2017 Volvo XC90 review
Volvo XC90 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Plenty of standard safety equipment
- Spacious second- and third-row seating
Cons
- Larger wheel choices upset the ride comfort
- Some rivals offer better performance
Mileage (EPA estimate)
20 city, 25 highway, 22 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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2017 XC90, Volvo's flagship SUV, is full of appeal
A year after a redesign, the 2017 Volvo XC90 has comfortably slotted in alongside luxury midsize SUV competitors like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. The big Swedish contender oozes classy sophistication, looking and feeling luxurious—an undeniably big part of the XC90's appeal. It's also practical, offering four-, five- and seven-seat configurations in the large cabin. It's comfortable inside, but, as in most of its rivals, the rearmost seats are best reserved for smaller adults or children.
Three powertrain choices are offered. A turbocharged 250-hp 2.0-liter is the entry-level choice and badged T5. The T6 above it adds a supercharger to up the power to 316 hp. If that's not enough, there's the T8, which adds plug-in hybrid capability to boost output to 400 hp and allow short trips on battery power alone. Trim choices encompass the Momentum, R-Design, Inscription, and the new-for-2017 Excellence. The base Momentum comes nicely equipped, but if you want luxury-level touches, the Excellence trim is a plush four-seater with a pair of captain's chairs with footrests, folding trays, touchscreen controls, and two crystal glasses. A Momentum T6 will make more sense for most buyers, but add the Plus package if you want Apple CarPlay® integration.
All Volvo XC90 years
What is new for the 2017 Volvo XC90?
- The T5 Inscription and T6 First Edition trims have been discontinued for 2017.
- XC90 trims have been upgraded with Apple CarPlay as standard equipment this year.
- Full Leather Interior, Seat Massagers, Adjustable Suspension, and Android Auto features are now available as options on select trims.
2017 Volvo XC90 trims
Momentum: Includes nine-inch touchscreen, rearview camera, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane assist, and more. Available in AWD or FWD, and T5, T6, or T8 configuration.
R-Design: Adds redesigned grille and wheels, Apple CarPlay compatibility, 12.3-inch display, and more. Available in AWD or FWD, and T5, T6, or T8 configuration.
Inscription: Adds leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry, lane departure warning, and more. Available in AWD and T6 or T8 configuration.
Excellence: Adds beverage cooler, ventilated and massage seats, and more. Available in AWD and T8 configuration only.
Volvo XC90 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2017 Volvo XC90
1. Luxurious interior
The 2017 Volvo XC90 can seat between four and seven people, depending on the trim, and each seating configuration ensures comfort and support. Front seats are power-adjustable, and rear seats can also slide back and recline. The upholstery is either luxury synthetics or top-of-the-line leather, and heated seats are an option across the trims. There's also plenty of space for luggage in the back; there's 85.7 cu ft of room with the second row folded (and the third row for seven-seaters), making the 2017 Volvo XC90 an incredibly spacious SUV.
2. Room to spare
Alongside generous cargo space, the 2017 Volvo XC90 has plenty of room for passengers. The five- and seven-seat models of the XC90 offer 40.9 inches of legroom and 38.9 inches of headroom in the front row, plus 37 inches of legroom and 38.5 inches of headroom in the second row. For the seven-seater option, the third row has 31.9 inches of legroom. In previous generations, the third row was only suitable for smaller children, but the 2017 XC90 is fine for older kids and even adults, too.
3. Three turbocharged engine options
Across its four trims, the 2017 Volvo XC90 offers three turbocharged engine options: the T5, T6, and T8. The T5 is a four-cylinder engine offering 250 hp. The T6 is supercharged as well as turbocharged, boosting the power to 316 hp. The T8 is a hybrid, combining the twin-charged T6 engine with an electric motor, giving it a hefty 400 hp.
4. High-end excellence trim
Volvo introduced a new XC90 trim for 2017: Excellence. Unlike the others, the Excellence trim is only available with the T8 hybrid engine. And, while the other trims have either five or seven seats, the Excellence has four. Instead of a fifth seat in the back, there's a console in the middle with a luxurious beverage cooler and a touchscreen controlling the temperature of the seats and the cooler. Additionally, all four seats for this trim feature ventilation and massage functions.
5. User-friendly features
The 2017 Volvo XC90 aims to please, which extends well beyond fabrics and inlays and into tech features, too. The XC90 comes standard with a nine-inch touchscreen that responds to smartphone-like gestures, so you don't have to learn a whole new way of operating it. It also features Bluetooth® connectivity and satellite navigation as standard, and you'll get Apple CarPlay® integration on the R-Design trim and higher.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2017 Volvo XC90, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
With balanced handling and an impressive roster of driver aids, the Acura MDX is a great luxury midsize SUV option for road-tripping and commuting alike. 2017 ushered in a new hybrid model, and the previously optional AcuraWatch™ driver-assistance suite became standard. More recent models (2018 onward) have improved the infotainment system and include Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay integration.
Standard features of the 2017-2021 Acura MDX include:
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Keyless entry
Lane departure warning
Completely redesigned for 2017, the Audi Q7 is both good-looking and powerful. On 2017-2021 models, the turbocharged base trim offers 252 hp, and leather seats are standard across the board. Higher trims boast a supercharged 3.0L V6 engine, as well as a larger touchscreen than the standard (8.3 inches as opposed to 7 inches). Packed with driver aids and luxuries, the Audi Q7 is comfort and style on wheels.
