2022 Volvo XC90 T5 Momentum

If driving verve isn't a top priority when shopping for a mid-size luxury SUV, the 2022 Volvo XC90, which serves up a whole lot of style and safety tech, is a solid choice. As the only three-row in Volvo's portfolio, it's best suited for shuttling families, even if its far-back seats aren't the most spacious. Still, it has one of the prettiest interiors in the class, which includes the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne. Both alternatives are better to drive, but they're considerably more expensive, too. Along with two four-cylinder options, the XC90 is also offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain which has 455 horsepower, perkier acceleration, and 35 miles of electric-only range. No matter the powertrain, the 2022 XC90 is one of the most satisfying upper-class, three-row utes so we put it on our Editors' Choice list. The 2022 XC90 family receives some new standard features along with revised option packages. The base Momentum model adds standard built-in navigation. Every XC90 loses standard content such as the compass in its rearview mirror and the high-pressure headlight cleaner, but they gain a redesigned rear bumper with hidden exhaust tips. The Advance package now includes a 360-degree camera system, head-up display, and an enhanced air purification system. The Climate package now has a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and the aforementioned headlight cleaner. Models that used to have a leather-wrapped steering wheel now get a leather-free wrapping. Likewise, Volvo has discontinued leather key fobs as well as the drive-mode roller on the center console (modes are now exclusively selectable via the touchscreen). Plug-in hybrid Recharge models gain a more powerful electric motor and a larger battery which extends the SUV's all-electric driving range to 35 miles. We think the snazzy and well-equipped Inscription trim level with the 316-hp turbo- and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (T6 designation) is the one to get. It has a host of features that we expect luxury SUV buyers will have on their short list. This includes statelier exterior trim, 20-inch wheels, a fully digital gauge cluster, lane-keeping assist, nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats with massage functions, and a Harman/Kardon audio system.The XC90 can be had in three versions, all of them riffs on the theme of Volvo's 2.0-liter turbo four. The 250-hp turbocharged engine (T5 designation) is the only one that pairs with front-wheel drive, but it's also compatible with all-wheel drive, which is standard on every other model. The more powerful T6 version adds supercharging to the turbocharging system to result in 316 horsepower. This setup is standard on the gas-powered Momentum and Inscription. The 455-hp plug-in-hybrid XC90 (T8 Recharge designation) utilizes the T6 powertrain and adds two electric motors and a charging port on the exterior. All XC90 engine variants are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and are rated to tow 5000 pounds, a respectable but not extraordinary figure for a vehicle this size. As with many vehicles in the class, the Volvo leans noticeably around curves, but its steering responses are accurate, and the wheel has a pleasing heft that splits the difference between feather-light and heavyweight. Our test car had the optional air suspension and provided a pleasant, insulated ride, and it handled most road situations well. Some clattering from the chassis over particularly sharp bumps betrays minor imperfections, one of only a few grievances with the otherwise graceful XC90.