First Impressions

Much has changed at Volvo since 2002, the year that the XC90 was launched; but the XC90 itself, was not one of them.

So, how will an all-new 2016 XC90 stand out in a crowded and very competent luxury crossover field? Well, offering the only 3-row luxury plug-in hybrid will definitely help. The XC90 T8 features a 2.0–liter I4 that is both turbo and supercharged, along with a 65–kW rear-mounted electric motor, that combine to put 400–horsepower and 472 lb-ft. of torque to the pavement through its all-wheel-drive system.

In addition, there’s enough battery for approximately 17-miles of pure electric driving. The same doubly-charged 2.0-liter engine also stands alone in the T6 model where output is 316–horsepower. 

Physically bigger of course, it also gets a more substantial look outside…and in, where the highlight is a very intuitive tablet-style panel that controls most aspects of the car, leaving just a volume knob and a few buttons along the bottom of the center console. 

The fully independent suspension design features a Corvette-style transverse rear leaf spring to eliminate cargo-robbing shocks and coil springs. And, where does it fit among the field of big polished utes?

BRAIN ROBINSON: Well, obviously when you’re talking luxury crossovers, there are plenty of options out there and most of them are really nice, but the XC90 has a great ride quality and a very lavish interior that should put it right there among the best in the class.

JOHN DAVIS: On sale now, pricing start reasonably, at just under $50,000.