Used 2018 Volvo XC90 for sale 

The 2018 Volvo XC90 is offered in four trims. The base XC90 Momentum trim starts at $46,900 and offers all the "basic" features a flagship Swedish SUV has to offer. The more luxuriously appointed Inscription trim will set you back by $59,150 and gets you the linear walnut veneer trim with natural grains. Only T6 and T8 powertrain are available in Inscription trim. The opting T8 hybrid gets you a gorgeous crystal gear shift knob. Those in search of ultimate Swedish luxury can get the Excellence trim. Then again, Excellence comes at a cost - $104,900 to be precise.

2018 Volvo XC90 Buying Advice

Volvo XC90 T6 momentum seems to be the most sensible choice for us. Its 316 hp turbo-supercharged I4 will deliver effortless performance and it gets numerous top-of-the-line features like four-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and adaptive headlights. Importantly, higher trims ride on larger wheels compromising ride quality.

Volvo offers a 2.0 Liter 4 cylinder engine across the lineup with the XC90. The base XC90 Momentum trim gets a T5 4 cylinder turbocharged 2.0 L engine developing 250 bhp. The more powerful double boosted T6 4 cylinder turbocharged supercharged 2.0 L engine develops 316 bhp. The engine feel moderately potent, but lacks a certain refinement otherwise found in engines with higher number of cylinders. However, thanks to plenty of damping devices, the engine's subtle hints of crudess get comfortably suppressed on most occasions. On the T6 powertrain, power is distributed to the axles via an 8-speed automatic transmission. Highway cruising feels extremely pleasant, and overtaking doesn't seem strenuous for the XC90. FWD is standard, but thankfully, the option for upgrading to AWD is available on all trims. The supercharger is engineered to provide a responsive engine even at low rpm. However, a slight delay can still be felt between pressing the gas pedal and getting that kick in the back. Also, the small 4 cylinders can emit a drone at high rpm that feels crude compared to large silky engines in the competitors.

For the top of the line Excellence trim, the XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid gets the T6 engine assisted by two electric motors for a total output of 400 bhp. All the engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 is available in either FWD or AWD configuration. XC90 T6 only gets AWD and the plug-in hybrid T8 gets eAWD. Among the competition, the 2018 Lexus GX 460 offers the most horsepower, while the Acura has the least power on offer. On the torque front, the Audi Q7 puts down the highest figures, while the Acura MDX again has the smallest torque figure on offer. 

2018 Volvo XC90 SUV Acceleration And Braking

The XC90 acceleration figures are average among the competition. The 2018 Volvo XC90 with the T6 engine can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds. For comparison, the slowest Lexus GX460 takes 7.0 seconds for the same task while the fastest Audi Q7 supercharged V6 can do it in 5.5 seconds. The Volvo has a composed ride on most of the surface, and freeway cruising is effortless with a well-weighted steering wheel and neatly controlled body motions. However, a high riding SUV is bound to roll when cornering and the Volvo XC90 is no exception.

The ride quality is further improved with the optional four-corner air suspension ($1,800 option in Momentum and Inspiration). However, even in air suspension equipped XC90, some clattering noise is audible over especially sharp bumps.Volvo XC90 comes with steel disk brakes on all four wheels. The brake pedal has a short and firm journey that inspires confidence. In a panic braking situation, there is no nosedive and the large SUV stops from 70 mph in 167 feet. That's marginally more than the class-leading Audi Q7 at 166 feet.

2018 Volvo XC90 Towing Capacity

Your luxurious XC90 even with base T5 AWD can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Quite useful for taking that expensive jet ski to your favorite lake. However, the Q7 with supercharged 3.0 V6 and equipped with a towing package can tow 7,700 pounds. Still, we think that 5,000 pounds is more than enough for anyone and anything more is just for bragging rights.

Those folks at Volvo definitely had efficiency in mind when they decided to put in a little four-cylinder into the large XC90. However, the fruits are not as sweet as expected. The XC90 is just marginally more efficient than the competitors even in the most efficient guise. That's a real disappointment considering that XC90 also has compromised performance and refinement compared to the competition. The 2018 Volvo XC90 returns a city mileage of 20 MPG and a highway MPG figure of 27. The result is a combined output of 23 MPG for the XC90. 

