2020 Volvo XC90

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Rating7.3

Ranked #8 in 

Midsize SUV
Write Review
$48,350 - $63,100
Starting Price 
Amratya Nigam's image
Amratya Nigam 

Automotive Journalist,

Updated on August 8, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Precise handling dynamics

Not so responsive touchscreen controls

New exterior shades

Powerful twin-charged motor

Engine noise creeps into the cabin

Redesigned front grille

Appealing cabin and exterior design

New bespoke alloy wheels

Sufficient standard safety features

Specs & Features

$50,850

price

250 hp @ 5500 rpm

horsepower

258 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

torque

8-Speed Automatic w/od

transmission

2.0L 4cyl AWD 8A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

Sitting at the top of the automaker's lineup, the 2020 Volvo XC90 is the standing testimony of true luxury- Scandinavian style, all the while being functional at the same time. The XC90 is still underpinned by Volvo's "Scalable Product Architecture". For 2020, the SUV gets a revised front grille along with new wheel options dominating its athletic stance. Irrespective of the trim you go for, every Volvo XC90 is equipped with a twin-charged, 2.0L, inline-4 motor under the hood. Now while the T5 variants add in a turbocharger, the T6 Momentum and Inscription variants bring a supercharger too to the lineup.

2020 Volvo XC90 Buying Advice

The trim to go for is the XC90 T6 Momentum trim, as apart from the set of features available, you also get a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0L engine to power it through. The R-Design, for the price of $56,100, can be had if you're largely looking for a sports appearance package. If you're in the market for an older XC90 model, be sure to check out the 2017, 2018, and 2019 XC90 models. As each and every year has had major feature list changes. Nevertheless, apart from the minor extras available in the later MYs, if affordability is in question, we would suggest you go for the 2017 XC90.

Then there is also the ultimate T8 variant, which is a plug-in hybrid XC90 option. The interior is studded with the best of equipment from Volvo and its Thor's hammer-LED headlamps further accentuate the presence of the car. XC90's huge dimensions mean it can ferry a family of seven comfortably. On sale this year with just a price hike of $630 from the 2019 iteration, the XC90 locks horns with some other equally reputed rivals like Audi Q7, BMW X5, and the Acura MDX.

2020 Volvo XC90 for sale

The 2020 Volvo XC90 T5 Momentum starts off at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $48,350, while the top-end T6 Inscription, is priced at $63,100. The average list price for a used 2020 XC90 range anywhere from $35,096 - $59,000, depending on numerous factors. For further listings on the basis of different colors and the drivetrain on offer, you can also refer to the trusted Volvo certified pre-owned program. Moreover, maintenance charges for the XC90 turn out to be nearly $6800, which makes it an expensive SUV to own altogether.

Buying Advice

We would recommend the Volvo XC90 Momentum as it is nicely priced and available with standard features. It comes with features like heated front seats, four-zone automatic climate control and adaptive headlights.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

Post the refreshment, the XC90 has been one of the most sold Volvos in America. That said, the 2020 XC90's generous pricing and a plethora of standard driving assist features are some of its USPs and the impeccable ride quality just enhances it more. However, people always look forward to changes and Volvo had dragged the same design language for almost a decade now, which again resulted in the decline in sales numbers.

The 2015 XC90 went under the scalpel and emerged as a much better iteration with a minimalistic design language, as most of the functions have now been taken over by a large touchscreen infotainment unit resting right in the middle of the dash. It has been receiving minor updates ever since the refreshment with each passing year. Oh and let's not forget, the XC90 is one of the very few vehicles to be known as the safest vehicle on the planet. Add to it the multitude of powertrain options onboard, including the T5, T6, and T8 variants, and the XC90 is surely one of the best SUVs in its class.

Buying Advice

We would recommend the 2020 Volvo XC90 Momentum as it is competitively priced and available with all the latest and greatest features in standard form. It comes with features like heated front seats, four-zone automatic climate control, and adaptive headlights, that only add to the luxurious setting inside. For the price of $48,350, it certainly is a steal.

Features
8.0/10

The 2020 Volvo XC90 is offered in three engine options and three trim variants, namely Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription. The starting price of the 2020 XC90 is $48,350 for the T5 Momentum trim which goes to $63,100 for the T6 Inscription model. The powertrains are distributed in different configurations T5, T6, and T8. The XC90 R-design is the sportier among all the trims, featuring major exterior and interior upgrades. The Inscription trim gets the most luxurious features of all. This trim is available with T6 and T8 engine options.