2017-2021 models of the Audi Q7 also feature:
Rear parking aid
Rain-sensing wipers
Seating for seven
The BMW X5 is a powerful luxury midsize SUV with plenty of engine options and excellent handling. Even the base trim for 2017 boasts a turbocharged six-cylinder 3.0L engine, while the highest trim offers a muscular 4.4L V8 engine. The infotainment system for 2017-2021 models is intuitive and easy to use. You and your passengers will also enjoy comfortable seating—perfect for long drives.
Standard features of the 2017-2021 BMW X5 include:
Blind-spot monitor
Cross-traffic alert
Turbocharged engines across all models
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Volvo XC90 an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Volvo XC90 17th out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Volvo XC90Volvo XC90 features and specs
T5 R-Design 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather & Suede Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automated Parking
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bowers & Wilkins Audio
- CD Audio
- Front Seat Heaters
- Full Roof Rack
- Head Up Display
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear Sunshade
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
250
Torque (ft-lbs)
258
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
18.8
Wheelbase
117.5"
Overall length
194.9"
Width
79.1"
Height
69.9"
Leg room
F 40.9"/R 37"
Head room
F 38.9"/R 38.5"
Front tires
P275/45HR20
Rear tires
P275/45HR20
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
400/4000 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2017 Volvo XC90 FAQ
A button with a "W" on it allows you to use Winter Mode in the 2017 Volvo XC90. This starts the vehicle in third gear (from a stop) to provide additional traction on icy or otherwise difficult road surfaces.
Yes. The launch function on the 2017 Volvo XC90 can be used when maximum acceleration is required from a stationary position.
The 2017 Volvo XC90 Inscription trim improves on the R-Design trim with more luxurious interiors and additional features. The R-Design is available with any of the three engine options, in AWD or FWD, while the Inscription is available with AWD only and either the T6 or T8 engine.
If you're a music lover looking for the latest tech, Apple CarPlay integration is standard in the R-Design, Inscription, and Excellence trims of the 2017 Volvo XC90.
More about the 2017 Volvo XC90
Color options
Exterior colors:
Bright Silver Metallic
Bursting Blue Metallic (R-Design)
Crystal White Pearl
Denim Blue Metallic (Momentum and Inscription)
Electric Silver Metallic
Ice White
Luminous Sand Metallic (Momentum and Inscription)
Maple Brown Metallic (Momentum and Inscription)
Onyx Black Metallic
Osmium Grey Metallic
Passion Red (R-Design)
Pine Grey Metallic
Savile Grey Metallic
Twilight Bronze Metallic (Momentum and Inscription)
Interior colors:
Amber (Momentum, Inscription, Excellence)
Blond (Momentum, Inscription, Excellence)
Charcoal
Maroon Brown (Momentum, Inscription, Excellence)
Interior details
The seating fabric of the 2017 Volvo XC90 determines its particular accents and inlays. Standard leather seating comes with a cross-brushed aluminum inlay, while Nappa leather seating features linear walnut, metal mesh, or dark flame birch wood, depending on whether it comes equipped with sport seats. The R-Design trim has carbon fiber inlay as standard.
The 2017 Volvo XC90 is a spacious vehicle, with 85.7 cu ft of cargo room with the second and third rows folded. The five-seat model offers 40.9 inches of legroom and 38.9 inches of headroom in the front, and 37 inches of legroom and 38.5 inches of headroom in the second row. Those measurements stay the same on the seven-seat model, adding 31.9 inches of legroom for the third row.
Child seat details
The 2017 Volvo XC90 can fit up to three child seats in the second row of the five-seat model, and an additional two child seats in the third row of the seven-seat model. The vehicle features full LATCH equipment in each of its outboard seats, with an upper tether only for the second row's middle seat.
Performance
The 2017 Volvo XC90 offers three engine options across its four trims: T5, T6, and T8. The T5 is a 2.0L four-cylinder engine offering 250 hp. The T6 is a 2.0L turbo- and super-charged engine with 316 hp. The T8 combines the twin charged T6 2.0L engine with an electric motor, bringing the power up to 400 hp.
The T5 engine is available in AWD or FWD, while the T6 and T8 engines are AWD only. The T5 FWD gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined, while the T5 AWD gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined.
Year comparison
2003-2014 Volvo XC90 (First Generation)
The XC90 got a facelift for 2007-2014, with clear glass headlights that brighten up the look of the front. The taillights were also redesigned to match, and this luxury SUV retained its rugged good looks. Seven seats were standard, but the front and middle rows were given more legroom, while the back row remained better suited to children. The 2007-2014 XC90 also introduced FWD versions on each trim except for the T8 models, which have AWD as standard.
2015-Present Volvo XC90 (Second Generation)
The second-generation Volvo XC90 debuted a hybrid model for the T8 engine configuration. Alongside its standard luxury features, Volvo introduced a crystal gearshift lever and a 19-speaker sound system. It also made sure the rear row of seats in seven-seat trims can seat anyone up to five-foot-six-inches tall.
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