2017 Volvo XC90 - Review and Road Test

Representing its most ambitious vehicle design program in decades, Volvo's next-generation XC90 has been recast from the ground up. But is it enough to rocket the Swedish automaker back into the hearts and minds of American car buyers? KBB’s Zach Vlasuk finds out in this video.
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[@tammyreina6642]

I purchased my first car (as I had always been a leaser) in March of 2016. I was very excited and proud to put my 3 small boys (1, 3, 4 at the time) in a Volvo XC90. I had done my research and saved in earnest and had no doubt I would love this vehicle. 2 years later, I have been in to the Cranston RI Tasca dealership 7 times as I write this comment. ALL of these visits have been related to recalls and software updates and NONE have been proactive/I have had to call to report and schedule and take 3 car seats out and wait to hear my fate. Mind you I work full time and my youngest is a special needs child with many appointments I need to coordinate my schedule around. Imagine the experience of having NO ONE from the Tasca dealership or from Volvo corporate get back to you when you call to seek advice and assistance? My most recent turn? There was a "known" recall on the vehicle for a sun roof sealing issue and water was pouring into the onstar console. Also, the check engine light went on (and I assumed these might be related). I was told after I dropped the car off on Monday and was given a 4 seater sedan mind you, we expect to have the car back to you within 48 hours. Yesterday they told me more likely a week--there is a transmission line that needs to be replaced. This vehicle has less than 20K miles on it. I am exhausted at the energy I have expended to get it in and out and the experience has just been TERRIBLE. Worst purchase I have ever made and worst customer experience I could ever dreamed of. Yes--Volvo is a popular "luxury" brand and Tasca is an awarded dealership but every customer experience is what maintains your status. No one at Volvo Corporate (after several emails and phone calls) nor at the Tasca dealership seems to care about my inquiries, pleas for advice and guidance on how to stop this ongoing cycle...and I just barely miss lemon law statutes on time off the road this car has spent. That said, I will NEVER stop telling my story or working to ensure other well intentioned buyers are aware of this egregious experience.

[@UFO_Believer_X]

I am sorry to know your experience, I was hoping to buy an XC90 someday for safety reasons but sounds like it is not a reliable vehicle. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@gogetter9888]

Thanks for the information. I was thinking about buying one, and I dodged a bullet. I'll go with the Lexus, dam. I really wanted that suv truck, but I'm don't have time for all them problems .

[@igeekone]

I'm highly impressed this is a Volvo. It's downright gorgeous. Major props to the designer for blending iconic Volvo design features in a very tasteful package. I can say Volvo is ready for the future.

[@ronochow]

The interior of that Volvo looks more luxurious than a lot of top brands...

[@Noah-Lach]

The XC90's interior absolutely EMBARRASSES the Mercedes-Benz GLS even though the latter costs almost twice as much.

[@Ab-bu3xy]

DeFy Noah not imu

[@njorogevince6259]

Been a hater to Volvo but this one has killed it

[@FabiSZN]

Why?

[@ccyungin]

I bought one, they're awesome.

[@sergevivier956]

+Ceasar Clark lucky

[@jamescameron1221]

+serge vivier Fast?

[@rishirajsingh3728]

Do u need to connect ur suv to any power outlet or it just runs on simple fuel, only.

[@martinladjimi3238]

Rishiraj Singh if you get the T8 plug in hybrid you need to plug it in, and use gasoline. My mom just picked one of those up and that’s how she charges it. Once you plug it in when your home and by the time you’re awake, the car has enough battery for the day.

[@TheGroovey13]

Stunning looking car... Also very classy, and safe. Volvo's really know how to build refined/safe vehicles. Nice job Volvo

[@TinNguyen-rx3mf]

I've never liked Volvo interior until now. Simple yet elegant. What a beautiful exterior and interior. What's the price as shown here?

[@kbb]

+Tin Nguyen Our test unit was the T6's range-topping Inscription model. MSRP $66,705.

[@TinNguyen-rx3mf]

+Kelley Blue Book wow! $66k for a Volvo with a 4 cylinder engine? I'm not sure it will compete.

