It’s solely becoming that the XC90 catapulted Volvo again into relevance in 2015. After all, the primary technology of the three-row crossover SUV sustained the model by means of some very sparse years, again when it seemed just like the Swedish automaker may pack up its smörgåsbord for good.  The second-gen XC90 was that rarest of unicorns within the automotive enterprise: an absolute clean-sheet design. It featured a brand new platform, all-new powertrains, styling language, infotainment and electrical structure. Heck, when it was launched, lurking simply offstage clutching a freshly redesigned key fob was Geely, Volvo’s new company homeowners. The 2015 XC90 was as shut as Sweden’s automotive trade has ever come to a moonshot, and never solely did it work, it did so superbly.Now, the corporate is trumpeting the up to date 2020 Volvo XC90 seen right here. Truth is, although, Volvo’s engineers have been steadily beavering away, rendering enhancements to their flagship SUV 12 months after 12 months. This is simply the primary time you may discover any variations from the surface.
Subtle visuals Even so, you continue to may want a spotter’s information, so permit me to help: For 2020, the XC90 receives a reworked, newly concave grille, up to date fasciae entrance and rear, plus totally different alloy wheel patterns. In whole, it is such a refined tweak that even homeowners of 2019 XC90s are most likely going to should squint to note. To me, the brand new entrance finish seems to be barely busier, however solely simply. This continues to be a good-looking, stately SUV that is transitioning into center age gracefully. On the within, the XC90’s cabin stays the toast of its section, with stunning surfacing, high-quality supplies, attractive low-gloss wooden veneers and a minimalist Scandinavian aura that someway avoids feeling austere. It’s an inside all however unmatched by its friends 5 mannequin years after its introduction. Yes, there is a posh new BMW X5 and Audi is coming with an updated-for-2020 Q7, however aesthetically, for the second, the XC90’s smooth confines nonetheless out-wows all of them. Before you ask, sure, it’s attainable to get different colours.
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Six-seat possibility Volvo appears most happy with the truth that the 2020 XC90 is lastly obtainable in a six-seat format, a configuration that officers say US patrons have been clamoring for quite loudly. The new association employs a pair of bucket seats within the second row rather than the standard bench, with a beneficiant pass-through between them to ease entry to the two-seat rear bench. This seating array is obtainable on T6 and T8 Momentum and Inscription fashions (you may’t get it on the racier-looking R-Design), and it is solely obtainable in charcoal or blond finishes. The new seating association helps the second row really feel extra spacious, nevertheless it’s additionally not with out flaws. Second-row buckets lack middle armrests (outboard armrests are on the door), and relocated cupholders mounted on the ground beneath the rear HVAC controls appear to be an afterthought, requiring some care to step round when utilizing the pass-through.  Volvo is trumpeting a brand new six-seat configuration. It’s good, however not with out compromise.
Bruce Benedict/Volvo
Interior tweaks Among different notable cabin adjustments, the entry-level XC90 Momentum drops the bottom 8-inch Digital Driver Display in favor of the all-digital 12.3-inch gauge cluster beforehand discovered elsewhere within the vary. A brand new Black Ash wooden inlay is on the market on Momentum fashions (Flame Birch has been nixed), and top-shelf Inscription fashions can now be fitted with the engaging Grey Ash Wood inlay seen in these images.  On the upholstery entrance, Slate Grey leather-based additionally joins the choices listing, and there is a welcome new non-leather seat possibility that Volvo calls Tailored Wool, obtainable within the aforementioned Slate Gray or in Midnight Zinc on Inscription fashions. While Volvo did not have any such automobiles obtainable to drive, it did have a pattern seat obtainable, and the material seems to be to be a properly upscale, trendy various to leather-based, not in contrast to the Kvadrat textile supplied on sure Land Rovermodels. One thing more: The redesigned Orrefors crystal digital gearshift lever seen right here lives solely on T8 fashions. It seems to be and feels correctly premium, however frustratingly, it additionally requires a fast double-tap to maneuver between Park, Drive and Reverse. This is an annoyingly pointless hoop to leap by means of that nearly no different automaker requires, and it takes a second to change into acclimated to this lever’s actuation. The XC90’s cabin is as richly serene as ever. Grey Ash Wood is a brand new possibility.
Bruce Benedict/Volvo
Sensus Connect I discussed Volvo’s philosophy of steady enchancment, and it is value noting that simply final 12 months, the corporate up to date the processor in its Sensus Connect infotainment methods, together with these within the XC90 household. The previous system was fairly however proved to be each lag and bug inclined. To the corporate’s credit score, the brand new {hardware} does appear snappier and extra steady.  For 2020, the system is basically unchanged, so if you happen to had been a fan of it earlier than, you may proceed to take pleasure in it right here. I actually just like the tablet-style 9-inch display and its crisp graphics, however discover that a few of the deeper menus are distractingly cluttered. Additionally, I want Volvo hadn’t made so most of the local weather management system’s capabilities depending on touchscreen use — a couple of extra buttons would go a good distance. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration come normal and a Wi-Fi hotspot is optionally available, however oddly for a family-minded car, second- and third-row occupants are nonetheless lacking USB charging ports. Volvo upgraded Sensus Connect’s processing energy final 12 months.
