2017 Volvo XC90 T8 Hybrid Review and Road Test - DETAILED in 4K UHD!

T8 is Volvo-speak for an XC90 that is turbocharged, supercharged, AWD and a plug-in hybrid. All at the same time. It's also Volvo's answer to shoppers looking for more pep in their three row luxury crossover. Volvo's new plug in system is also the first step in a full electric future for the Swedish brand. If you were hoping for a V6 or V8 Volvo, the T8 officially signals a change for the future, when you want a more power, just kick up the electric dial.
Join Today: bit.ly/2WdCEwW
The Best Cars, Trucks & SUVs: • The A List - The Best ...
Follow AoA on Facebook: theautobuyersguide/
Follow The Mountain Garden: goo.gl/icFWcd

[@joshseal2000]

I've had the T8 model for about 4 months, and driven ~2,500 miles. We don't use the car to commute, but it's our only car. I downloaded my trip data to share my experience. About 80% of our journeys are done fully on Electric power. It's quick enough off the line for normal traffic, and it's smooth as silk. Yes, I'd like more range, 30 miles would be perfect in my opinion, but I'm surprised how many trips we've managed to complete on electric. Then this weekend we jumped in the car, went on a 1,000 mile road trip - although it would be nice to top up the batteries, you don't need too - that's the beauty of plug-in hybrids. Over the 2,500 miles we have driven (before the road trip) we've averaged 40 MPG. That's not going to save the planet, or justify the $ premium, but it's the best MPG you'll find for a 7 seater premium SUV. So, why get the T8 over the T6? It's certainly not a financial justification, but it feels great to run some errands without using any gas, and the car feels so smooth in pure mode. Also - when you need it, there aren't many cars that can beat you off the line.

[@levimachado]

6 years later... did you have any problems with your hybrid motor on top of a turbocharge and supercharge 4 cylinder? This car screams like it should have a V6.

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

This will be my 1st Volvo SUV to buy Alex.

[@petogy]

As a future T8 owner (arriving next month i hope) I have spent my last 5 months mostly watching review videos of my future car. This review is by FAR!!!!! the most professional I have ever seen. Great work. Congratulations.

[@Patricia0108_]

Gyorgy Peto You will love it! Had ours for 7 months now and love it :-) Great fuel economy too, averaging 45 mpg (5.2 l/100km)

[@petogy]

Pat ricia thanks for sharing :)

[@raydennis6583]

Ditto! I ordered mine back in August thru OSD. It is on the boat now and will be in my garage before President's Day. This review really shows just how impressive VOLVO's new tech has sent all the other automakers scrambling for their muskets in defense of losing face to the Swedes.

[@Patricia0108_]

Ray Dennis Congrats! You should join us at Swedespeed forum ;-)

[@kellympaul]

Been there done that. I ordered Jan 2016, received early July 2016. 13500 KM of glorious driving until ... dum dum dum... a fault ERAD. Yes the electric rear axel drive is faulty, it's in the dealer since last week and a whole new unit has to be fitted. Apparently I'm not the first. It is a model year 17 so I'd have hoped most of the kinks were worked out. From what I hear the latest oct software update has fixed 99% of the annoying bugs that occur so I hope that any cars delivered now will be pretty good and reliable.

[@reerbaadia1896]

whenever I see his reviews. I just click like and share within seconds. well done sir.

[@thetrader7890]

Wow !!! you are from far the best auto commentary I have never seen !!!! Ultra pro congrat !! ( from France )

[@CamGchannel]

best flippin car review I've ever seen!! especially for this XC90. covered everything i needed to know. I was wondering about all the hybrid characteristics. Thank you!

[@jamesmin2837]

#1 reviewer anywhere. Very informative, as usual.

[@leschurch3315]

Probably the best car review I have ever seen, Well presented and so knowledgeable! Thank you!

[@iceplanetchris2052]

Keep up the great work Alex!👍

[@TheDStewart99]

Great review, thank you for being so thorough! Well worth watching from front to back.

[@mel22b]

Great review! Its nice to see such a great detailed review.

