2024 Volvo XC90 Review: Luxury, Safety, and Performance Unveiled
Explore the Volvo XC90: a luxurious, reliable SUV with advanced safety features, stylish design, and powerful performance.
Mid-sized luxury SUVs are growing in popularity as more drivers prefer larger, more powerful, and lavish modes of transportation. With a seemingly endless range of cars qualifying for this impressive and competitive category, how does the Volvo XC90 compare to the BMW X5, Genesis GV80, and Audi Q6?
The XC90 is a beautiful car with a striking exterior, a luxurious cabin, and three rows, making it a lavish and practical daily driver. Its bold grille and stately design contribute to its regal appearance, perfect for road warriors and commuters. The interior is minimalistic yet comfortable, adorned with soft Nappa leather and illuminated by a panoramic roof.
While both driver and passengers enjoy ample elbow room, the third row is slightly cramped. All-wheel drive is standard across all models, but horsepower ranges from 247 to 295. Overall, the XC90 ranks high on the mid-sized luxury SUV list.
Design and Aesthetics
Volvo made a few changes to the 2024 XC90, retaining its signature grille, long sculptured lines, and Thor's hammer headlights, an homage to the Norse god of thunder. A large panoramic roof brings natural light into the cabin, offering more headroom than some counterparts. The interior of the XC90 is quintessentially Scandinavian: minimalistic and bright.
The seats, very comfortable and covered in silky smooth natural leather, immediately catch the eye. Front seats are heated and ventilated and provide a ten-point back massage. Elbow room is plentiful in the first and second rows, but Volvo was not as generous with their third row.
The car features ample storage, with a large pocket in every door, armrest, center console, and under the infotainment screen. With the third row folded down, the XC90 offers 85.7 cubic feet of storage, accessible via a hands-free power tailgate.
Performance and Handling
Powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, the XC90 offers average performance. There are two all-wheel-drive options connected to an 8-speed Geartronic™ automatic powertrain. The standard B5 powertrain produces 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, can tow up to 4,000 pounds, and accelerates from 0-60 in 7.3 seconds. The B6 powertrain, on the other hand, generates 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, improving the 0-60 time to 6.1 seconds and towing capacity to 5,000 pounds. Despite its underwhelming engine, the XC90 offers a fun and relaxed driving experience.
Safety and Technology
Volvo, a pioneer in automotive safety, continues this tradition with the XC90. It features a standard heads-up display that shows speed, directions, and more, automatically adjusting to outdoor brightness. Other driver assistance features include blind spot monitoring, driver drift assistance, collision avoidance, 360° parking view, a cross-traffic alert system with automatic braking, and oncoming traffic monitoring. The XC90 boasts excellent safety ratings from both the IIHS and the NHTSA.
The infotainment screen, at 9 inches, is somewhat underwhelming but includes built-in Google services such as Google Maps and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay is standard and plays through a Bowers & Wilkins high-fidelity audio system. Additionally, the XC90 features headlamp cleaners, a four-zone climate system, and a smartphone app for remote control.
Variants and Pricing
The Volvo XC90 is available in three trim levels, ranging from $57,895 to $71,395. The Plus model is recommended for its balance of modern conveniences and safety features at an affordable price.
Conclusion
The Volvo XC90 exemplifies luxury, safety, and performance in the highly competitive mid-sized luxury SUV market. It melds Scandinavian minimalism with practicality, which makes it a clear choice for those seeking refinement and functionality. Its comfortable and deluxe interior, with advanced safety features and high-tech capabilities, positions it as a daily driver and a five-star hotel with 21-inch rims.
While it has its drawbacks, such as the tight third row and small infotainment screen, these will seem minor compared to all it offers. While not the best in class, its ride is smooth and balanced, which is ever present in its comfortable performance. For those looking for a luxurious, safe, and reliable luxury SUV for their family, the XC90 is worthy of consideration.
FAQ
Is the Volvo XC90 a Reliable Car?
Yes, the Volvo XC90 is generally known as a reliable car, benefiting from Volvo's reputation for safety and quality. Regular maintenance and software updates help maintain its dependability.
What is the Weakness of the Volvo XC90?
The main weakness of the Volvo XC90 is its cramped third-row seating and occasional electronic glitches, which can impact the user experience.
Is Volvo XC90 High Maintenance?
While reliable, the Volvo XC90 can be high-maintenance, especially for out-of-warranty repairs and services, which tend to be costly compared to non-luxury brands.
Is the Volvo XC90 Worth It?
Yes, the Volvo XC90 is worth considering for its safety, luxury, and performance, offering a good balance of features and quality in the luxury SUV segment.
