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 400 horsepower and perkier acceleration, but its pure-electric range and fuel efficiency are unremarkable.
Engine Performance
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.
Fuel Economy
With the exception of its plug-in-hybrid powertrain, the XC90 achieves similar fuel-economy ratings as its six-cylinder competitors. The turbo-only version is rated at up to 21 mpg city and 30 highway, but the turbo- and supercharged version sees those figures drop to 19 mpg and 27 highway. We tested the latter on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, and saw it match its highway rating. We haven't had a chance to test the XC90 Recharge with its new, larger battery pack.
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