[@fredrikmelin1490]

+Tin Nguyen you dont pay money for the numbers of cylinders..

[@TinNguyen-rx3mf]

No kidding! But if I pay $66k I expect something more than a 4 cylinder.

[@fredrikmelin1490]

Tin Nguyen lol why would you have more cylinders if it isnt necessary? and again, you sound like youre just paying money for the amount of cylinders a car has

[@VivekVaidya]

easily the best infotainment system in North America. Kudos, Volvo!

[@edawg792]

+Arjun Hindustani Wow where did that come from

[@susand1177]

No. That would belong to the Q7.

[@tohokugirl8144]

The Audi Q7, if you purchase the high end package has a 19 speaker Bose system. Bose is good, mainstream. The Volvo XC90 has a 19 speaker Bowers & Wilkins system. B&W blew us away. B & W is only available in Volvo, BMW, McLaren and Maserati. It was so impressive we bought mid size high fidelity towers for the house. Volvo also has a tablet quality an and size portrait touch screen in the dash that is so far beyond what others are putting out this year. Plus a modern HUD that only displays the image out over the hood, not with the aircraft green HUD look, and a high quality display for the instrument panel. Didn't get the video system in the rear. So you just enjoy your Audi and we'll enjoy our Volvos.

[@azalru]

Vivek Vaidya Kudos,Tesla

[@DorothyCarterArchive]

I like Tesla's more

[@emacemacii]

When the interior shows up, my jaw just dropped and eyes went starry because I thought it's very pretty, but my wife from the other side of the kitchen sink thought I was browsing naughty things on the internet. Ughhhh Volvo save me!

[@Deadbass_]

Volvo has really stepped up the game with this! Loved the interior and it's elegancy!

[@sjohnson7879]

Its so sad that people have finally took notice of Volvo. Volvo has always built nice original cars. I love my XC90 nothing compares. My second Volvo

[@Vortexiii]

not a volvo fan but their styling is so on point now cant wait to see their upcoming lineup is gonna look with this design language... make the concept coupe volvo!

[@joshdavis7311]

Volvo comes out with such a luxurious vehicle and there are still people knit picking the dumbest things. Like really, you need to complain about the badge up front?

[@tohokugirl8144]

I own a 2017 XC90 and the screen doesn't tilt to the driver. Its in the dash, pretty flat. Easy to reach. Have you ever looking at one in person? It is exactly like a tablet, the clarity of image, everything. I am astounded that Mercedes and some others have those screens that stick up above the dash like a digital photo frame. Some domestic models have small ittle landscape touch screens.

[@directorjustin]

This is my favorite looking SUV. It's so sleek.

[@freewayninja4065]

That's a powerful 4 cylinder on an SUV. impressive!

[@susand1177]

Lol

[@seb5945]

It looks classy.

[@billyyayss]

I'm a technician for Volvo, not a master certified mechanic or anything special but I PDI these vehicle and repair them and I can say that if they get the software up to par (as in customers aren't constantly dropping their brand new $80k inscription off for warranty repair or brake squeak) this is an awesome car especially the T8 or R design with air suspension, so fun sitting at a traffic light in "off road" mode and clicking "dynamic" mode and it airing out and watching people react. The pilot assist is also super cool, I've yet to drive a tesla with auto pilot but I can see why people would love it. Plus the power of the T8 to the weight is very impressive.

[@Paul-of-House-Shibley]

Billy Hays Has your opinion changed since your comment 2 years ago? How is the T8 reliability record vs T6?

[@michaeljjensen]

The presenter is just the right amount of hilarious. Nice job. Great review.

[@CTOInformation]

Geely did a great job to support and gave Volvo a chance to turn around after so many unsuccessful years under Ford.

[@murtzaturbani1983]

Xc

[@MatrixDiscovery]

The company is losing money, Just like TATA is with LandRover and Jaguar.

