54,050), or the T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain ($64,950). Standard safety features include Volvo`s City Safety (a system composed of forward collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian, cyclist, and large animal detection), lane departure warning, lane keep assist, road sign detection, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and a rearview camera. Also included is leatherette upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, a 9-inch touch-screen infotainment system, a 10-speaker sound system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, Bluetooth, a USB port, proximity keyless entry, a hands-free tailgate, and rear parking sensors.

Volvo XC90 R-Design

Like the Momentum trim, the R-Design trim is available with all three powertrains, with prices ranging inbetween $52,300 and $68,950. R-Design gains unique assets treatments and interior trimmings and has a sportier appearance. Other additions include a 12.3-inch driver’s display, active headlights, high-pressure headlight washers, and illuminated sill plates.

Volvo XC90 Inscription

The seven-seat Inscription trim is available as a T6 model ($59,150) or a T8 model ($70,050). In addition to standard all-wheel drive and your choice of uplevel powertrain, the Inscription trim comes with heated and ventilated front seats, a third-row seat, a 12.3-inch driver’s display, and elegant styling elements.

Volvo XC90 Excellence

The range-topping XC90 Excellence comes only as a plug-in hybrid with the T8 powertrain. Total capacity slims to four people, with two seats in the executive-style 2nd row. All four seats feature perforated leather, warmth, ventilation, and rubdown. A back-seat center console with a touch screen, a beverage cooler, and two crystal glasses are also added. Pricing starts at $104,900.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for excellent savings at your local Volvo dealer.

The Final Call

Families and commuters alike will swoon over the two thousand eighteen Volvo XC90`s spacious, pampering passenger areas, along with its ample cargo room and class-leading fuel economy ratings. The XC90 is also a standout when it comes to safety, with an astounding list of safety features that come standard, and available driver assistance features that grant semi-autonomous abilities. A few hiccups prevent this 3-row SUV from rising higher in our rankings, however: It has an uninspiring base engine and a harsher rail than you’d expect. Before you fork over forty grand or more for your fresh SUV, you may want to check out some of this Volvo’s competitors.

Don`t just take our word for it. Check out comments from some of the reviews that drive our rankings and analysis.

“All of this adds up to a respectable and desirable crossover, but there are a few drawbacks. Our main issue: the XC90’s powertrains. While Volvo’s turbocharged (T5) and turbo-and-supercharged (T6) four-cylinder engines work fine in the brand’s smaller vehicles, they seem less ideally suited for the big XC90. Spectacle and fuel economy suffer as a result. The T8 hybrid fares better, but it’s pricey. And we’ve found all XC90s can have a rather rough rail over bumpy roads when fitted with the fatter optional wheels. That’s not something you expect, or want, in an SUV of this caliber. The XC90’s flaws aren’t fatal, however. There is a lot to like about this upscale crossover, and if it finishes up on your brief list, we recommend a test drive.” — Edmunds
“This fresh two thousand sixteen Volvo XC90 truly is a worthy successor to the name. Like the original, it advances the brand’s design markedly, it introduces all-new technology to the industry, it drives and performs well, and it comes at just the right time for the brand. It’s not insanely charismatic like some sporty crossovers and SUVs but rather like an old friend that’s always there for you, even before you know you need them. If it’s not identically as popular as the original – or more so – it’ll be a shame.” — Motor Trend (2016)
“The fresh Volvo XC90 offers the features premium SUV buyers are likely to notice, packaged in a nicely designed and proportioned bod. Volvo has stayed true to its tradition of suggesting interiors that are just as convenient on 10-hour trips as they are on the daily commute, and the fresh four-cylinder Drive-E engine has rendered the V6 and V8 units that used to power the old XC90 obsolete.” — Autoweek (2016)