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2019 Volvo XC90 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Volvo XC90 highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Entry-level Momentum trim now includes Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
  • Classy and upscale inside and out

Cons

  • Suspension is firm and busy, particularly on larger wheel options
  • Infotainment screen isn't as easy to use as many rival systems

Mileage (EPA estimate)

19 city, 26 highway, 22 combined

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Price
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2019 Volvo XC90 is at its best when at its simplest

Spacious and classy-looking, there's a lot to like about Volvo's upscale family SUV. The 2019 XC90 is the range-topping SUV in Volvo's lineup, above the XC60. It seats up to seven people with a range of three powertrains and four trim levels. The lineup offers a lot of choice, but the Volvo is best experienced in its entry Momentum trim equipped with the T6 engine. It adds a supercharger to the already turbocharged 2.0-liter of the T5 below it for a useful 316 hp of power. That's enough to give the XC90 acceptable if not dazzling performance. The Momentum trim also comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, which means the big XC90's suspension doesn't get overly busy on less than perfect pavement.

The R-Design above the Momentum brings sportier looks, and the Inscription and top-of-the-line ultra-luxurious Excellence round out the lineup. But the XC90 makes less sense as you climb the trim ladder; the added luxury comes with compromises and costs, making the upper trims more difficult to justify against the XC90's strong competition. If you want to spend more and value local, battery-only driving, there's a T8 model that mates the most powerful gasoline engine with an electric motor and battery for a combined 400 hp. The 2019 Volvo XC90 is a classy, family-friendly choice, which, if you pick right, has a lot of appeal.

All Volvo XC90 years

What is new for the 2019 Volvo XC90?

  • XC90 trims have been upgraded with Automated Parking and Harman Kardon Sound as standard equipment this year.
  • The T5 R-Design trim now comes with Rear Sunshade, Leather Seats, Front Seat Heaters, and Fold-Away Third Row as standard equipment.
  • The T5 Momentum trim now comes with Front Seat Heaters as standard equipment.
  • The T6 R-Design trim now comes with Rear Sunshade and Leather Seats as standard equipment.
  • The T6 Momentum trim now comes with Remote Start as standard equipment.

2019 Volvo XC90 trims

Curious how Volvo XC90 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Momentum

  • Remote keyless entry

  • Nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system

  • Standard T5 turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine

  • Eight-speed automatic transmission

  • Memory seats

R-Design

  • Harman Kardon® sound system

  • Twenty-inch five-spoke alloy wheels

  • Silk metal roof rails and door mirrors

  • R-design leather steering wheel

Inscription

  • 21-inch eight-spoke diamond-cut alloy wheels

  • Linear Walnut inlays

  • 12-inch driver display

  • Power front seats

  • Leather upholstery

Excellence

  • Bright decor window trim

  • Rear footrests

  • Rear touchscreen

  • Refrigerator

  • Two separate rear seats

View all Volvo XC90s in stock

Volvo XC90 photos

5 reasons to buy the 2019 Volvo XC90

1. More standard features for 2019

2019 Volvo XC90: Tech Dash | CarMax

Despite the varying levels of luxury featured at each trim level, all 2019 XC90s come standard with an updated infotainment system integrated with a nine-inch touchscreen display, four-zone climate control, heated washer nozzles, and a twelve-volt plug in the cargo area. Three-row seating is also standard, making it easier to fit the whole family. The touchscreen display in the middle of the dash houses the controls for everything from the audio to the climate control, creating a modern, clutter-free look to the interior. This means that even the base XC90 is a great choice.

2. Elegant design

2019 Volvo XC90: Backseats | CarMax

This vehicle has a reputation for a unique style that turns heads on the road. The 2019 XC90 is no exception and incorporates style— both inside and out—that is pleasing to the eye. The exterior is bold and muscular without sacrificing its elegant lines, and the interior is trimmed with various choices of real wood at all trim levels, such as Ash and Walnut. Even the fabric seats on the lower-trim models still give you a sense of refinement inside the cabin.

3. Forced induction all around

2019 Volvo XC90: Engine | CarMax

Regardless of the trim package, all 2019 Volvo XC90 SUVs come with a turbocharged engine. The T5 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 250 horsepower and comes standard on the Momentum and R-Design trims. The T6 2.0L twin-charged four-cylinder, rated at 316 horsepower, is optional on both the Momentum and R-Design, and it's standard on the Inscription. If you're looking for more power, the T8 is also turbocharged but is paired to two electric motors and functions as a plug-in hybrid. It's available as an option across the board while being standard on the Excellence trim.

4. Available All-Wheel drive

If you live in a climate with weather extremes or if you find yourself on less-than-ideal roads, the 2019 Volvo XC90 is available with confidence-inspiring all-wheel drive. All T6- and T8-powered XC90s sport all-wheel drive, with both engines available across all trim levels of the 2019 XC90. The standard eight-speed automatic transmission makes finding the right gear easy when paired with the all-wheel drive, very handy for passing on the highway or climbing a grade. The T5 is only available in front-wheel-drive configuration but is also backed by the same eight-speed automatic transmission.

5. Advanced package

2019 Volvo XC90: Front Seats | CarMax

For those wanting a few extra bells and whistles, look for a 2019 XC90 that is equipped with the Advanced Package. The Advanced Package adds in a suite of driver aids that help inspire confidence when doing everything from parking to checking your surroundings while navigating the treacherous driveway and all its family hazards. When equipped, the XC90 benefits from self-park assist, a 360-degree camera system, and a heads-up display, while Advanced Package XC90s also get LED headlights with automatic high-beams and a headlight washing system.

Similar vehicles

If you're interested in the 2019 Volvo XC90, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.

Image of Volvo XC60

The 2017-2019 Volvo XC60 is an upscale five-seat SUV that makes comfort and convenience a priority. If you're a family that travels together often, the 2017-2019 XC60 has you covered. Second-row bench seating can incorporate two optional fold-down child booster seats, while front-row passengers enjoy deeply cushioned, power-adjustable seating. Cargo space is exceptionally generous too, with 30.8 cubic feet behind the second row. This increases to 67.0 cubic feet with the rear row folded down.

Standard features for the 2017-2019 base trim Volvo XC60 include:

  • Traction and stability control

  • Panoramic sunroof

  • Bluetooth connectivity

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

3
1
2
Above Average

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 XC90

Volvo 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
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Harman Kardon Sound
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • Leather 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 Sunshade
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Third Row Seat
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Automated Parking
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Head Up Display
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Running Boards
  • 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"/M 37"/R 31.9"

Head room

F 38.9"/M 38.5"/R 36.3"

Front tires

P275/45HR20

Rear tires

P275/45HR20

Seating capacity

7

Max towing capacity

400/4000 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2019 Volvo XC90 FAQ

More about the 2019 Volvo XC90

Color options

Exterior colors:

  • Birch Light Metallic

  • Bright Silver Metallic

  • Bursting Blue Metallic

  • Crystal White Pearl

  • Denim Blue Metallic

  • Ice White

  • Maple Brown Metallic

  • Onyx Black Metallic

  • Osmium Grey Metallic

  • Pebble Grey Metallic

  • Pine Grey Metallic

  • Savile Grey Metallic

  • Thunder Grey Metallic

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