Trims Momentum R-Design Inscription
MSRP (T5) $48,350 $56,100 -
MSRP (T6) $56,800 $62,000 $63,100
Features Laminated Panoramic Moonroof w/Power Sunshade 20" 5-Spoke Tech Matte Tech Grey Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels 20" 10-Spoke Tinted Silver Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels
  LED Headlights w/ Thor's Hammer Daytime Running Lights & Auto Highbeam  R-Design Grille Metal Mesh Aluminum Inlays Inscription Grille Linear Walnut Wood Inlays
  Collision Mitigation Support R-Design 3-Spoke Steering Wheel 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Display
  Front Sensus Navigation Ambient Lighting Head-up display

For 2020, however, all the trims in the XC90 lineup get revised wheel options for starters. Further safety technology features including Pilot Assist driving aids are standard from the base trim onwards. That's not all, Volvo also manages to group a lot of features into optional packages, namely the Advance package, available across the trim lineup, and also the Luxury package, which is available with the Inscription trim only.

Fuel Economy
4.0/10

The 2020 Volvo XC90 T5 variant is able to deliver 21 MPG in the city and 30 miles to the gallon out on the highway. On opting for the T6 variant, the 2020 XC90 is EPA-rated at 18 MPG and 26 MPG in the city and highway respectively. The T8 plug-in hybrid, on the other hand, is rated at 55 MPGe combined rating. The T5, partnered with the 18.8-gallon fuel tank is able to stretch out for 564 miles on the go.

Model

2020 Volvo XC90

2020 Acura MDX

2020 Audi Q7

2020 BMW X5

MPG (city)

21

20

19

21

MPG (highway)

30

27

23

26

MPG (combined)

25

23

21

23

Fuel Capacity 18.8 gallons 19.5 gallons 22.5 gallons 21.9 gallons

The 2020 Volvo XC90 definitely trades in performance numbers for better fuel economy figures, hence the small four-cylinder turbocharged engine. Nevertheless, the 18.8-gallon fuel tank does compromise a bit on the range front, when compared to the rest of the competition.

Interior
9.0/10

Materials, design and workmanship are very good, class-leading in some areas - Edmunds

The 2020 Volvo XC90's interior manages to offer impressive passenger space and creature comforts. Right from the attractive options to the material quality, we only wish that there were more cars of this kind. The third row doesn't offer much space. However, it manages to offer more legroom than some of its prominent rivals. Available as an option, the XC90 has either two or four massaging seats on offer, a rear-seat beverage cooler, a crystalline shifter knob, and handcrafted Swedish-crystal tumblers.

There's a panoramic sunroof available as standard across the range. The XC90 SUV offers the best in class headroom in the segment. As per Volvo, there's equal importance to all the occupants. The 2020 XC90 has a Sensus 9-inch infotainment system that includes navigation. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are offered as standard with the XC90. Volvo especially takes care of the audio requirements in the XC90, as it provides an impressive 19-speaker Bowers and Wilkins audio system.

Model

2020 Volvo XC90

2020 Acura MDX

2020 Audi Q7

2020 BMW X5

Passenger capacity

7

7

7

5

Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

38.9/57.7/40.9

38.1/61.1/41.4

38.4/59.5/41.7

40.8/60/39.8

Rear (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

38.5/56.5/37.0

38.3/59.1/36.6

38.8/58.5/38.8

38.7/58.1/37.4

Cargo Capacity 21.8 cu. ft 15.0 cu. ft 14.8 cu. ft 33.9 cu. ft

The Volvo XC90`s exemplary interior styling has turned out to be a plus point by offering best-in-class cargo across the lineup. With all three seats up, the XC90 offers a cargo volume of 21.8 cubic feet. With the second row folded, the capacity increases to 49.6 cubic feet. When all rows are folded, the XC90 can accommodate all of your luggage with 80.6 cubic feet of luggage volume. The lowering of rear-end for convenient loading of luggage is further facilitated by the optional air suspension.

Exterior
8.0/10

The Volvo XC90 SUV's exterior is equally elegant with no small dose of strength - Kelley Blue Book

There might be plenty of crossovers that are better than the XC90 in a lot of areas, but not many look as impressive as the XC90 does. The 2020 Volvo XC90 follows the tradition by offering a tasteful design keeping a minimalistic approach. The crisp and sharp design elements add more refinement to the SUV. The front is dominated by the T-shaped headlights and the aggressive grille, while the side is accentuated by plenty of subtle character lines.

