The former T5 powertrain has been dropped from the S90 range while an all-new R-Design package offers a sportier take on the big sedan. In our experience, the T5's 250-hp turbocharged inline-four sometimes felt strained propelling this heavyweight, so it's no big loss that the base engine is now the 316-hp T6. This also means all S90s are all-wheel drive, since the T5 was the only front-driver in the lineup. The R-Design replaces exterior chrome with black trim, wears new front and rear designs, and a variety of other accents.As with all other 2020 Volvos, the 12.3-inch digital driver display is standard, haptic feedback now vibrates the steering wheel when the Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving mode disengages (that is, you have to take over steering again), the battery in all T8 plug-in hybrids is now a larger 11.6-kWh pack (up from 10.6), and autobraking is standard with cross-traffic alert technology.
Pros Beautiful outside and in with lots of room and comfort, while the unique combination of both turbocharging and supercharging make the T6 a strong and efficient four-cylinder.
Cons Falls short of many large luxury competitors in smooth refinement of both the engine and ride, and the Sensus infotainment system—while appealing to the eye—should be easier to use.
The 2020 Volvo S90 comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.Base T5 engine dropped.New R-Design trim.Leather upholstery, front parking sensors and rear cross-traffic alert now standard.
Pros Seat comfort is among the best in the class Impressive interior materials throughout the cabin Comes standard with a wide array of convenience and safety features Costs less than the German competition
Cons Rough ride when equipped with optional wheels Steering is on the heavy side
The 2020 Volvo XC90 Hybrid comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed automatic.Lightly refreshed exterior design.Six-seat option available for T6 and T8 Momentum and Inscription models.Digital driver display and road sign identification now standard.Expected increase in EV range for T8 plug-in hybrid.
Pros Elegant interior and exterior styling Precise handling that inspires confidence Spacious second- and third-row seating for a midsize SUV Many standard safety technology features Available as a plug-in hybrid
Cons Overly busy ride quality for a vehicle in its class Comes up short in performance and real-world fuel economy Some touchscreen controls can be hard to use
The XC90 receives a visual freshening for 2020 by way of a new grille and front bumper; Volvo also has restyled the XC90's wheels. Base Momentum models now come with low-profile roof rails and integrated tailpipes while sporty R-Design models swap matte silver exterior trim for gloss black. All XC90 models now come standard with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, R-Design and Inscription trims gain front parking sensors as standard, and Volvo has tweaked the operation of both the rear cross-traffic alert feature and added active-steering support for the City Safety driver-assistance feature.
Pros Sleek exterior, chic cabin, a plethora of standard driver-assistance features.
Cons Unrefined engine sounds, flinty ride, laggy infotainment response upon startup.
The 2020 Volvo XC90's #11 ranking is based on its score within the Luxury Midsize SUVs category. Currently the Volvo XC90 has a score of 7.6 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 39 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros First-rate cabin materials Spacious seating and cargo areas Many standard tech and safety features Good fuel economy
Cons Poor predicted reliability rating Tepid performance from base engine Jittery ride when equipped with larger wheels
