2018 Volvo XC90 Review

The 2018 Volvo XC90 has the title of being the most-awarded of all luxury SUVs, and it seems to deserve this honor. It delivers versatility, spaciousness, high-end amenities, technology, and power. There is even a plug-in hybrid version available for this model, a good choice for those who want to save money on gas.

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Incredibly Comfortable Cabin

The interior of the 2018 XC90 delivers exactly what you expect from a luxury SUV, ensuring that you and your passengers are as comfortable as possible. You might not notice that the cabin is handcrafted, but you will certainly be aware of the attention to detail and high-end materials, like flame birch wood and Nappa leather. The ability to seat seven passengers makes this a nice choice for families who want luxury or anyone who needs some extra seating. Best of all, all seats have spine support and are designed for comfort, so those in the third row don’t miss out on the luxury experience.

Stand-Out Technology and Entertainment

You expect the best when you pay for a Volvo, and the XC90 does not typically disappoint. The only downside is that Sensus Navigation is available, not standard. This feature makes getting around easy with its connection to navigation apps and services in the cloud and its ability to use voice controls. A feature that really sets the 2018 XC90 apart is the concert-quality sound. The Premium Sound by Bowers & Wilkins is certainly worth the upgrade for any audiophiles with its 1,400 watts and 19 high-fidelity loudspeakers. While listening to your favorite song, you will feel as if you are at the Gothenburg Concert Hall, the model for this sound system.

Smart Safety Features

As expected, the 2018 Volvo XC90 is loaded with safety features. For example, BLIS helps you change lanes while in traffic, letting you know if a vehicle gets into your blind spot or even if it approaches too fast from behind. City Safety comes standard; its automatic braking technology helps prevent a collision, protecting you and anyone else around you. It not only warns you about an imminent collision but also automatically brakes to reduce the impact or prevent the accident.

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Getting to Know the Powertrains

The most interesting powertrain for the 2018 XC90 is the T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid. It combines a supercharged and turbocharged Drive-E engine with an electric motor and 8-speed automatic gearbox. The result is an SUV that sips fuel while delivering the power you would expect from a larger engine, 400 net horsepower. That powertrain lets you go 13 miles on just electric power or get 27 mpg combined once the battery has depleted.

Even the base powertrain on the XC90, the 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder known as the T5, gets 250 horsepower and can tow 5,200 pounds. The T6 adds a supercharger to get 316 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive. Most experts agree that if you are going to buy a Volvo, you should go with the T6 or T8 powertrains, as they simply feel more confident than the T5.


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