[@stephanematis]

Excellent review of a complicated vehicle. Well done Alex

[@rayuyemura5963]

Thank you, Alex! You have the most comprehensive and objective review I've seen on Volvo's XC90s. You demonstrate industry knowledge, consumer savvy insight, and common sense. Automakers should use your review standards as their baselines for in-house quality controls. Continue the great work you do!

[@superwangwei3630]

Happy new year Alex! Great review!

[@TRYtoHELPyou]

your a machine man! thanks for sharing this. The changes they have made over the years are awesome.... glad to see the makers are headed the electrification route.

[@TRYtoHELPyou]

The Cereal Tree yeah... I was reading that they would have a 100KwH battery option too. gonna be awesome!

[@williamchanchan7845]

This Guy is a Robot.hybrid humanoid.😂😁😊💻

[@RESISTAGE]

That is one good vehicle. On my list now. Thank you Alex.

[@sashdown22]

wow great review. best ive seen. thanks

[@blueray570]

My favorite reviewer 🤗👍

[@cenewman007]

Great review!

[@PrashantKhanolkarUSA]

Very detailed video. Everybody who is interested in the New XC90 should watch this before deciding which variant works best for them.

[@RESISTAGE]

"Mother in law 3rd row" liked that man. Thank u. Thats were she rides now. What was i thinking

[@sruli82]

very nice review, thanks !

[@davidblack5654]

Nice review Alex. I always am inclined to prefer amber turn signals in back. I like that the choice for hybrid options in most vehicle categories is growing.

[@umangbhatt9532]

Happy New year

[@EUK007]

Great review as always. Will you make a review of the new Land Rover Discovery Sport?

[@tamilpride321]

excellent review

[@allstarraphd9043]

Great video Alex and a Happy New Year can you soon review a BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe 440i xDrive 2017 Please Thank You

[@geosh10]

Lease it or get an extended warranty! No way I'd keep this thing when the warranty expires! However, I think it's a sharp ride! Volvo really did a great job!

[@v60polestar88]

geosh10 I am a Volvo guy but the new XC90 is already causing Volvo owners major headaches. Why too complex electronics and there has been way too many bugs in the electronics. Software updates are the norm to try to fix issues. Wait till 2018 to buy one so they can fix all the issues

[@CinemaUnited]

Does she have a T8? Everybody we know with 2016 T8's has issues. Air suspension that needs replacement, electrical issues, engine fan that runs for no reason, etc..

[@v60polestar88]

CinemaUnited I am a big Volvo fan but yes the Volvo forums are full of problems people are having with the new XC90. I would lease it but I'd wait till 2018 model if I was buying one. Very bad reliability right now.

[@openplz3000]

geosh10 getting ready to buy one CPO. Wife is trading her pos 550xi twin turdbo for this shit box. I guaranteed her this weezy little 2.0 2x forced induction was going to grenade quicker than anything else she could want. It will go before the cpo warranty is up. Give me my 6.4l SRT or 6.2 gm. No replacement for displacement!

[@lemoncloroxbleach3039]

Polestar Wes Remember it's a first generation give it 1 or 2 years trust me everycars have been having problems for being a first generation from toyota's to chryslers and bmw to Tesla's if a person has half a mind they wouldn't buy a first generation car they would lease it

[@joachimlotz5049]

i jast went on your website for the very first time and i had to laugh my butt off over your motto for your yt-channel...very cool...you make such cool videos...i hope you can live off of that

[@tarasyk2003]

please review glc. thanks and Happy New Year

[@Lecidude]

For vehicles of this size it would be great to see the cargo area with all seats down and comments on how well it carries "stuff" rather than just people. Thanks.

[@kellympaul]

heh. Having owned one I can tell you the following. It'll fit pretty much anything. I've had a 2 person fold out bed, 2 x swing sets (long wooden bits), all the wooden bits for a jungle gym and a slide LOL and 1 passenger in front (it was tight).

[@JurisKankalis]

Tired of saying, but great review as always. Interesting turn with the Porsche.

[@baldheadlogic]

Great Review Alex. Can you do a test on the 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE as a more affordable 3 row hybrid?

[@ThatWasherNerd]

In terms of performance and comfort, would you prefer either the T8 Inscription or the T6 inscription?

