2016 Volvo XC90

The 2016 Volvo XC90 T6 Momentum trim offers AWD as standard and has an inline-4 Twincharged motor which offers the best-in-class power figures and also manages to offer impressive fuel efficiency too. It offers adequate features like four-zone climate control, heated front seats, and adaptive headlamps. Add to it the competitive MSRP of $50,795, and the said trim stands out to be the best out of the lot. 

The 2016 Volvo XC90 is available for sale in three trim levels with two powertrain options available for each of the trims. The MSRP ranges between $44,945 and $56,395 and Volvo also offers an AWD drivetrain with each trim for another $2,000. Further, it also gets an option for 5 or 7 seats. The T5 models are powered by a 2L turbocharged four-cylinder engine while the T6 models add a supercharger to that setup for the added burst of power and torque.

As standard, the 2016 XC90 gets plenty of modern features as standard with this new generation update. The base Momentum trim adds 19-inch wheels heated front seats, third-row seats, and four-zone climate control with the T6 models. The $1,900 Momentum Plus package further adds LED headlights, ambient lighting, and illuminated step plates. The Vision package on the other hand adds a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, surround-view camera, and auto-dimming side mirrors for another $1,800. 

The Climate package adds heated windshield, heated windshield washer nozzles, heated front & rear seats, and heated steering wheel for $1,050. The Convenience package on the other hand adds front parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, automated parking assist, lane keep assist, trunk grocery bag holder & a 12-volt power outlet. Standalone optional features include, adaptive air suspension, head-up display, Apple CarPlay functionality, 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium surround sound system, and 21- or 22-inch alloy wheels. 

The 2016 Volvo XC90 is one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its class. The 2.0L turbo-4 motor under the hood of the XC90 T5 models is rated for 22 MPG in the city, 26 MPG on the highways, and 24 MPG combined, and the 18.8-gallon fuel tank aids in offering over 450 miles of combined driving range. Opting for the AWD drivetrain will see the fuel economy figures drop by about 1 MPG in each aspect. 

The 2016 XC90 T6 models with the unique twin-charged V6 engine return impressive EPA ratings of 20/25/22 MPG in city/highway/combined conditions respectively even with the standard AWD drivetrain. Since rivals offer a larger gas tank, the Volvo XC90 offers only about 410 miles of combined range. 

The Lexus GX 460 is powered by the gas-guzzling V8 engine and hence employs a larger 23-gallon gas tank to compensate for its low frugality. The Mercedes too isn't the most frugal of the lot and hence makes use of a massive gas tank capacity which aids it in offering a class-leading driving range. The X5 is the most efficient of the lot after the Volvo and also has a larger fuel tank which brings its range on par with the XC90. 

The 2016 Volvo XC90's interior features a variety of trims and accents along with a 9" central touch-infotainment system. The cabin has plenty of room to offer and the seats are one of the best if not the best in terms of comfort. The third row of seats that the XC90 comes with, makes it a proper family hauler. We have no complaints about the build quality and the ergonomic setup of the cabin only adds to the enriching experience on the inside. The Volvo 2016 XC90 can seat seven passengers as standard with the T5 and T6 variants.

All three rows of seats offer ample under-thigh and knee support and Volvo offers 7 interior upholstery color options for the buyer. The seating height is appropriate and provides a commanding view of the road ahead. The touch screen controls on the vertical screen become difficult to use when on the move but their enough space to seat all passengers with utmost comfort. There are plenty of storage pockets and cup holders all around the cabin, and the 12.6 cu-ft of trunk space can be opened up to 35.6 cu-ft with the third-row folder and 65.5 cu-ft with the second-row folded.

Even the cargo capacity is best-in-class as with all the seats up, the 2016 XC90 delivers a cargo capacity of 12.6 cu-ft, which may seem decent, but with the second-row seats folded, the midsize SUV manages a whopping 41.8 cubic feet of space, which is ample to fix a tent and camp inside your vehicle. When compared to the competitors, the Mercedes GLE and BMW X5 feel at an immense disadvantage due to their lower seating capacities of 5 passengers each. While the Lexus does manage similar seating space, it lags considerably behind in cargo capacity. 

