Volvo has doubled down on its range of crossovers and SUVs in the last couple of years, a trend that started with the 2016 introduction of its second-generation XC90 mid-size model, the largest and most expensive vehicle the Swedish brand sells.
It remains a significant vehicle not only for renewing Volvo’s competitiveness in a class dominated by German brands but also for its inclusion of a powerful plug-in hybrid model that was a precursor to the company’s more recent pledge to electrify its entire vehicle lineup.
For 2018, there are just a few minor changes to the XC90 that see some models gain new features here and there and other items shuffled on and off the spec sheets for certain trims. One of the more unfortunate changes for drivers in parts of Canada that receive the harshest winter weather is the deletion of a heated windshield from the optional climate package.
The XC90 range starts with the T5 AWD trim, powered by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Next is the T6 and its turbo- and supercharged version of that engine (Volvo calls it twin-charging), which makes a more impressive 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. Topping the line is the T8 hybrid, combining the twin-charged engine with an electric motor for 400 hp and 472 lb-ft.
All XC90 trims are AWD and use an eight-speed automatic transmission.
At its introduction, this car was a big leap from a predecessor whose basic design dated way back to 2002. Thank a major infusion of cash from China’s Geely, which operates Volvo, for that dramatic evolution. It’s a change that reminded the world that Volvo was still around and ready to compete for buyers in one of the most competitive vehicle classes there is.
Standard features in T5 Momentum trim include collision mitigation that works at all speeds and can detect cyclists, pedestrians and large animals, and lane departure warning with run-off road mitigation and protection. There’s also navigation, infotainment with a 9.0-inch touchscreen, 18-inch wheels, LED active headlights with washers, 10-way power front seats and leatherette upholstery, backup camera, hands-free opening tailgate, passive keyless entry and power-folding rear-seat headrests.
T6 and T8 models are broken down into Momentum, R-Design and Inscription variants that add things like 19- and 20-inch wheels, digital instrument cluster, Nappa leather upholstery and front seats with a lower cushion extension.
Options include a cold-weather package that applies heat to the rear seats, steering wheel and windshield washer nozzles and a vision package that adds blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera. Go for the convenience package to turn the XC90 into a nearly self-driving vehicle with Volvo’s semi-autonomous technology.
Fuel consumption estimates are 10.9/8.3 L/100 km (city/highway) for T5 models, 11.5/8.8 for the T6 and 10.1/8.5 for the T8 (when it’s running on gasoline).
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