[@MAGirlable]

Thought about buying this when the plug-in first became available but didn't want to deal with reliability issues. In the end, I got a Subaru Forester instead. Happy with my choice but will probably get a plug-in Prius as a commuter.

[@sanjeevdas10]

What happens on a long drive once the battery is depleted? Does it now handle like a 500lbs heavier 316hp T6?

[@smad11]

Hi Alex - Not sure if you'll see this - any idea on when you'll be reviewing the new 2018 Volvo XC60?

[@jtshergill2647]

please do a review on Genesis G90...

[@happytrades]

I have 2016 xc90 Hybrid. On balance I like it but it has had software issues. My main complaint is road noise caused by the tires. I have about 40,000 miles on the vehicle. The dealer said this is a reoccurring complaint with the stock tires that came on the vehicles. It was suggested that I switch to Hankook tires.

[@fabulousprofound]

Have there been any software updates that fixed those issues? Also, has there been any problems with reliability with everything else on the vehicle? I ask this because I am considering a preowned one.

[@Balunliinfi]

Volvo xc40 please hope you can review it

[@czealtamahawk1228]

So Alex, what would recommend as far as SUV?

[@columbia1991]

Any thoughts on a used XC90 Hybrid? We’re thinking about a 2017 or 2018 with about 60K miles. We have a 2016 Lexus GX 460. Owned it for 3 years and zero issues.

[@amcdonal86VT]

Not having power tilt/telescope wheel is annoying when you have memory set positions for seating for multiple drivers

[@cookiemonster2085]

Can Volvo extend the battery life beyond 11 miles? What if you have a 20 mile/ 2 hour commute to work? The car overall is great but hopefully the 2020 model can improve battery range.

[@KRM_2010]

Great review. How about a comparison to the Tesla Model X? Would be interested in your thoughts on the Model S as well.

[@MAGirlable]

Absolutely not the same thing. Tesla is limited by its charge range. The Volvo is a combustion engine with an electric motor. You don't get the same versatility out of a Tesla.

[@KRM_2010]

Neither is the Pacifica Hybrid. But for those interested in electrified options it would probably be on their list.

[@AliSatchu]

Please help ... CAD $50k-55k ish budget... currently driving cx7 2010 love it and very minimal costs for 8 years. Have 2 kids now need a bigger vehicle and was considering newer Mazda CX-9, Volvo XC90 2017 ish due to budget...maybe even the Acura MDX...looking for interior comfort and a little luxury because I dirge 3 hours a day (100km both ways) and AWD for safety and winters etc. I have never been this confused and want some honest opinions.

[@iceplanetchris2052]

Have you reviewed the new Audi A4 yet?

[@ZStHope]

Turn should be yellow period

[@Trades46]

Blame North American govt. regulatory bodies. Only here are turn signals red or use brake lights as signals for some reasons. An example is my Mercedes actually has amber turn signal bulbs in the rear lamp housing but for some reason gets unused.

[@petejr7583]

Trades46 The size of the LED bulb is regulated in the US. It has to meet a minimum spec, which for some reason, many manufacturers refuse to comply as its not necessary globally. Typically non-US manufacturers resort to using incandescent amber bulbs for the US market. This was typical for Volvo before the new XC90. I believe Volvo could use an amber LED here, as the LED size complies with the regs, but they chose not to, "for aesthetic purposes", which is bizarre for them, and unacceptable to me. Just the other day I saw a new 2017 Honda CRV equipped with lovely bright amber LED rear turn signals. Go figure, a $30K Honda.

[@forenach4039]

The audio of the introduction reminded me of such from a channel named Explaining Computers. Perhaps, experts who are highly informative share certain musical aesthetics in common.

[@MAGirlable]

Yes! Turn should be yellow. It's weird and confusing that turn is often red in the US.

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

Once the MDX is released as a PIH version, it will once again be the value leader, now in this particular class of 3 row PIH crossovers.

[@powerofpinesol8002]

+Alex on Autos so this is more like an front wheel drive vehicle..? From what I picked up more power is at the front when it's not in all wheel drive mode and when it is it's around 200ish horsepower max right? So wouldn't it be more front wheel drive by default ?

