T5 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
T6 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A)
T6 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A)
T8 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A)
T6 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A)
T6 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A)
T6 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A)
T6 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A)
T6 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A)
T5 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
T6 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A)
T8 Momentum eAWD
T8 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A)
T6 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A)
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Find all cars near me?T8 Inscription eAWD
T6 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A)
T6 R-Design 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A)
T6 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A)
T8 R-Design 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A)
T8 Inscription eAWD
T5 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 8AM)
T5 Momentum 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
T6 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A)
T6 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A)
Overall Rating
Making a debut for the first time in 2002, the XC90 currently holds the reputation of being one of the top SUVs present in the USA. The 2017 Volvo XC 90 retains the base 2.0 L engine and uppermost Excellence trim like the outgoing 2016 model.
The Volvo XC90 model belongs to the Swedish luxury vehicle manufacturer Volvo Cars’ which was introduced for the first time in 2002 while the XC90 currently holds the reputation of being one of the plushest SUVs present in the USA. Coming to the 2017 release of the Volvo XC 90, it retains the base 2.0 L engine and uppermost Excellence trim like the 2016 model.
Under the bonnet, the 2017 XC90 features a basic 2.0L engine, which is available in T5, and T6 configurations. For accomplishing gear transmissions in the SUV, 8-speed automatic transmission with the manual gear-shift mode is employed irrespective of the engine variant. The prices begin at $46,745 for the T5 FWD and go all the way up to $58,345 for the T6 AWD. The T8 models with hybrid powertrains can go upto a 6-figure sum.
Assuming the budget to be around $50 - 55K, the low-end Excellence trim is just an ideal choice. Moreover, if the requirement encompasses a 5-seat layout then the T5 variant is just perfect while for availing 7 passenger capacity, one has to look further at the Momentum T6 variant. However, if one needs the XC90 with the most powerful T8 twin-engine, then R-design trim is suggested.
T6 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A)
T6 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A)
T5 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 8AM)
T5 Momentum 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
T6 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A)
T6 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A)
Making a debut for the first time in 2002, the XC90 currently holds the reputation of being one of the top SUVs present in the USA. The 2017 Volvo XC 90 retains the base 2.0 L engine and uppermost Excellence trim like the outgoing 2016 model.
The Volvo XC90 model belongs to the Swedish luxury vehicle manufacturer Volvo Cars’ which was introduced for the first time in 2002 while the XC90 currently holds the reputation of being one of the plushest SUVs present in the USA. Coming to the 2017 release of the Volvo XC 90, it retains the base 2.0 L engine and uppermost Excellence trim like the 2016 model.
Under the bonnet, the 2017 XC90 features a basic 2.0L engine, which is available in T5, and T6 configurations. For accomplishing gear transmissions in the SUV, 8-speed automatic transmission with the manual gear-shift mode is employed irrespective of the engine variant. The prices begin at $46,745 for the T5 FWD and go all the way up to $58,345 for the T6 AWD. The T8 models with hybrid powertrains can go upto a 6-figure sum.
Volvo offers four distinct trims of the XC90 consisting of the Momentum, R-Design, Inscription, and Excellence trim. Furthermore, all the trims have a total of 10 different configurations. Spectating the price range of the 2017 Volvo XC90, it starts from $45,750 and ends at a whopping amount of $104,900.