Volvo XC90 T6 gives 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway for a combined EPA rating of 23 MPG. However, the Audi Q7 3.0 L V6 is only marginally thirstier at 19 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway for a combined EPA rating of 21 MPG. Additionally, this comes with a good deal more refinement. The Acura MDX with its 3.5 L V6 has a combined EPA rating of 21 MPG. You see where we're going with this. 

Here we talk about the above-mentioned "getting everything right" part. Let's start with the seats. Volvo’s are known to have the best seats in the automotive industry, and for the second-generation XC90, Volvo spent years on seats alone. Result? Seats are comfortable enough to erase body pains. The XC90 is loaded with premium materials, and every single imaginable surface you touch or look at feels very well-appointed. Also, we urge you to take a minute to appreciate just how classy and well-laid out the 2018 XC90's cabin is. There's plenty of wooden veneer touches on the dashboard, around the center console, and on the doors. The leather-clad dash and the steering wheel feel extremely pleasant to touch and look at. 

Ergonomics are spot on, and everything feels to come naturally within your reach. The seemingly infinitely adjustable steering wheel ensures everyone gets the driving position they desire while the outward visibility is unrestricted. Volvo has shunned the trend of thick D pillars in SUVs, affording you best in class rear visibility. The switchgear feels high quality too, and nothing you press or push feels flimsy or loose. The entire cabin feels extremely solid and quality inspected. There's climate control to keep you and your passengers comfortable, along with leather-appointed ventilated seats to keep you supremely relaxed during your trip to that 10 am meeting. Volvo also lets you choose several themes for your interior, and there are a bunch of interior packages to further optimize and enhance the cabin experience in the 2018 XC90. All in all, we absolutely love the XC90's interior and there's genuinely next to nothing to complain about it. 

A panoramic sunroof is standard across the range and the interior is spacious. The XC90 has among the best-in-class headroom in the class and the third row is the most spacious in the segment. Volvo’s claim of giving equal importance to all the occupants is justified. The competition does manage to come close in terms of cabin space, but the XC90 just manages to outperform its rivals in this aspect. Some of the key interior features offered with the 2018 Volvo XC90 include:

• 4-Zone Electronic Climate System
• Power Driver Seat W/Memory
• Heated Front Seats (Optional) 
• Heated Rear Seats (Optional)
• Heated Steering Wheel (Optional)
• 360 Degree Surround View Camera (Optional)

2018 Volvo XC90 Infotainment System

The XC90 features a center-mounted infrared interactivity touchscreen in portrait orientation. Infrared technology is not only cool, it ensures that the touchscreen can even be used while wearing gloves - like when you are at your ski resort. However, the touch response is still not as responsive as the one in the Audi Q7.

2018 Volvo XC90 gets Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on all trims as standard. The optional HUD projects important data on the windscreen (Fan of fighter jets? Check the option box). However, they can't be read with polarized glasses. For the audiophiles, Volvo offers 19-speaker Bowers and Wilkins audio systems as a $3,200 option (standard on Excellence trim), and it looks as glorious as it sounds. Some of the infotainment features are:

• 2 LCD Monitors
• Real-time traffic display
• Graphic Equalizer
• A/V Remote
• Audio Theft Deterrent
• Digital Signal Processor 

2018 Volvo XC90 SUV Cargo Space

The Volvo XC90`s conservative exterior styling has paid dividends here with best-in-class luggage space in all configurations. With all three seats up, the XC90 has a cargo volume of 16 cubic feet shared with the Audi Q7. With the third row folded, it increases to 42 cubic feet - marginally above the Q7 (41 cubic feet).

When all rows are folded, the XC90 can swallow all your expensive adventure gear easily with 86 cubic feet of luggage volume. That's considerably more spacious than the Audi Q7 (77 cubic feet). Also, the optional air suspension allows the lowering of the rear end for convenient loading of luggage. Lexus stands last with an overall cargo space of 68 cubic feet.

