2020 Volvo XC90 T5 Momentum

Credited with kick-starting Volvo's design renaissance when it appeared for the 2016 model year, the 2020 XC90 remains one of the most stylish options among luxury SUVs. It's powered by one of three different four-cylinder powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid, and can be had in six- or seven-passenger configurations. Inside, buyers will find a cabin that epitomizes Scandinavian luxury, highlighted by fine materials such as nappa leather, real wood trim, and tasteful chrome accents. A vertically oriented infotainment touchscreen provides controls for the majority of the XC90's systems and settings, and a driver-facing 12.3-inch screen serves as a digital gauge cluster. As with all Volvos, the 2020 XC90 is focused on safety as much as it is on luxury, and a host of driver-assistance features are standard across the board. The XC90 receives a visual freshening for 2020 by way of a new grille and front bumper; Volvo also has restyled the XC90's wheels. Base Momentum models now come with low-profile roof rails and integrated tailpipes while sporty R-Design models swap matte silver exterior trim for gloss black. All XC90 models now come standard with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, R-Design and Inscription trims gain front parking sensors as standard, and Volvo has tweaked the operation of both the rear cross-traffic alert feature and added active-steering support for the City Safety driver-assistance feature. Inside, Momentum models now can be ordered with Black Ash wood trim, R-Design models come with nappa leather upholstery, and T8 Inscription models sport a restyled shifter made from Orrefors crystal. Both the Momentum and Inscription models will now offer a six-passenger layout with second-row captain's chairs. The T8 plug-in hybrid model now comes with a larger 11.6-kWh battery; the ultra-loaded (and ultra-pricey) Excellence trim is no longer offered. Volvo's largest SUV is best had with the mid-range T6 engine—a 316-hp turbo- and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder—and dressed in Inscription trim. For the $6500 increase versus the mid-range R-Design, the Inscription adds a host of features that we expect luxury SUV buyers will have on their short list, including ventilated front seats, lane-keeping assist, a Harman/Kardon audio system, and 20-inch wheels, and a statelier exterior design. The XC90 can be had in three versions, all of them riffs on the theme of Volvo's 2.0-liter turbo four. The base model, which we have yet to test, features the 250-hp turbocharged T5 engine paired with front-wheel drive. The more powerful T6 version adds supercharging to the turbocharging system to result in 316 horsepower. It's optional in the base Momentum trim and standard in Inscription models; the engine only pairs with all-wheel drive. The 400-hp plug-in hybrid XC90 T8 starts with the T6 powertrain and adds two electric motors and a charging port on the exterior. Our test vehicle featured Volvo's optional air suspension, which adds Eco, Comfort, Off Road, and Dynamic drive modes along with individually customizable suspension settings. That suspension provided a pleasant, insulated ride, and it handled most road situations well. In addition to delivering rapid acceleration, the T8 plug-in version will run on electricity alone. The 2020 XC90 received a larger battery pack and its range has not yet been rated by the EPA, but the 2019 model and its smaller battery offered up to 17 miles of electric-only range.