[@CTOInformation]

@@MatrixDiscovery The Gothenburg-based carmaker, which Geely acquired from Ford Motor Co in 2010, reported operating earnings of 5.29 billion Swedish crowns as revenues rose 8.4% to 79.2 billion. Sales of Volvos rose nearly 10% in 2019 - with growth of 23.4% in the fourth quarter alone - as increases in China and the United States and strong demand for a line of SUVs, its best-selling models, gave a boost. Volvo Cars today reports that revenue for 2019 rose by 8.5 per cent to SEK274. 1 billion, compared to revenue of SEK252. 7 billion in 2018. Operating profit for the full year 2019 improved to SEK14.

[@AdrianC12345]

Such a gorgeous SUV. Why buy anything else?

[@wildan2136]

+AdrianC12345 there's a q7 with the same range (better performance, better durability n strangely more economical), but i think this one more demanding (better central console, better interior, and better 7 seater)

[@777Outrigger]

+achmad wildan If you compare the gasoline engines, the XC90 4 cyl gets 316 HP and 20/25 mpg city/highway, while the Q7 V6 gets 333 HP 18/27 mpg city/highway. Plus the curb weight on these vehicles is very close. The difference in all these numbers is insignificant. And while Q7 driving dynamics are a little better, many reviewers have been giving the XC90 high marks in driving dynamics too. And the XC90 is better looking and is less expensive. :-D

[@riky95oo]

+AdrianC12345 RANGE ROVER

[@777Outrigger]

+Riccardo Rossi - Range Rovers are very nice too. Just don't own one without a warranty.

[@riky95oo]

+777Outrigger Well.. I have to agree with that.

[@theslimreaper3999]

Here in Holland you see these on every streetcorner. Best looking Volvo ever!

[@mar0239]

The Slim Reaper yup

[@Pfizer980]

wow this volvo looks amazing exterior and interior. at one point it doesn't look too big for a 7 seater SUV, but actually it's also generously spacious for the third row. first I thought it was a 5 seater

[@accountnumber90]

The S60 was one of my favorite cars from when I worked at _________ Rent-A-Car, so I've really grown to like Volvo. The XC90 is a stunner!

[@gilabsolute1353]

I own an s60 and love it. I would love a XC90 or even a XC60. Volvo suvs are gorgeous.

[@wigglepickle]

Volvos are beautiful, and I'm so glad they're headed in the right direction with their brand; style wise definitely.

[@777Outrigger]

For some of the commenters here-----Gone are the days when unreliable blowers would destroy weak engines. This isn't the 80s, and no one knows how to build an engine to stand up to the rigors of turbocharging better than Volvo. And the new XC90 is selling like hotcakes. There's at least a 3 month wait to get one, maybe a 6 month wait if you buy the high-end Inscription Trim.

[@AmericaWest90]

It's like a year wait right now.

[@dakingofgeese]

THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS!!!! I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS REVIEW FOR MONTHS!!! Yes, I'm excited. Just like you.

[@MarioPlaysGames]

Not only is it the best car in its class, there is an ultra luxury Excellence limited production trim for $100k.

[@mohamedeid635]

this car has something special no other car has

[@Dezeau]

Wow! Outstanding job Volvo I do believe your back in the biz. With your new sedans and now this! I truly am a new fan, but I would definitely want a TDI variant.

[@kidistight]

Really liking the XC90, thinking of making the move and trading in wife's Grand Cherokee.

[@Log1cTech]

Amazing car!

[@TwoHawksHunting]

That was a very informative review. This Volvo is a game changer. Motor. Trend just named the Volvo XC90 the SUV of the year. The other manufacturers will have to step up their game in order to keep up with the XC90. Well done Volvo.

[@claudettebailey1183]

I love this volvo Brilliant work

[@chigasaki06]

I love the minimalist approach. The exterior is clean, modern, sleek. The interior is rich, yet simple, light, and airy. Volvo has a winner! The crash results recently came out, and unsurprisingly, the XC90 tops the list.

[@LenadTJ]

Wish it came with a 5.0l v8 (or at least v6) option with the same supercharger +turbo setup churning out roughly 600hp. Now that's great great looks and power to match.

[@HAVENS913]

You might check the price tag you stated as around $50k....you're driving an Inscription, not a Momentum....major cost jump.

[@bobbylloyd1603]

True, but when you got like 100k to spend, then why the f not?

