Volvo XC90 Review

The Volvo XC90 is large but manages to look elegant and understated, even. It’s even better on the inside. There’s a generous use of high-quality materials and the minimalist dash gives the cabin a soothing look. As with some of the other Volvos, however, the touchscreen being your go-to control for even some basic functionality is an irritant. Front-seat comfort is really good on all XC90s and the last row on seven-seat versions is useable too; but the middle row is a touch firm. Excellence trim XC90s ditch the bench seat for individual chairs at the back; and comfort is superb.
The Volvo XC90’s 235hp, 2.0-litre diesel engine is strong but when it comes to refinement, it can’t compete with its rivals’ V6 engines. It’s a similar story for the plug-in hybrid, too. The complex 2.0-litre supercharged turbo-petrol engine sounds a bit coarse. Then again – with enough juice in the batteries the powertrain can operate in silence in pure-electric mode too. Do note: while the 407hp plug-in hybrid engine is fast, its performance is not invigorating. Air suspension is standard across the range but the ride is a bit firm at low speeds.