The sloping windshield is further aided by a long hood. The rear end of the XC90 perfect captivates form with functionality, as it has vertically-designed taillights along with the one-touch rear liftgate. Dimension-wise, the XC90 SUV offers a bold stance on the road. The 117.5-inch XC90 wheelbase delivers a much more spacious interior setup, than the rest of the competition. The best-in-class 9.4-inch ground clearance does help the XC90 to wade through potholes and small boulders easily.

Model

2020 Volvo XC90

2020 Acura MDX

2020 Audi Q7

2020 BMW X5

Curb weight (lbs.)

4771

4032

4784

4758

Length(in)

194.9

196.2

199.6

194.3

Width(in)

79.1

77.7

77.5

78.9

Height(in)

69.9

67.4

68.5

69

Ground clearance (in)

9.4

7.3

8.1

8.7

Wheelbase (in)

117.5

111.0

117.9

117.1

Track width (in) F/R

65.7/65.8

66.3/66.3

66.1/66.6

66.1/66.9

Some of the exterior features on offer with the 2020 XC90 are-

  • 21-inch bespoke alloy wheels
  • Adaptive headlights
  • Headlight washers
  • Body-colored side mirrors
  • Dual exhaust outlets
  • Body-colored rear spoiler

Safety
8.0/10

The 2020 Volvo XC90 is one of the safest cars in the world, as it is backed by loads of active and passive safety tech. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rated the 2020 XC90 with a five-star overall crash test rating. The XC90 scored five out of five stars in the frontal and side crash tests and four stars in the rollover test. The XC90 has the highest rating of Good in five individual crash tests conducted by the IIHS. The XC90 earned the best rating "Superior" for its front crash prevention features, as well as "Acceptable" for headlights.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 is loaded with an array of safety features listed below.

  • Cornering Lights
  • LED Daytime Running Lights
  • Engine Immobilizer
  • Stability Control
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring system
  • Emergency Braking Assist
  • Blind Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System
  • Forward collision warning system
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Adaptive Headlights

Competition
9.0/10

2020 Volvo XC90 vs 2020 Audi Q7

The 2020 Audi Q7 is one of the most well-crafted luxury SUVs in its segment. It offers a convenient package along with ample interior space. It's also one of the fastest in the segment with a supercharged V6 that's certainly more accomplished than the XC90`s small 2.0-liter Inline-4. The Volvo XC90, on the other hand, offers a sumptuous interior setup and also aces the feature front as well.

2020 Volvo XC90 vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2020 Acura MDX is a great value-for-money car if you are looking for a spacious interior. Acura has also included plenty of semi-autonomous driving technologies. However, the Acura MDX lacks the panache of the XC90 like any other SUV in the segment. Nevertheless, for the price it is being offered at, it definitely is one of the best in the segment.

Final Verdict

Its been two years since the inception of the second generation Volvo XC90 in the market. It still remains one of the most handsome and charming SUVs inside-out. It is very practical and offers useful third-row seating and boot space. Meanwhile, the Volvo XC90 tries to churn out maximum power from the 2.0-liter engine while the competitors bet on larger engines with an even smoother transmission setup. Having a good reputation on the safety front, you will feel relaxed while driving the Volvo XC90. All-in-all a definite steal.

Trims

    T5 Momentum
    $48,350 onwards
    • 19-Inch wheels
    • Keyless entry and ignition
    • Led lighting
    • Panoramic sunroof
    • Power tailgate
    • Rear parking sensors
    T5 R-Design
    $56,100 onwards
    • 20-Inch wheels
    • Ambient lighting
    • Front parking sensors
    • Paddle shifters
    T6 Momentum
    $56,300 onwards
    • Heated Front Seats
    • Leather upholstery
    • Navigation system
    T6 R-Design
    $62,000 onwards
    • 20-inch machined w/painted accents aluminum Wheels
    • Nappa leather Seat trim
    • Parking assist
    T6 Inscription
    $62,600 onwards
    • Power cushion extension