Trim |
T5 FWD |
T5 AWD |
T6 AWD |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP (Momentum) |
$46,745 |
$48,945 |
$53,245 |
MSRP (R-design) |
$52,145 |
$54,345 |
$57,245 |
MSRP (Inscription) |
N/A |
N/A |
$58,345 |
Key Features |
LED Headlights with Thor's Hammer DRL & Auto Highbeam (AHB) |
Same as T5 FWD |
LED Headlights with Thor's Hammer DRL & Auto Highbeam (AHB) |
|
Laminated panoramic sunroof with power sunshade |
Laminated panoramic sunroof with power sunshade |
|
|
Volvo Sensus Connect with a 9-inch touchscreen and six-month complimentary subscription |
Volvo Sensus Connect with a 9-inch touchscreen and six-month complimentary subscription |
|
|
Sensus Navigation |
Sensus Navigation |
|
|
Driver Display (Digital Instrument Cluster) |
High-performance 330-watt audio system with 10 speakers |
|
|
Two-zone electronic climate control Cargo cover |
Four-zone electronic climate control |
|
|
|
Leather upholstery (seating surfaces) |
Starting from the low-end Momentum trim, it is available with a choice of having either a T5 or a T6 engine. Moreover, the T5 Momentum also offers an option of either getting a Front-Wheel-Drive or an All-Wheel-Drive drivetrain while the T6 variant only offers the AWD mechanism.
The next trim of the Volvo XC90 is the R-design and apart from offering similar engine and drivetrain options as that of the Momentum trim, it adds a T8 twin-engine variant in its queue. Taking a leap ahead, we got the Inscription trim, which has a starting price of $57,350. Unlike the lower two trims, the Inscription does not come with the T5 engine and only offers a T6 and a T8 engine variant.
Priced excessively at $104,900, the Excellence is the topmost trim of XC90 and it has only one configuration, which comes with a T8 twin-engine. Additionally, this trim is different from all other trims in the way that it has a 4-seat layout. Moreover, there are some exclusive luxury features such as reclining rear captain chairs with footrests, 21-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and dark tinted rear windows accessible within the Excellence trim.
We Recommend
Assuming the budget to be around $50 - 55K, the low-end Excellence trim is just an ideal choice. Moreover, if the requirement encompasses a 5-seat layout then the T5 variant is just perfect while for availing 7 passenger capacity, one has to look further at the Momentum T6 variant. However, if one needs the XC90 with the most powerful T8 twin-engine, then R-design trim is suggested.
In the powertrain of the 2017 Volvo XC90, there are three different engines available namely, the T5, T6, and T8. The T5 is a 2.0-Liter Turbocharged engine that can produce a maximum of 250 hp of power along with 258 lbs.-ft. of torque. The engine capacities of both the T6 and T8 are the same as that of the T5 but the major difference lies in the fact that the T6 engine gets added with a supercharger while the T8 incorporates an additional electric motor for powering the vehicle.
The addition of a supercharger to the base 2.0 L turbocharged engine causes the T6 to have more power and torque output, which corresponds to 346 hp and 295 lbs.-ft. On the other hand, the electric motor present in the T8 plug-in hybrid engine makes it the mightiest with a maximum of 400 hp of power and 472 lbs.-ft. of torque.
Models |
Volvo XC90 T5 Momentum |
Acura MDX |
BMW X5 sDrive 35i |
Lexus RX 350 |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$46,745 |
$45,045 |
$57,595 |
$44,215 |
Engine |
2.0L, Turbocharged Inline-4 |
3.5L, Naturally Aspirated V6 |
3.0L, Turbocharged Inline-6 |
3.5L, Naturally Aspirated V6 |
Drivetrain |
FWD |
FWD |
RWD |
FWD |
Transmission |
8-speed automatic w/OD |
9-Speed Automatic w/OD |
8-speed automatic w/OD |
8-Speed Automatic w/OD |
Horsepower |
250 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
290 hp @ 6,200 rpm |
300 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
295 hp @ 6,300 rpm |
Torque |
258 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
267 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm |
300 lb-ft @ 1,300 rpm |
267 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm |
Taking the base XC90 T5 Momentum trim for the comparison, its engine power and torque falls short against all three rivals. Moreover, the BMW X5 sDrive 35i has the highest power and torque figure of 300 each. For realizing gear shifts, each 2017 Volvo XC90, BMW X5 sDrive 35i, and Lexus RX 350 employ an 8-speed automatic transmission, while a 9-speed automatic transmission is present in the Acura MDX.