[@varudds]

Best review ever of Volvo xc90. Picture, talk.

[@masonkim7]

He's listening to Tool Lateralus, Muse Absolution, Radiohead In Rainbows !! Three of my favorite albums of all time.

[@mrslaharris7128]

Awesome video..but i love it but u dont talk on safety airbags . But i enjoy the video..2020 xc90 omg...im savin my coins

[@chriss7820]

I used to hate volvo but the new xc90 is a beast. It is premium and its the safest car in the whole world and thats confirmed.

[@nickscott447]

Awesome! Really impressive SUV. If I didn't just buy a XC60 for months ago, this would be the car I'd buy.

[@dieselxdan]

Wow. Sick interior

[@milkogaming3265]

My dad buyed it 8/7 months ago.It's so good! the engine sound. :o

[@musomimukama3308]

There is any problem? In usage

[@leelogins3982]

Excellent Review - and yes you have to take a second look @ the XC90 now with edgey styling excellent fitout interior.

[@A_B_92]

Never been a fan of Volvo, but this new XC90 is beautiful! Great work Volvo, you surprised me.

[@cachegrk]

Fantastic vehicle! Very well designed! Dashboard and seats are awesome....

[@sergevivier956]

For those of you who have the money, a family and live near a Volvo dealer, this is the SUV to buy. Volvo has worked on safety for ever, they invented seat belts, they have the best whiplash protection and spine protection. This xc 90 is the ultimate in safety and best in comfort. The slight wind noise is due to the thin windshield designed to minimize head injuries to pedestrian.

[@tohokugirl8144]

+serge vivier - And every car I've ever owned had some wind noise. Depends on how fast you are going and how windy it is, you know. ;)

[@dealzguyYT]

Excellent and accurate review of the car.

[@Hellogoodbye19979]

I just saw a Volvo on the road with wipers on the headlights!

[@dannyhernandez9778]

+flip inheck not amymore though lol

[@schotze2227]

I enjoy KBB reviews, BTW..this IS the car, I plan to purchase...

[@1Franchman1]

Busted, Tool fan at 0:57. Sweet!

[@aayonce4]

I miss Zach !!! Omg where did he go?!!

[@mcolegt]

I'm a kind of blown away by this XC90. Never saw this coming from Volvo.

[@CarolSandu]

Short but full of details , nice review

[@Nothing-it3kk]

I just had the opportunity to keep one for a day from a dealership. The 2017 xc90 T6 AWD looks great, BUT...It was super LOUD. I don't know why these manufacturers must have moon roofs, but I currently drive a truck and the noise from this luxury crossover was unbearable, even for my GMC 1500 Sierra. Also, the seats are way too short. I am 6'5", so I know I'm not your average size driver, but I haven't had this problem driving my wife's regular sedan (es 350), or any other regular size vehicles. It was impossible to find a comfortable spot, no matter how many adjustments I made. The pedal was too high, which made my calf cramp up, and the seat seems really short, which became annoying and uncomfortable for my hamstrings really quickly. I wouldn't buy that car. If you decide to test drive it, take it overnight or take it on the highway. Because if you only drive it 40 miles an hour around the dealership, you won't notice either of these things. Not only that, but the engine is loud too, not just wind and pavement noise. This was the most confusing, mixed feelings I've ever had about a car. Loved the look and quality, absolutely hated the lack of comfort and the noise.

[@moparcharger8642]

Volvo is the safest suv!! The only reason people should buy it.

[@Fontaine_de_Can]

Great no-nonsense review!!

[@emiliagrossi1052]

We're getting this car in early March. I can't wait. This car is really amazing 😍

[@clax5612]

Congratulations :) You'll love it!

[@richardc020]

Very well done review, KVV & Zach, entertaining personality, too, keep it up!

[@kbb]

Thanks, Richard!

[@doodskie999]

if they released the diesel version, it would be the most perfect SUV

[@emka9537]

well F-pace has a Diesel engine thats what i like about that car and it has a V6 version that has Diesel too so idk and it has Manual so i think F-Pace is better and talking about Volvo we in europe have Diesel Version :)

[@gengen2x340]

doodskie999 they do have one now

[@clax5612]

No one said anything about the F-Pace. The f-pace is a 5 seater, the volvo is a 7.

