Volvo XC90: First Drive

Do you need a minivan but don’t want a minivan? Then you must read this post.

The 2016 Volvo XC90 is a seven-passenger large luxury crossover that is perfect for those with young children at home or grandparents that often have visitors. It represents a very large step forward for Volvo with innovative powertrains (including a plug-in hybrid), distinctive styling, an ultra-modern and high-tech cabin, and numerous safety advancements.The XC90 was due for an update. There wasn’t really anything wrong with the current model, accept it hasnt been updated since 2003. However, the fact that Volvo hasn’t had to update anything to their largest SUV in that many years speaks for itself. The general shape is about the same, and it remains a seven-passenger, however almost everything else has changed!

Inside for me is where the magic happens and the Volvo designers hit every note spot on. The interior has been crafted into a simply beautiful space, generously fitted with standard leather, aluminum trim, available matte-finish woods and a show stopping 9″ touch screen. The front seats are all new (inspired by Wegner lounge chairs) and are a highlight of the vehicle. They feature a ton of adjustments including thigh support and lumbar, and should fit virtually any shape or size. The sliding-and-reclining second-row seats are wide, with plenty of legroom, an adult would have no problem fitting back there. The second row also has an optional integrated child seat that is great for soccer moms!

Now back to that 9-inch Sensus touchscreen I mentioned earlier. If button free is your goal, Volvo has it! Operation of the Sensus screen is very similar to that of a smartphone, and just as with those devices, primary commands are intuitive, but it does require quite a bit of time to learn. It took me a few hours of passenger riding to understand how to fully operate the screen, but once I got it, I could operate it completely hands free, but once I got it, I got it and I had no reason to look away from the road.Up to 15.8 cubic feet of space are available behind the third row, including a handy under-floor storage bin. Fold those seats flat and that space expands to 41.8 cubes. With the second row stowed, the maximum capacity grows to 85.7 cubic feet. These figures are the most generous in the class and much needed if your transporting 7 people with you on a daily basis.During my test drive of the XC90, I did not feel like I was driving a large SUV. This vehicle drives way smaller than it actually is, to be honest I was only reminded that I was driving an SUV when I glanced in the rearview mirror.Volvo is offering two versions of the 2016 XC90- the T6 and the T8. The T6 is powered by a turbocharged and supercharged Drive-E 4-cylinder that puts out 316 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque as well as an 8-speed automatic transmission and Haldex-developed all-wheel drive (AWD). The T8 will be Volvo’s first plug-in hybrid it features a 316-hp 4-cylinder with an electric motor that drives the rear wheels. Total T8 system output is 400 hp. The T8 packs a 9.2 kilowatt lithium-ion battery packaged in the center tunnel space normally occupied by the AWD-system driveshaft, and it can drive the first 25 miles on battery power alone.

The Volvo XC90 T6 has an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 22 mpg in combined driving (20 city/25 highway), making it one of the most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered vehicles in the class.

The 2016 Volvo XC90 will be available soon starting at $48,900 and maxes out at $71,600. Standard features include panoramic sunroof, passive entry, four-zone automatic climate control, lane-departure warning, forward-collision alert and rear park assist. All cars are also equipped with the complete Sensus system and divinely comfortable 10-way power-adjustable front seats wrapped in real leather. With already over 30,000 pre-orders the XC90 is a vehicle you need to see to believe. You can find a dealer near you by clicking here.