In the acceleration department, the 2017 Volvo XC90 performs well with its 0-60 mph time of 7.2 seconds. The quarter-mile too is covered in a decent 15.5 seconds timing and although these timings are not as bad, the rivals with more powerful engines perform much better in all these aspects.
Models |
Volvo XC90 T5 |
Acura MDX |
BMW X5 |
Lexus RX 350 |
---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH |
7.2 sec |
6.4 sec |
6.1 sec |
7.2 sec |
Quarter mile |
15.5 sec |
14.9 sec |
14.8 sec |
15.6 sec |
Engine |
2.0L, Turbocharged Inline-4 |
3.5L, Naturally Aspirated V6 |
3.0L, Turbocharged Inline-6 |
3.5L, Naturally Aspirated V6 |
Top Speed |
132 mph |
130 mph |
130 mph |
124 mph |
The BMW X5 is the fastest amongst all the cars present here, both in terms of accelerating to 60 mph and in the quarter-mile drag run. The Acura MDX is right at its tail with a very little gap between them. The Lexus and the Volvo have similar timings and are both over a second slower than the BMW.
To help stop the XC90, 13.2-inch brakes are used for decelerating at the front while the rear wheels make use of 12.1-inch rotors. These rotors seem a size smaller for the almost 4,300 lbs SUV but do perform well to halt the car from 60 mph to standstill in a respectable 126 feet, which again isn’t amongst the best but it ain’t bad either.
The BMW X5 features the largest front brake rotors while the Acura has a very large set of disc brakes at the rear.
Model |
Volvo XC90 T5 |
Acura MDX |
BMW X5 |
Lexus RX 350 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Brake Front (in) |
13.2 |
12.6 |
13.7 |
13.3 |
Brake Rear (in) |
12.1 |
13.0 |
12.6 |
12.9 |
Curb Weight (lbs) |
4,293 |
4,001 |
4,680 |
4,222 |
60-0 MPH (ft) |
126 |
120 |
122 |
126 |
The Acura MDX is also the lightest one here and hence has the shortest braking distance in this comparison. The BMW takes a couple of feet more than the Acura whereas the Lexus and the Volvo both have an identical stopping distance.
The 2017 Volvo XC90 is among the exceptional driver-friendly cars due to the sophisticated features that enable it to have an enhanced driving experience. Digging further, we found features such as speed-sensing steering, gas-pressurized front shockers, independent rear multi-link suspension with anti-roll bar, and highly responsive power steering for providing extra stability and command over the vehicle.
Additionally, the powerful turbocharged, supercharged, and twin-power engines incorporated in the SUV increases the agility of the vehicle. The Volvo XC 90 also offers an impressive ride experience on off-roads with its highly capable All-Wheel-Drive variants. In total, the riding and handling quality of the XC90 is promising and illustrates the competency of Volvo engineering.
The Swedish SUV has a great towing capacity for those who wish to haul their campers or trailers, providing 258lb-ft torque to haul up to 4000 lbs of loads. Although it isn’t the best that one can find in the market, it surely is very much usable and adds to the practicality of the car.
Model |
Volvo XC90 T5 |
Acura MDX |
BMW X5 |
Lexus RX 350 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Capacity (lbs) |
4,000 |
3,500 |
5,952 |
3,500 |
The X5 again proves to be a leader with the best in class towing capacity of almost 6,000 lbs which is way more than what the XC90 has to offer. The Acura and the Lexus on the other hand have identical towing capacities which are a bit lower than the Volvo and almost half of the X5’s towing prowess.
Volvo has engineered the 2017 Volvo XC90's powertrain section pretty well, which results in it having a superlative fuel efficiency. While driving in the city, the XC 90 delivers a fuel economy of 22 MPG, which is the greatest among the rivalry.