[@thefinancialneurologist]

wow I never even thought about Volvo, the tech features are impressive, best in any car I think

[@pedrogregorio]

They hit a home run with this one. Congratulations Volvo!

[@lisola]

When are you guys gonna get your hands on the 2018 XC60?? Really looking forward to that review!

[@stillnottellingyoumyname8193]

I hate the back end but the front and side view is gorgeous

[@antoinevh3721]

One of the best reviews ever seen!

[@kbb]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it 😁

[@neilwinton4735]

The interior on this Inscription version was stunning, with beautiful cream leather and impressive wood inlays. The quality of the wood reminded me of recent visit to the Bentley factory, where they know a thing or two about luxury.

[@tohokugirl8144]

+Neil Winton - Right Neil. I saw a British review of the XC90 Inscription that put it in the circle comparable to Rolls Royce and Bentley. Elegance. Mines coming with love from Sweden soon!!!!

[@chriss7068]

Buyers, go to the volvo xc90 forums before you buy. Are you kidding me KBB? Consumer reports and the message boards already have determined this so unreliable. You can't just get in and go in this car. Its like owning a bad version of windows on a computer that just so happens to drive. Frequent updates with frequent problems. Example, while driving the heads up display has moved, your seat starts auto-inflating and squeezing you and when you come to a stop it auto-stops and the climate is reduced then it figures out it can't keep up and auto starts to run the A/C. Screen freezes while driving is a favorite. "Trail of tears" as volvo owners call it for the white residue on the back windshield from faulty nozzle function. Then the software gets updated and different problems show up while some of the last ones aren't totally fixed. This is nuts!

[@Ministry_0f_Truth]

Looks so great. Definitely better than X5, Q7, GL, etc. Just a pity that even top versions are only 4-cylinder... that sucks.

[@voidhead78]

Got to say i liked that the downwards spiral was in the music choices lol

[@bichers]

Did test drive this yesterday, really good car though not what im on search for (little bit smaller car) but they have done a good job on this one.

[@calenpope9787]

awesome review! y'all need to get Zach to do more of your videos.

[@jamesh7571]

Great review of the Volvo bro, but WTF is frat barf and dirty power signs next to the speedometer?I would find that disturbing on my dashboard for realz!Did you catch that too?

[@Trades46]

This is a beautiful, comfortable & safe family hauler. Driving it you really don't think it only has a 2.0 liter 4cyl under the hood.

[@vincentromano3526]

2017 Volvo XC90 is the biggest lemon on the road today. I have owned this car since new and nothing but problems. Less than 7k miles and has been in for Service 3 times already and ready for a 4th time. Electrical and brake issues, do a google search before you even think of buying or leasing this POS.

[@yamahaevo]

I like this channel. So refreshing.

[@aibbincubus]

I always thought Volvo as being boring 'safe' cars and I really never cared for SUVs for the same perception, but is on very good looking SUV and it definitely has some power to it. Way to go Volvo.

[@geiro.9761]

Noise cancelling headphones has made its way to cars, cool idea!

[@VoynaZ]

Love it. Wish I could afford one.

[@planedudea380]

Fantastic re design

[@777Outrigger]

Patience with the foot wave at 5:06 , opening the tailgate, grasshopper.

[@Sciron]

Lol the windshield wipers activate when u go under a bridge AMAZINGLY GREAT SWEDISH ENGINEERING

[@rookietoprobuildz]

Definitely a step up from the older generation !

[@volvosweden]

Love it.

[@PabloTaboadaNYC]

nice review, thanks so much

[@KampsEnergy]

Definitely my next Volvo..

[@toptohyekoms]

I like the music playlist

[@lawrencepll76]

Great review! Love to see it put against the Audi!

[@ridoseriri5691]

Anything overpriced is luxury

[@symmetry08]

I call this a best design and beauty.

