Used 2020 Volvo XC90

#5 in Best Midsize Luxury SUVs of 2020

The 2020 Volvo XC90 is the Swedish automaker’s flagship SUV, a 3-row crossover SUV that has an alluring blend of style, safety features and technology. Compared to European competitors such as the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE and Audi Q7, the XC90 is easier on the budget, starting under $50,000. For 2020, Volvo’s largest SUV gets a freshening that includes more standard features, design updates and the option for 6-passenger seating in lieu of the standard seven.

All 2020 XC90 models are powered by a choice of 4-cylinder engines, including a sophisticated version that is both turbocharged and supercharged. A plug-in hybrid XC90 is also available that features 18 miles of electric-only range. Overall, the 2020 Volvo XC90 brings a lot to the table, not the least of which is Volvo’s reputation for making safe, practical vehicles and one of the best semi-autonomous driving systems out there. Its few sticking points include a reliance on the touch screen for many functions and, for some buyers, the lack of a V6 option.

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If you need proof that a small engine can power a big vehicle, see the Volvo’s 4-cylinder as Exhibit A. While the automaker has announced its future vehicles will incorporate electrification, we hope its internal-combustion gem continues to play a role. In standard T5 form, the 2.0-liter engine is turbocharged, similar to rivals like the base Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. With 250 horsepower, it does a competent but not remarkable job moving the XC90.

Step up to the T6, though, and prepare to be wowed. This is the powertrain we recommend for the new XC90. It is both turbocharged and supercharged, creating more power — 316 ponies — and stronger delivery than the base engine.

The third powertrain, the T8 plug-in hybrid model, is actually the most powerful and a good albeit pricier choice if you want both power and enhanced efficiency. Updates to the 2020 Volvo T8 have smoothed its brake feel, and its overall transitions from gasoline to electric power have been refined, alleviating prior qualms we had about this powertrain.

Regardless of which engine you choose, expect a quiet and compliant ride. Not surprisingly, the XC90’s handling favors that of other European vehicles — taut and on the firmer side.

When this 2nd-gen version of the XC90 debuted for 2016, it signaled a sea change for Volvo’s interiors. While they were always comfortable and pragmatic, the XC90 upped the game for not just this model, but all Volvos to follow. It is sleek and sophisticated but still centered around Swedish minimalism. From the moment you start the car with the twist of the new XC90’s jewel-like knob, you feel like you’re in a special place.

Optional leather and wood abound, while the standard 9-inch vertical center display reminds of a Tesla. The screen is crisp and reasonably responsive, but we do wish a touch wasn’t required for just about every feature, including most climate functions. For 2020, all XC90 models get Volvo’s slick 12.3-inch all-digital instrument display.

As standard, the XC90 comes with 3-row/7-passenger seating. Also new for 2020 is the option of 2nd-row captain’s chairs. This reduces total seat count to six, but offers more comfort to those in the middle row, plus easier access to the last row. The third row has decent leg room but is still best suited for children. We found the lack of rear USB ports frustrating, though there is a 12-volt outlet. We also wish the front-seat visors would slide to better block the sun.

The Volvo XC90 SUV’s exterior is elegant while also conveying a sense of strength and purpose. Just look to those T-shaped LED running lights, dubbed “Thor’s Hammer,” or that significant grille with a large Volvo emblem floating in the middle. Around back, long and curvaceous taillights lend grace. For 2020, wheels get an upgrade in size, with 19 inches now being standard. For those who want to roll bigger, 20- and 21-inch options are available, as are new 22-inch wheels and summer performance tires exclusive to XC90 R-Design trims.

On the practical side, the tailgate is hands-free and power-operated, the door handles are illuminated, and the side mirrors are retractable. R-Design models have a sportier, more aggressive character with a unique grille, high-gloss black exterior bits, matte-silver mirror caps and larger, octagonal exhaust outlets.

PILOT ASSIST
Pilot Assist combines adaptive cruise control and active steering that keeps the vehicle within lanes, resulting in a semi-autonomous driving system. While rivals offer similar setups, this one is standard and among the smoothest we’ve tested.

BOWERS & WILKINS AUDIO SYSTEM
This optional audio system is the epitome of premium sound. With 1,400 watts and 19 speakers it’s loud, yes, but the quality is superb, even when playing music files from your phone.

Volvo’s naming structure can be a little confusing, but for simplicity the XC90 luxury SUV comes in three major trims: Momentum, R-Design and Inscription. The other nomenclature is tied to powertrain: The base engine is T5, the up-level powertrain is T6, and the plug-in hybrid is called T8.

Even the least expensive XC90 Momentum is well-equipped and recommendable. It comes with the Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system, active safety features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping aid, and another system that helps prevent you from running off the road. Leatherette upholstery is the base seat covering, but each front seat has commendable 10-way-power operation.

Also included are a hands-free power tailgate, HomeLink universal garage remote, panoramic moonroof, and four years’ complimentary service of Volvo On-Call, which allows you to control certain vehicle functions via a mobile phone. The XC90’s standard infotainment system bundles a 9-inch touch screen, 10-speaker/220-watt audio system, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration. For 2020, even base models get the formerly optional 12.3-inch digital display and 19-inch alloy wheels.

All-wheel drive is optional on T5 models and standard with the other powertrains. Stepping up to the R-Design adds more features, some of which are optional on the Momentum trim. They include leather interior, 600-watt Harman Kardon audio system, 4-zone climate control and 20-inch wheels.

Inscription models come with the T6 powertrain that is turbocharged and supercharged, or as the T8 plug-in hybrid that’s also available with the other trims. It adds ventilated front seats, high-level interior lighting and rear sun curtains.

Other options are plentiful and include everything from a heated steering wheel and bird’s-eye camera system to massaging seats, a fantastic Bowers & Wilkins audiophile system and 4-corner air suspension. If you don’t want a leather interior, you can opt for a new tailored-wool option in Inscription models. For 2020 the $100,000-plus, ultra-luxury 4-seat Volvo XC90 Excellence model has been dropped.

All versions of the Volvo XC90 use some form of a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. In T5 models, it’s turbocharged for a respectable 250 horsepower. T5 models come standard with front-wheel drive (FWD) and offer all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option. In the T6, which has AWD standard, the engine is a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter that makes a stout 316 horsepower and develops 295 lb-ft of torque.

The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid’s electric-motor/gas-engine combo yields 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque. Recharging takes 2.5 to six hours, depending on voltage. The EPA calculated electric-only range is 18 miles.

All models use an 8-speed automatic transmission and an engine start/stop system that cuts power at idle. In our tests, we opted to shut off that system to prevent rough restarts, (swipe left on the touch screen to bring up the option). Drive-mode settings allow you to optimize the XC90 for comfort, efficiency, sportiness and even off-road settings. The XC90 SUV is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds in T6, T8 and T5 AWD forms, and up to 4,000 pounds for base, front-wheel-drive T5 models.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (T5)
250 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/30 mpg (FWD), 20/27 mpg (AWD)

2.0-liter supercharged/turbocharged inline-4 (T6 AWD)
316 horsepower @ 5,700 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 2,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26 mpg

2.0-liter supercharged/turbocharged inline-4 + electric motor (T8 AWD)
Engine:
313 horsepower @ 5,700 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 2,200-5,400 rpm
Electric Motor:
87 horsepower/177 lb-ft of torque
Net Output: 400 horsepower / 472 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27 mpg city/highway combined.
Pure electric range on a full charge: 18