Quick Drive: 2020 Volvo XC90 T8 and 2021 V90 T6

[William Maley]

• Even though this shape has been around for a few years, the XC90 still looks very fresh. The minimalist boxy profile proudly shows off the various design traits such as the "Thor Hammer" headlights, slightly altered grille, and large wheels for the Inscription model.
• This was the first Volvo model where I felt slightly disappointed with the interior. Not because of the material choice or design, but rather the color. The black leather and dark trim make the interior feel cheap, not something you want in an SUV costing over $90,000. A colleague of mine had a similar XC90, but with a light beige color which makes the vehicle feel luxurious. 
• Aside from this, the XC90 follows other Volvo's in terms of comfort. The front and second-row seats provide are very supportive on any trip. Head and legroom is plentiful for most passengers sitting in the second-row. The third-row is best reserved for either small kids or emergencies.
• My particular XC90 came with the T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain. It's comprised of the 2.0L twin-charged (turbo and supercharged) four-cylinder and two electric motors. Total output is rated at 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic is the only transmission choice.
• For a model that tips the scales at over 5,000 lbs, the T8 powertrain shrugs it off. When both powertrains are activated, the XC90 moves like a rocket. Making any sort of pass or merging is no problem.
• The electric-only range is slightly disappointing with the EPA rating it at 18 miles. For comparison, Lincoln's Aviator PHEV gets 21 miles per charge. During my week, I was able to eke out 21 miles in mostly city and some rural driving.
• Recharging on 110V took around 8 to 10 hours with the battery fully depleted. Getting a 220V charger drops the charging time to around 2.5 hours.
• In terms of fuel economy, the XC90 T8 is rated at 55 MPGe with both powertrains, and 27 MPG with the gas engine alone. My average for the week landed around 43.
• The XC90 surprised me in terms of handling. I was expecting a fair amount of body roll and feeling a bit overwhelmed. But it felt alright on a winding road with minimal roll. Credit the optional four-corner air suspension which also does an amazing job with smoothing out various ruts and bumps.
• I came away somewhat impressed with the XC90. The T8 powertrain is the star of this vehicle as it moves this SUV like it weighs nothing, and returns decent fuel economy figures. The exterior still looks fresh and the ride/handling is impressive if you order the optional air suspension. Where the XC90 falters is in electric-only range; the interior feeling quite drab when getting a dark color; and the price tag. 

Volvo V90 Inscription

• Take the V60 and add a few more inches in length, and you have the V90. The clean and smoothed-over boxy shape is still one of the best-looking shapes in a very small field of wagons.
• Inside, the V90 is the pinnacle of luxury. My tester was the Inscription which included Nappa leather for the seats and wood trim. Unlike the XC90, the V90 came with a light color for the interior which made it feel more expensive.
• Most passengers will not complain about the V90's space or comfort. No matter where you find yourself sitting, there is more than enough head and legroom. Cargo space is also plentiful with 33.9 cubic feet with the rear seats up, and 59.3 when folded down.
• For powertrains, the V90 is only available with the T5 (turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder) or T6 (twin-charged 2.0L four-cylinder). My tester came with the latter, which also adds all-wheel drive.
• Like other Volvos I have sampled with this engine, the T6 is quite potent. No matter the driving situation, the twin-charged setup can get up to speed in no time. 
• EPA rates the V90 T6 at 21 City/32 Highway/26 Combined. My average for the week landed slightly below the combined figure at 25.
• The V90 makes no pretensions of being sporty with steering feeling very light. Body roll is kept under control, but that's due to the optional air suspension fitted to this vehicle. Ride comfort is top notch with barely a bump or road imperfection making its way inside.
• Complaints? I do wish for more physical controls with the Volvo Sensus infotainment system. It would make doing certain tasks such as changing the fan speed or turning the heated/ventilated front seats on or off much easier.
• The V90 is an excellent alternative to crossovers as it offers practicality and space, but with better fuel economy and handling.
• But I have some bad news concerning the V90. Volvo announced earlier this year that 2021 will be the last year for this model in U.S. Despite being only available via special order from a dealer, sales were dismal - 153 units sold through the first half of this year. I can understand why Volvo is pulling the V90 from the U.S., but it is a shame. At least the Cross Country model will still be around.

Disclaimer: Volvo Provided the Vehicles, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas

Year: 2020
Make: Volvo
Model: XC90
Trim: T8 Inscription
Engine: Twin-Charged 2.0L DOHC 16-valve Dual VVT-i Four-Cylinder, Electric Motor on Rear Axle
Driveline: Eight-Speed Automatic, All-Wheel Drive
Horsepower @ RPM: 314 @ 5,700 (gas engine); 87 @ 0 (electric motor); 400 (combined)
Torque @ RPM: 295 @ 2,200 (gas), 177 @ 0 (electric); 472 (combined)
Fuel Economy: MPGe Combined/Gas Combined - 55/27
Curb Weight: 5,142 lbs
Location of Manufacture: Gothenburg, Sweden
Base Price: $74,795
As Tested Price: $86,790 (Includes $995.00 Destination Charge)

Options:
Bowers and Wilkins Premium Sound - $3,200.00
Luxury Package - $3,100.00
Advanced Package - $2,450.00
4-Corner Air Suspension - $1,800.00
21" 8-Multi Spoke Wheels - $800.00
Metallic Paint - $645.00

Year: 2021
Make: Volvo
Model: V90
Trim: T6 Inscription
Engine: Twin-Charged 2.0L DOHC 16-valve Dual VVT-i Four-Cylinder
Driveline: Eight-Speed Automatic, All-Wheel Drive
Horsepower @ RPM: 316 @ 5,700
Torque @ RPM: 295 @ 2,200
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 21/32/25
Curb Weight: 4,291 lbs
Location of Manufacture: Gothenburg, Sweden
Base Price: $57,780
As Tested Price: $67,740 (Includes $995.00 Destination Charge)

Options:
Bowers and Wilkins Premium Sound - $3,200.00
Advanced Package - $1,500.00
4-Corner Air Suspension - $1,200.00
21" 8-Multi Spoke Wheels - $800.00
Metallic Paint - $645.00
Massage in Front Seat - $500.00
Air Quality with Advanced Air Cleaner - $250.00

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[G. David Felt]

Sad that they never really gave the V90 a chance for a station wagon to do well, you have to have it on the lots, not special order only. I think it could have done very well if properly marketed.

[riviera74]

In an era of FWD unibody crossovers, who would buy an expensive Volvo station wagon?

[regfootball]

On 11/16/2021 at 10:22 AM, David said:

Sad that they never really gave the V90 a chance for a station wagon to do well, you have to have it on the lots, not special order only. I think it could have done very well if properly marketed.

being a wagon owner myself, i like the sentiment, but the wagons are usually priced higher than the market seems to value.  If its an SUV they can seem to ask whatever they want for price and get it.  Wagons hit a price threshold and then people say, 'I could have an SUV for that price'.

the other comment is true, if you don't stock them, no one will see them and become interested in them.  for 153 units a year, i can understand pulling them from the market.

They might consider keeping it if it were 10,000 units a year but i guess ^^^^ see the previous part of this post.  I guess the taller your vehicle, the more you can charge.

And most often, your wife will be the one to make the call on SUV vs Wagon, and those will almost unanimously be 'SUV'.

the latter part of the 2010's have nice used wagons selection on the market.  Audi, Jaguar, Volvo, Buick :), etc.  I guess wagon buyers will have to snap up the used ones when they can since it seems the choices are far fewer from here on out if Volvo is pulling out.

Edited November 20, 2021 by regfootball