[@ProjectNightmare]

330 HP in FWD (Hybrid "Normal" mode), 87 HP RWD (Electric "Pure" mode), and 174 HP total with perfect 87 fwd/87 rwd power split in it's AWD (Hybrid "Off-Road" mode) but will go up to 313 fwd/87 rwd (400 HP) when you need max power. (Hybrid "Sport" mode) AWD is 313-359 fwd/87 rwd (400-446 HP) for max power from the engine, turbo, super, and both motors.

[@user-oq1im5jt1n]

XC90 is good car, but I heard that it has quite severe rolling in high speed. Also, I am curious about the reliability of the engine block. As many people know, super and turbo chargers lead more power by squeezing the engine all the time. Do you think the engine block can endure stress from those chargers for a long time? It will be like Mazda rotary engine cars which need to periodically rebuild the entire engine block.

[@JLXC90]

Yes definitely. Volvo doesn’t have much budget, did you know that they are using the same aluminum engine block for their 2.0 Diesel engine XC90? Diesel engine is running at very high compression compare to petrol, definitely it has no problem cope with the supercharger and turbocharger

[@jerome2844]

Did he ever tested the cayenne hybrid ?

[@RangerAmateur]

If you could still find 2016 T8, you could get 15k+ discount (I've even seen way more) plus any tax return you may qualify in your state, seems to be no-brainer for me if I were in market. Also you could add $3k-ish for a 7y/100k warranty for peace of mind.

[@hanswolfgang974]

what about lexus rx ?

[@wendysato4808]

get this instead of the prius and other hybrid cars

[@hby7768]

Would totally get one if I didn't already have a cayenne

[@kristensorensen2219]

These were once called a turbo compound in aircraft.

[@dcpc08161992]

Nice car! Why does car manufacture placed the body molding so low on the door penal that it does not provide any door ding protection any longer... they are non-functional decoration pieces that I rather not having it on the car. Also, the turning signal SHOULD really be amber as it distinguishes itself from the brake lights...I don't know who has the bright idea of having brake and turning signal the same red color :(.

[@namduong7509]

Great review! The gear shifter is just a little gaudy and tacky. Audi is copying the Thor's Hammer design motif in the headlights!

[@grigorysokol5706]

If I understand correctly, u don't get 400hp if you battery is not charged. Am I right?

[@Wellspicedchaffinch]

Actually the petrol engine will charge the battery constantly (if you put it in Performance mode) so - you will get 400 bhp and extremely bad fuel economy from the petrol engine.

[@matthewyim1736]

Alex, many people don't like the tail lamps because it looks weird, and it looks like it came off of a Cadillac Escalade. Personally, I like them, do you like them also?

[@joetacchino4470]

Matthew's Car Corner Volvo had tail lights up the D pillars on the 1990's 850 Wagon. The Caddy only recently ripped off the look.

[@RyanKather]

Joe Tacchino Cadillac actually didn't rip off Volvo. The designers took inspiration from classic Cadillac vertical lights from the 60s and earlier. I kind of dislike it actually, but the more you know... media.cadillac.com/media/us/en/cadillac/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2014/Feb/0211-Escalade-LED.html

[@joetacchino4470]

Ryan Kather Uh, no. Not even close. Yes, Cadillac has long had vertical tail lights. So have a ton of other manufacturers. But only Volvo had them all they way up the back hatch pillar.

[@RyanKather]

Joe, follow my line of reasoning here. Cadillac recently is trying to move up market and better compete with ze Germans. Cadillac wants a unified design heritage across its lineup and approaches their new efforts CTS, CT6, and finally Escalade as such. Designers want something that speaks to their past (these buyers want a legacy for their vehicles), but in a modern way. Cadillac decides to integrate vertical lighting across their product range as a nod to this design element of their past. When you have an SUV or Wagon how else are they supposed to implement this in a way that you think doesn't rip off Volvo? I can see how you might think they did, but I hope you can see how it might also be completely a result of the limitations of design in our current era of vehicle safety regulations. I don't think the designers really considered Volvo at all in their design. If anything they modeled against BMW and Merc (ATS handling for example is very much 'inspired' by BMW 3 series).