[@kennethrosario6706]

I love Volvo

[@khw0ng_]

It's side profile looks really great

[@AntonDaniels]

That truck is beautiful

[@chickenfingers4519]

It's an suv

[@sukhwindersahota3472]

+ChickenFingers451 it is a car cause my dad has it he told me it cost 5000 more than his old one which was 70,000 also 75,000

[@erickang1098]

+Sahota Family Sahota An suv is car

[@Cityofemeralds]

Absolutely Gorgeous!!!!!

[@johnpinho]

In 2004 I purchased a brand new Volvo XC90 in the United States. From day 1 the vehicle showed transmission issues. Volvo denied that there was an issue and Volvo Headquarters never admitted that the transmission they put in the vehicle was simple put a terrible GM transmission with documented early failures. After complaining several times and being told "I don't hear anything", "Sluggishness is normal for such a heavy vehicle", the 1st of 3 transmissions put in the vehicle failed (yes, the car has gone through 3 transmissions) during a "test drive" with the Volvo service manager. Finally, Volvo recognized it was a defective transmission. It simply had no choice as the vehicle "bucked" at a stop light. Each transmission lasted approximately 50,000 miles. Recently, the latest transmission died at 50,000 miles and Volvo offered $1,000 toward a $7000 repair. Volvo Sweden and Volvo USA does not stand behind their car and thus no matter how beautiful the car is or how safe it is doesn't matter when the transmission fails and you are left stranded or worse (hit from behind in traffic when the car doesn't move and you can't get over to the shoulder) and Volvo doesn't admit its failure and leaves its customer to fend for themselves. Beware of purchasing a brand new Volvo XC90 before you look on KZbin for individuals having issues with their brand new ones.

[@johnpinho]

My car is an automatic transmission made by General Motors that Volvo Sweden decided was a good match for the 2004 Volvo XC90. I can tell you that each transmission lasted just over 53K miles and the last transmission was a improved version of the transmission. Don't buy a 2004 Volvo XC90 unless you need it for parts only (excluding that transmission). Regards.

[@johnpinho]

Thank you for the information. Bottomline, Volvo knew and knows this transmission fails every 50K miles and continues to sell and install these transmission back into their 2004 Volvo XC90's to fail again. Volvo refuses to take responsibility for its poor mechanics and eventually will go under despite a great safe vehicle. Customer service is non existent from headquarters. Local dealers are not supported by Headquarters. The Regional Service manager covering North Jersey refused to meet me at the dealer to discuss the transmission. He finally called me over the phone because "It was Friday and rather talk to me over the phone then go to dealer". He doesn't realize and Headquarters doesn't care that that is his job. i.e. Meet with customers. Volvo for Life is really Volvo Lemon for Life.

[@johnpinho]

Thank you for commenting. The vehicle is 12 years old but it's been through 3 transmissions installed by Volvo dealers each of which lasted a little over 50,000 miles each. Volvo hasn't fixed the problem. It continues to repeat it's mistake over and over again (ie. putting a defective transmission into the vehicle). The 3rd Transmission was supposedly re-engineered to last longer but it too died at a little over 50,000 miles without warning. My point is my older Benz has over 200,000 miles on its original transmission. If I got 100,000 miles out of a Volvo transmission (at the rate I'm going) I'd be a happy camper. In my opinion and based upon my experience with Volvo dealerships, Volvo headquarters provides no support in letting the dealership service department do right by its clients. If you make a "safe" vehicle with a beautiful design but a terrible transmission, you should fix the transmission when it's obvious it was a poor decision to install the GM transmission in the first place.

[@samsonokoro5036]

Nice interior and exterior excluding the rear, it still has a long way to challenge the Lexus Rx though the sales leader in this segment. But i must say it's a great comeback by Volvo.

[@ahmadturkman644]

Good job volvo..i hope to get some one some day

[@jonasf4065]

Does this thing really only have 65 cu ft of total cargo space?? With the 2015 XC70, a much smaller vehicle @72 cu ft!! How is this even possible?

[@shoe_geek_official]

Looks nice! The infotainment system looks like the one in the Tesla. Great review!

[@EDHBlvd]

Despite the quirks, I think this car is beautiful. Would look lovely next to my V70R.