Model |
Volvo XC90 T5 |
Acura MDX |
BMW X5 |
Lexus RX 350 |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
22 |
19 |
18 |
20 |
MPG (Highway) |
26 |
27 |
25 |
27 |
MPG (Combined) |
24 |
22 |
21 |
23 |
Fuel Tank Capacity |
18.8 gal |
19.5 gal |
22.4 gal |
19.2 gal |
Range (City / Highway / Combined) (miles) |
414 / 489 / 451 |
371 / 527 / 429 |
403 / 560 / 470 |
384 / 518 / 442 |
On the other side, the fuel economies of both the Acura MDX and Lexus RX 350 are the most while cursing on highways. Overall, the combined fuel economy offered by the Volvo XC90 stands unbeatable at 24 MPG.
Jumping to the seating section of XC90, it has a passenger capacity of 5 and offers two seating rows. There is a decent amount of headroom throughout the cabin whereas the legroom could have been better when compared to the competitors. The interior materials quality and fit and finish are amongst the best while it is also very aesthetically pleasing in terms of design and layout.Â
Only the Acura MDX offers seating for 7 passengers while all the other three have only rows of seats.
Model |
Volvo XC90 T5 |
Acura MDX |
BMW X5 |
Lexus RX 350 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Passenger capacity |
5 |
7 |
5 |
5 |
Front Row (Head / Shoulder / Leg) (in) |
38.9 / 57.7 / 40.9 |
38.1 / 61.1 / 41.4 |
40.5 / 61.5 / 40.4 |
39.4 / 57.8 / 44.1 |
Second Row (Head / Shoulder / Leg) (in) |
38.5 / 56.5 / 37.0 |
38.3 / 59.1 / 38.5 |
38.8 / 60.0 / 36.6 |
39.1 / 57.6 / 38.0 |
Third Row (Head / Shoulder / Leg) (in) |
N/A |
35.6 / 54.7 / 28.1 |
N/A |
N/A |
At the front, the Lexus boasts of abundant legroom and a great amount of headroom to fit in passengers of all sizes whereas at the back as well it is amongst the best. The X5 and the Volvo on the other hand lack space both at the front and the rear but it isn’t cramped in any way and can seat 5 adults comfortably.Â
The 2017 Volvo XC90 features a Sensus Connect infotainment system, which comes with a 9.0-inch standard touchscreen display for operating it. Apart from displaying the music player and navigation status, the Sensus Connect also acts as a way of controlling the car's various convenience features such as climate control, seating positions, and steering wheel heating.
Moreover, for having an improved in-car audio experience, a high-quality audio system with 10-speakers is embedded in the SUV. The XC90 also has steering mounted audio controls, which eliminates the need of taking the eyes off the road while changing the music, adjusting the volume, or taking calls.
As Volvo only manufactures luxury car models, so having magnificent interiors is just a trait of Volvo-made cars. This fact also holds true for the XC90 and its interior is also awe-inspiring. Apart from the luxurious looks, the SUV also has some competent features inside it, which are listed as follows:
Along with the luxurious features of the Volvo XC90 comes its massive cargo capacity of 41.3 cubic feet with the rear seat up and 85.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. Only the Acura MDX has larger cargo volumes of 43.4 cubic feet to seat 2 and 90.9 cubic feet to seat 1 as compared to the XC 90. Moreover, because of the presence of the third row, the Acura MDX also offers an additional cargo space of 15.8 cubic feet.
Model |
Volvo XC90 T5 |
Acura MDX |
BMW X5 |
Lexus RX 350 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Volume with all seats upright (cu-ft) |
35.6 |
14.9 |
35.8 |
18.4 |
Volume with the third row folded (cu-ft) |
N/A |
43.4 |
N/A |
N/A |
Volume with the second row folded (cu-ft) |
6.5 |
90.9 |
76.7 |
56.3 |
Attaching a trailer or towing a vehicle is not a problem at all for the Volvo XC 90 SUV as its towing capacity is quite high at 5000lbs. However, looking at its counterparts, both the Acura MDX and Lexus RX 350 have a relatively lower towing capacity of 3500 lbs. Each.
