2016 Volvo XC90 Quick Spin Review

by Lyndon Bell

・

October 21, 2015

・

4 min. Reading Time

2016 Volvo XC90 front three-quarter ・ Photo by Lyndon Bell

Has there ever been a Volvo review without a mention of safety? Well, this one won’t be the first. The security implied by the look of the all-new 2016 Volvo XC90 is reassuring all on its own. Additionally, the aura of luxury and substance radiated by the 2016 Volvo XC90 is extremely impressive. Long story short, this new Volvo flagship, the first full redesign of the XC90 since its introduction in 2003, definitely rates a closer look.

What’s New For 2016?

New from the ground up, the 2016 Volvo XC90 is unmistakably a first-tier luxury model, and the new styling establishes a strong direction for the company’s models going forward. Volvo’ turbocharged and supercharged engine strategy is put to good use here, while the all-new chassis provides a supple ride and competent handling.

The XC90’s driver assistance technologies are state of the art, the interior is exceptionally comfortable, and the multimedia interface is stunningly attractive, intuitive, and very generously sized. The premium audio system in our test car was one of the best we’ve ever heard, and the caliber of the safety systems fitted to the all-new model is second to none.

Photo by Lyndon Bell

Exterior Design

The bold grille treatment says strength, solidity, and marks the 2016 Volvo XC90 as a premium product. The LED daytime running lamps give the XC90 a nice down the road signature, and are meant to evoke the power and appearance of the Norse God Thor’s hammer.

Well-placed character lines imply solidity and the traditional Volvo logo in the grille actually conceals a camera if you look closely. The strong shoulder lines evoke added security, and run the length of the XC90. Meanwhile, the vertical taillight treatment is both distinctive and provides outstanding visibility.

Photo by Lyndon Bell

Interior Features

The 2016 Volvo XC90 Inscription is the beneficiary of the most luxurious interior treatment ever applied to a Volvo. Our top of the line test car’s seats were upholstered in beautiful Nappa leather, while the elegantly sculpted French-stitched full-leather upper dash and door panel were trimmed with textured Birch wood and smoke silver accents. Absolutely beautiful, it’s both sumptuous and highly inviting. The centerpiece of the dash is the nine-inch touchscreen, which, in actuality is more like a tablet computer dedicated to the functions of the XC90. The 12.3-inch virtual instrument panel reconfigures automatically depending upon the functions selected.

Photo by Lyndon Bell

Trim Packages

For its inaugural year, the all-new 2016 Volvo XC90 is being offered with three trim packages.

The $48,900 Momentum package is the basic outfitting, which includes 19-inch alloy wheels, adjustable drive modes, foglights, heated exterior mirrors, a near full-length moonroof, a power tailgate, keyless entry and start, rear proximity sensors, leather, heated front seats, the nine-inch touchscreen, navigation, voice activation, Bluetooth, and Smartphone integration.

The $52,900 R-Design package adds 20-inch alloys, LED smart headlights, automatic high-beam control, LED daytime running lights, a sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, upgraded leather, thigh support for the front seats, and illuminated door-sill plates.

For $54,500, the Inscription kit adds a specific wheel treatment, the full leather interior, ventilated front seats, and side shades for the rear windows.

Volvo also offers an optional Climate package with heat for the second-row seats and the steering wheel, as well as a Convenience package, which adds advanced driver aids such as automated parking, smart cruise control, and lane keeping assist.

À la carte items include wheels up to 22-inches, an air suspension system, a head-up display, and an amazing 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system with 1400 watts (which, happily, was fitted to our test car). The system can literally recreate the acoustics of the Gothenburg concert hall inside the XC90.

Photo by Lyndon Bell

Comfort & Cargo Capacity

A four-zone automatic climate control system is standard equipment. A small touchscreen on the center console to controls it, as well as the seat heaters for rear passengers. The primary seating positions offer outstanding comfort, adequate legroom, and abundant headroom. The third row is best left to children. The second row offers an optional integrated child safety seat in the center position which is adjustable fore and aft to make it easier to reach from the front seats. Meanwhile, cargo capacity is more than abundant. The 2016 Volvo XC90 offers 15.4 cubic feet behind the third row and a max of 85.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The XC90 is rated to tow 5,000 pounds.

Photo by Lyndon Bell

Safety

The 2016 XC90 offers a surround view camera system, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist. The model also debuts Volvo’s Run-Off Road protection, which tightens the seat belts to take advantage of the seats’ ability to absorb vertical impact forces if you run off the road. Naturally, ABS, traction control, stability control, and a full complement of airbags are standard equipment. The XC90 provides post-collision braking, road sign information, driver alert, distance alert, and automatic braking. The all-new Pilot Assist function helps the XC90 keep a set distance from a car in front of it, while also keeping the Volvo in its own lane in heavy traffic. The XC90’s Park Assist Pilot is capable of parking the Volvo in both parallel and perpendicular spaces; as well as taking it out of parking spaces when you’re ready to depart.

Photo by Lyndon Bell

Engine

Even though it’s labeled T6, the 2016 Volvo XC90 runs a 316-horsepower turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four with 295 ft-lbs of torque, rather than a turbocharged six as it did in the past. An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive complete the powertrain. Fuel economy is rated 20 MPG-city, 25-hwy, and 22 combined.

Photo by Lyndon Bell

Performance

All in all, the driving experience is nicely mirrored by the appearance of the all-new 2016 Volvo XC90. Four pre-selected drive modes are offered (Eco, Comfort, Off Road & Dynamic), along with the capability of custom tailoring a fifth to the driver’s preference. The four-cylinder engine can sometimes be a bit coarse for a vehicle outfitted as sumptuously as the XC90, but it pulls strongly and delivers great fuel economy. Handling is ponderous compared to smaller crossover SUVs, but it’s more than competent. What’s more, the Off Road mode gives the Volvo some pretty strong chops on the trail, and includes a hill descent mode.