The XC90 follows the Volvo tradition of minimalistic and functional but tasteful design. It's crisp styling that clearly stays away from any superfluous styling element is refreshing among the current high-end SUVs trying hard to get attention. "Thor hammer" LED headlight is the signature design element of the modern Volvo, and the tail light is equally distinctive. 

The upright radiator grille with vertical chrome slats looks imposing, and the bonnet has two clean lines extending from either side of the radiator grille to the windscreen. The clean elegant profile of XC90 continues to the side with the almost upright D pillar giving it a stately stance. Glasshouse is tastefully surrounded by chrome trim, and there is nothing else to take note of. It's all simple, and the XC90 relies on its exquisite proportions to create a profile that blows away your senses. Spare the folks staring at it in the parking lot.

Among the competition, the 2018 Audi Q7 measures the longest, while the Lexus GX 460 feels more compact, measuring 192.1 inches in length. The Volvo XC90 measures the widest and the tallest among its rivals. The Audi Q7, however, has the longest wheelbase to offer, while the Lexus offers the shortest wheelbase, measuring 109.8 inches. If you get yourself the T8 powertrain, you can enjoy those meticulously finished crystal gear knobs. The switches are unconventionally operated and have a knurled finish for a special feel - something desired in a $60k car. What differentiates the XC90 from others is that everything is serenely simple, and the focus is on getting everything right rather than attracting attention. Some of the exterior features include:

• 18 inch 5 spoke alloy wheel
• Dual Integrated round tailpipes
• Panoramic Roof
• Headlight High-Pressure Cleaning
• Heated Windshield Washer Nozzle

Volvos has a hard-earned reputation for focusing intensely on safety. They have worked hard through the years to make cars safer and are even chasing the seemingly impossible goal of eliminating death or injury in a Volvo by 2020. You can rest assured as they have incorporated all they have learned over the years in the Volvo XC90. As expected from a Volvo, you get the world’s first active safety features like run-off road protection package and auto brake at intersection capability. Unsurprisingly, the Volvo XC90 has received a 5-star rating from NHTSA, and it has received top safety picks from IIHS. Safety features include:

• Side Impact Beams
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor
• Power Rear Child Safety Locks
• Low Tire Pressure Warning
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Volvo On-Call Emergency SOS

2018 Volvo XC90 vs Audi Q7

The Audi Q7 is one of the most well-rounded luxury SUVs. It has understated but confident styling, a sharp and well-built interior that's comfortable and spacious too, and a great ride and handling. It's also one of the fastest in the segment with a supercharged V6 that's certainly more accomplished than the XC90`s little 2.0 I4.

2018 Volvo XC90 vs Acura MDX

The MDX is one of the few Japanese luxury items. It costs less than the competition and is a great value for money three-row luxury SUV. Its interior is spacious, and the Acura gets semi-autonomous driving technologies. However, it lacks the panache of the XC90 - a very important thing in a luxury SUV for many.

2018 Volvo XC90 vs Lexus GX460

The GX460 is outdated among the rivals. However, it still packs enough tech to woo your kids and has the build quality of a Lexus. Also, if you need to chase those army tanks in inhospitable terrain while being cocooned in luxury, look no further. For those in need of style, GX460 falls far behind the handsome XC90.

The second-generation Volvo XC90 has been on the market for almost two years now. However, it's still one of the most charming SUVs around both from the outside and the inside. It's also very practical with a genuinely useful third row and a spacious boot. However, the romance between the engine and your machine fades as soon as you decide to rev that engine. Because it's a four-cylinder - in a luxury SUV! 

The engine is powerful enough but it's also very honest in telling you that it's a 4 cylinder with a characteristic drone - not impressive in a luxury SUV. The ride quality also has niggling issues among the well-rounded rivals. We think that these are not a deal-breaker, and if you can get over it, the 2018 XC90 will be a delight to look at every day in the morning and sit in for the commute. With Volvo`s legendary reputation for safety, you can also feel relaxed when your loved ones use your XC90.