Talking about the proportions of the 2017 Volvo XC90, its length, breadth, and height are 194.9 inches, 79.1 inches, and 69.9 inches respectively. Surprisingly, the XC90 is wider as well as taller than all of its competitors.
The ground clearance of the 2017 Volvo XC90 is outstanding and measures about 9.4 inches. On the other hand, both the BMW X5 sDrive and Lexus RX350 have the 2nd best ground clearance of 8.2 inches each.
Model |
Volvo XC90 T5 |
Acura MDX |
BMW X5 |
Lexus RX 350 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb weight (lbs) |
4,293 |
4,001 |
4,680 |
4,222 |
Length (in) |
194.9 |
196.2 |
192.4 |
192.5 |
Width (in) |
79.1 |
77.8 |
76.3 |
74.6 |
Height (in) |
69.9 |
67.4 |
69.4 |
67.7 |
Ground clearance (in) |
9.4 |
5.6 |
8.2 |
8.2 |
Wheelbase (in) |
117.5 |
111.0 |
115.5 |
109.8 |
Track width (in) F/R |
65.8 / 66.1 |
66.3 / 66.3 |
64.7 / 65.0 |
64.4 / 64.0 |
The XC90 has an exterior, which looks dashing and sturdy at the same time. Moreover, the exteriors even become more appealing and dominant when moving up to the higher-level trims. Keeping only the standard exterior features as a priority, the following are the main highlights:
Safety is the top priority of Volvo and to prove it, the automaker has integrated numerous ultra-modern safety features into the XC90 series. Features comprehending brake assist, ABS, driveline traction control, electronic stability system, engine immobilizer, 3-point rear seat belt, occupant sensing airbags, side-impact bars, and perimeter/approach lights come standard in all the trims of the new Volvo XC90.
The SUV has also performed extraordinarily in both the IIHS and NHTSA safety tests. Regarding IIHS, the XC90 has scored above average score in all the individual safety constraints except for the headlights and child seat anchors. Moreover, the NHTSA has given the XC 90 a maximum safety rating of 5, proving its worth from the safety perspective.
In comparison to the Volvo's XC 90, the Acura MDX is priced a little lower at $44,050 and offers various advantages such as a powerful engine, faster acceleration, and lower curb weight. Moreover, the length, seating capacity, interior space, and cargo capacity of Acura MDX is also better than the XC 90.
On the other hand, the Volvo XC90 has an upper hand in terms of low emission, combined mileage, ground clearance, and towing capacity.
Fitted with a higher capacity 3.0 L V6 engine, the price tag of BMW's X5 sDrive 35i exceeds the price of XC90 by a huge sum of $10,850. The power and torque figures of X5 SDrive 35i are extraordinary.
The Volvo XC 90 finds itself inferior to the BMW X5 sDrive 35i when it comes to acceleration, brake size, and headroom and shoulder room availability at both front and second row. However, the X5 sDrive 35i is no match for the XC90's extraordinary fuel economy, ground clearance, and cargo volume.
Another more affordable SUV competing with the XC90 is the Japanese-made Lexus RX 350. The RX-350 is almost $2,500 cheaper than the Volvo XC 90 but its benefits are only limited to higher engine power, torque, and more interior space.
Whereas, in all the other remaining parameters, the XC90 easily outshines the Lexus RX350 by a fair margin.
If luxury is your priority along with outstanding road performance, then the XC90 is definitely your thing. The main perks that a 2017 Volvo XC90 offers to its buyers include high fuel economy especially in the T5 variants, extra-large cargo holding space, and excellent eye-stealing road presence. Additionally, you do not have to worry about the safety of the car or yourself because of the tough build quality and state-of-the-art safety features fused in the Volvo XC90.