Compare to similar cars

Price

$48,350- $63,100

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.3

Horsepower

316 hp @ 5700 rpm

Torque

295 lb.-ft. @ 2200 rpm

Capacity

7

Read Review

$66,800- $126,500

Gasoline

7.79

335 hp @ 5300 rpm

332 lb.-ft. @ 1340 rpm

5

Read Review

$44,500- $61,750

Gasoline

7.15

290 hp @ 6200 rpm

267 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm

7

Read Review

$64,300- $85,650

Gasoline

7.75

335 hp @ 5500 rpm

330 lb.-ft. @ 1550 rpm

5

Read Review

$40,000- $56,100

Gasoline

7.03

310 hp @ 6800 rpm

266 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm

7

Read Review

$44,350- $52,250

Gasoline

7.14

295 hp @ 6400 rpm

270 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

7

Read Review

$32,150- $87,400

Gasoline

7.05

293 hp @ 6400 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$52,300- $69,200

Gasoline

7.66

340 hp @ 6500 rpm

332 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm

5

Read Review

$68,650- $114,500

Gasoline

8.1

355 hp @ 5500 rpm

365 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

7

Read Review

$53,000- $64,265

Gasoline

6.22

301 hp @ 5500 rpm

329 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm

7

Read Review

2020 Volvo XC90 vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    2020 Volvo XC90

    Ranked #16

    8.7 sec16.3 sec121 mph
    2020 BMW X5

    Ranked #1

    5 sec13.7 sec129 mph
    2020 BMW X6

    Ranked #1

    5 sec13.6 sec131 mph
    2020 Audi Q8

    Ranked #2

    5.3 sec14 sec130 mph
    5.4 sec--
    5.7 sec14.1 sec135 mph

    2020 Volvo XC90 vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      21 mpg30 mpg25 mpg18.8 gal.394.8/564 mi.
      23 mpg33 mpg27 mpg14.2 gal.326.6/468.6 mi.
      22 mpg28 mpg24 mpg19 gal.418/532 mi.
      22 mpg29 mpg24 mpg18.5 gal.413.6/545.2 mi.
      2020 BMW X5

      Ranked #4

      21 mpg26 mpg23 mpg21.9 gal.459.9/569.4 mi.
      21 mpg26 mpg23 mpg18.4 gal.378/468 mi.

      2020 Volvo XC90 vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        2020 Volvo XC90

        Ranked #11

        194.9 in.79.1 in.69.9 in.9.4 in.117.5 in.
        204.3 in.78.8 in.69.9 in.7.7 in.120.9 in.
        2020 BMW X7

        Ranked #2

        203.3 in.78.7 in.71.1 in.8.7 in.122.2 in.
        200.1 in.77.2 in.68.6 in.6.5 in.114.2 in.
        199.4 in.77.5 in.69 in.8.8 in.115.3 in.
        2020 Audi Q7

        Ranked #5

        199.3 in.77.6 in.68.5 in.7.7 in.117.9 in.

        2020 Volvo XC90 vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          41.8 cu.ft.103.8 cu.ft.85.7 cu.ft.
          2020 BMW X6

          Ranked #1

          27.4 cu.ft.164.4 cu.ft.59.6 cu.ft.
          15 cu.ft.132.7 cu.ft.68.4 cu.ft.
          2020 BMW X7

          Ranked #3

          46.3 cu.ft.97.3 cu.ft.90.4 cu.ft.
          18.4 cu.ft.99.8 cu.ft.56.3 cu.ft.
          15.8 cu.ft.133 cu.ft.76.5 cu.ft.

          2020 Volvo XC90 vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            85.7 cu.ft.41.8 cu.ft.85.7 cu.ft.-
            55.4 cu.ft.27.1 cu.ft.60.3 cu.ft.-
            39.6 cu.ft.23.6 cu.ft.97.6 cu.ft.-
            5.3 cu.ft.31.8 cu.ft.68.6 cu.ft.-
            66.6 cu.ft.41.2 cu.ft.83.7 cu.ft.-
            -33.3 cu.ft.--

            2020 Volvo XC90 vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              2020 Volvo XC90

              Ranked #11

              4000 lbs.1210 lbs.4394 lbs.
              8201 lbs.1857 lbs.4735 lbs.
              7716 lbs.1732 lbs.4974 lbs.
              7716 lbs.1850 lbs.5135 lbs.
              7700 lbs.1499 lbs.4663 lbs.
              7700 lbs.1657 lbs.4582 lbs.

              2020 Volvo XC90 SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              7

              Recalls

              1

              Investigations

              16

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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