Volvo
Four-cylinders, 3 ways As earlier than, the Torslanda, Sweden-built XC90 vary is on the market solely with 2.0-liter gasoline energy and an eight-speed computerized. Base T5 engines are turbocharged to ship 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque and are solely obtainable with front-wheel drive. T6 fashions come normal with all-wheel drive, plus they add a supercharger alongside the aforementioned turbo. This twin-charged engine is nice for 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet, nevertheless it’s nonetheless solely the mid-range powertrain. The top-shelf T8 is a plug-in hybrid mannequin. The uniquely tuned Drive-E 4 places out 313 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque by itself however is augmented by front-mounted 34-kilowatt starter motor/generator and an 87-horsepower electrical motor performing on the rear axle. Total system output is quoted as 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet, a really wholesome quantity for a midsize SUV.  For 2020, the T8’s battery capability has been nudged to 11.6 kilowatt hours, up from 10.4. Unfortunately, it is not but clear if this has a optimistic impact on gas effectivity, as EPA estimates for 2020 fashions have but to be launched. For steering, the 2019 XC90 T8 PHEV yielded a Miles Per Gallon Equivalent (MPGe) ranking of 58 mixed metropolis/freeway, and a middling 25 miles per gallon on premium gas. The best gas-only 2019 XC90, the FWD T5 Momentum, registered 21 mpg metropolis, 29 freeway and 24 mixed, class-competitive (if unremarkable) numbers. Driving the 2020 Volvo XC90 T8 by means of the attractive Canadian Rockies round Banff, Alberta revealed few surprises. Power within the T8 is predictably easy, with a very sturdy slug of midrange torque. Shifts are unobtrusive, although the transmission will be reluctant to vary down, and within the T8 Inscription, there are not any paddle shifters to assist plan forward for a cross or summon extra engine braking. (Paddles come on the sportier-appearing R-Design, however must be obtainable on all fashions.) For 2020, Volvo has executed a string of blink-and-you’ll-miss-them visible updates.
Bruce Benedict/Volvo
Nice trip Early on within the second-generation XC90’s life, fashions specced with giant wheels like this Inscription mannequin’s 20-inch tires suffered from flinty trip high quality with a very jarring response to giant bumps, however Volvo evidently tuned that nasty conduct out of this SUV a while in the past, at the very least on fashions geared up with air suspension. The final couple of XC90s I’ve pushed have been far more nice on this regard, together with this new 2020 mannequin.  The XC90’s variable-assist electrical energy steering stays appropriately fast and is faithfully correct, nevertheless it’s additionally typically fairly tight-lipped relating to delivering highway really feel. Even with the drive mode selector set to its most aggressive Dynamic mode, weighting continues to be on the sunshine facet, which feels acceptable for this class. Safety plus One space the place the XC90 T8 has improved markedly is within the stopping division. Hybrid fashions beforehand suffered from oddly non-linear braking really feel. Volvo’s engineers have smoothed the handoff between regenerative braking to friction braking with a brand new hydraulic pump, and the ensuing by-wire system is certainly extra predictable and conventional feeling. While the brake system enchancment often is the XC90’s single-most-appreciated security replace for 2020, there are a variety of different refinements to the mannequin’s already bountiful suite of security tech. Those adjustments embrace including a haptic suggestions steering wheel to the Pilot Assist adaptive cruise management system. Additionally, there’s new computerized braking help for the blind-spot with cross-traffic alert system, a change that ought to make backing out of parking areas a bit safer.  As earlier than, Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) like lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and ahead collision warning with auto brake are normal throughout the vary.  Overall, the XC90 is a convincing, assured steer. It’s not as participating to drive as some rivals from extra performance-minded manufacturers, nevertheless it strikes a wise consolation/dealing with stability. For 2020, the racier-looking XC90 R-Design returns with new wheels and blacked-out trim.
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Like and subscribe The last large change for the 2020 XC90 is not truly would not should do with the car itself — it is associated to the way in which you will get one. Volvo has arguably been the one automaker to achieve significant traction with a subscription possibility. The firm’s Care By Volvo all-in-one, flat-rate subscription mannequin launched in 2017 on the XC40 compact crossover, and it later expanded to S60 fashions.  For 2020, the XC90 T6 Momentum AWD is being added to this system as an $800-a-month various to conventional financing or leasing. That all-in worth contains insurance coverage, upkeep, highway hazard plan, and $1,000 credit score towards put on and tear or mileage overage upon turn-in. This two-year settlement permits the plan-holder to change out their XC90 for one more new Volvo after the primary 12 months. Care by Volvo has been rolling out on a state-by-state foundation as native insurance coverage and regulatory hurdles are cleared, and this system is now working in all states besides New York. An agreeable Swede Priced from $48,350 (plus $995 vacation spot) for the bottom T5 FWD and ranging on as much as (and past) for my $86,990-as-delivered T8 E-AWD Inscription tester, the 2020 XC90 is hardly a cheap proposition. Fortunately, its smooth look, design-magazine centerfold inside, straightforward efficiency and superior security options make this midsize luxurious SUV a compelling providing in a crowded section thick with expertise.  The XC90 singlehandedly kicked off Volvo’s rebirth, and this mannequin 12 months’s modest replace ensures the SUV will ably carry the model flagship’s torch till the third technology debuts someday in 2021. This is how all morning commutes ought to look.
Bruce Benedict/Volvo
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