The 2016 Volvo XC90 comes equipped with a standard 9-inch vertically placed unit that is not only easy to use but is also immensely responsive and has inch-perfect graphics. It features Bluetooth connectivity, USB connection, and satellite radio, as standard. The 10-speaker sound system is powerful in its performance and the clarity of each tune will only enlighten the experience. Some of the standard interior features include:

• Heated/Ventilated front seats & heated rear seat
• Sports leather heated steering wheel and leather/microfiber suede interior upholstery
• Four-zone automatic climate control w/rear vents
• 9-inch vertical touchscreen infotainment system & digital driver gauge cluster
• Satellite radio & navigation system
• Apple CarPlay & 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium surround audio system (Optional)

The SUV segment is saturated with bulbous and flashy vehicles however the 2016 Volvo XC90 offers a fresh breeze with its classy looks and futuristic design language. It appears smaller from the outside because of the new design. The daytime running lights are denoted as Thor's Hammer' as they resemble the shape of a hammer and the tail lamps seem as if they are glowing ancient Nordic Ruins.

Overall, the new exterior design of the 2016 XC90 offers something unique and elegant but the rear end does feel like a station wagon. The high stance with 9.3-inches of minimum ground clearance makes the XC90 2016 easy to drive over rough and unknown terrain without the worry of scraping its belly. There are 10 different paint color options to choose from optionally one can also get a set of 21-inch or 22-inch wheels for an added cost. 

The long wheelbase of the Volvo 2016 XC90 helps it open up more interior room for both passengers and their luggage. The high stance and low curb weight help in overcoming brought terrain with relative ease. The Lexus weighs the most in this comparison, thanks to its massive V8. Both the X5 and GLE 350 weigh similar to one another, but the BMW is longer and wider than the Mercedes. In the streets though, it would be the Mercedes and Volvo that look the most stylish, 

Some of the salient exterior features include:

• Aluminum roof rails
• High-gloss black front grille
• Adaptive self-leveling LED headlamps w/cornering lights
• LED fog lamps
• Panoramic sunroof and power hands-free liftgate
• 20-inch alloy wheels

There is no need to question the safety and reliability quotient of the 2016 Volvo XC90 when it comes to the Volvo badge sitting on top of the grille. The XC90 manages to score a perfect 5-star rating in the crash tests conducted by the NHTSA and has also received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" accolade for the segment from the IIHS in the crash tests for the 2016 model year. 

Ut equipped with a large number of standard safety features that include electronic stability control, driveline traction control, and lane-keeping assist. Further, a majority of the latest driver-assist features are also standard from the base trim onwards, which is a plus point in its favor. Add to it its robust (SPA) platform, and the 2016 XC90 is outright the safest SUV in the class.

Some of its other safety features include:

• Lane Departure Warning
• Automated Parking Assist
• BLIS Blind Spot Sensor w/rear Cross-traffic alert
• City Safety and Rear Collision Warning
• Front & rear parking sensors w/rear-view camera
• Surround-view camera system (optional)
• Lane Keep Assist (optional)

2016 Volvo XC90 vs 2016 Lexus GX 460

The Lexus GX460 sports a V8 powerplant and attempts to make its point by churning out a better performance than the 2016 Volvo XC90. But the Lexus takes a major hit coming to fuel economy. Lexus also aces it with potent offroading capabilities which the Volvo significantly misses out on. However, the Volvo XC90 comes out as a better choice offering a composed ride and effortless maneuverability over the cumbersome Lexus GX460. 

2016 Volvo XC90 vs 2016 BMW X5

Comparing the 2016 XC90 with the 2016 BMW X5, the Volvo takes a setback with underwhelming ride quality and low-performance standards compared to the BMW which offers a dynamic driving experience. The BMW also takes a point with better interiors and luxury over the Volvo XC90. But the XC90 makes a mark with more cabin space. Coming to safety and reliability the XC90 takes it away with the proven Volvo standards. When it comes to cost-benefit analysis, the BMW X5 makes its mark with a lower price tag and more performance than the 2016 Volvo XC90.

2016 Volvo XC90 vs 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

While the XC90 gets a smaller and cheaper engine option, the GLE-Class gets V6 as standard. Therefore, it is more expensive than Audi but not necessarily quicker by a huge margin. The Mercedes also consumes more fuel and can seat only 5 passengers as standard. The low stance affects practicality but the premium interior, high reliability and long list of creature comforts make it a strong option for the segment. 

The Volvo XC90 has been completely redesigned for 2016 both from the inside and outside. The new Twin-charged motor offers maximum performance and efficiency that has never been seen before. The looks and luxury might be the strongest components of the XC90 but the ride quality is stiff and may be one of its only shortcomings. The twincharger engine is impressive and will certainly force other manufacturers to go back to the drawing board instead of providing minor updates every consecutive year and calling it a day.