[@antonovkirill7876]

Volvo the best 👍🏻

[@cheetosyeetos6181]

How does it fare against the Q7 e-tron?

[@Patricia0108_]

DamnBigAss62 If you need the 3rd row, the Q7 Etron is not for you!

[@kellympaul]

Only thing that I liked about the Q7 was the quattro tech from Audi is second to none for 4x4/AWD and the electric motor is bolted onto this rather than being an ERAD. But no 7 seats meant it's a non runner for us. I've always been a V.A.G person having owned numerous Passats, Skoda Superbs and more recently A7s.

[@AltarenGalil]

Lack of fog lamps and the small-ish lights make the front look a bit plain.

[@kellympaul]

The trick here is to get the R-Design over the inscription model. It's _far_ nicer to look at.

[@swanblake]

@Alex On Autos so I am a bit confused. The rear only has 87 hp but can send 200hp to the rear with no mechanical connection to the engine? If correct, how? Thank you

[@TheMatt365]

Blake Swan agreed, that didn't make any sense to me either...

[@NukePooch1]

It seems that in 'all wheel drive' mode, the car runs 50/50ish...approx 90 HP thru front, and approx 90HP thru rear axle. When you hammer down and use more than 180ish HP, then you lose the 50/50 split as the rear axle can only run 87.

[@swanblake]

N Pooch okay that would make sense. For some reason I thought Alex said 200 hp to each axle

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Corrrect

[@swanblake]

Alex on Autos wait, Alex, what is correct? 87hp max to the rear?

[@czealtamahawk1228]

Why not just make all electric xc90 ?

[@kubanskiloewe]

im still happy with my RX450h and its V6Hybrid .....29mpg

[@111danish111]

My new 2019 Rav4 hybrid is doing 44 mpg lol

[@kubanskiloewe]

@@111danish111 ...lol but mine runs over 200km/h with 300 hp ! the shit 4cyl sucks on Autobahn !! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZO2c5KKmad0bqM

[@bobagman5300]

I have a new 2018 Volvo xc90 t6 inscription with 21 inch wheels and Pirelli Scorpion Verde tires. Road noise on perfectly smooth roads is minimal and appropriate for a luxury SUV. However, on rough asphalt or concrete roads with a textured surface, this car creates a HORRIBLE amount of tire noise for a so-called luxury car. The noise is a headache inducing hum that vibrates through the frame and the cabin. Local Volvo dealership service dept (Momentum Volvo in Houston, TX) replaced the front tires, but the noise didn't improve. Dealer now says this noise is normal. My other vehicle is a Ford f150 Fx4 with 20 inch rims and wide all terrain tires. The Ford truck is MUCH quieter than the Volvo. I'm working with Volvo Customer Care, but I'm not feeling the love... At this point, I deeply regret buying this car. Caveat emptor - Buyer beware!

[@darrenh5745]

Did you get the optional speaker? The B&W sounding system actually helps reduce the cabin noise.

[@bobagman5300]

Ian H Thanks for the response. I dont have the B&W speakers. My local dealer did swap the 21" wheels from the 2018 for a new set of 20" Inscription wheels from the 2017 Inscription. Although this wheel swap did not completely eliminate the tire noise issue, it did improve it. Thanks again!

[@sheridanbucket]

First, if there are amber, rear turn signals available for the European market, then there ought to be an option for the North American market. Second, DRL's which double as turn signals just look dopey while one is white and the other is blinking amber. Third, Volvo has the styling down pat, but the UTILITY seems to have been forgotten, especially where towing capability is concerned. I just don't have confidence in a four cylinder pulling a camper, horse trailer, boat, etc. up and over a mountain, let alone pulling a boat and trailer out of the water. Finally, I don't see the marketing difference between the XC90 and the V90 Cross Country, other than the third-row option for two additional captives who aren't claustrophobic. Minivans seems to do better hauling people and SUV's are generally thought of for their people vs. cargo ratios, for shopping or sporting events. btw: no full-size spare tire = no sale. Ya can't rely on fix-a-flat or temporary tires while on a vacation trip, which will very quickly turn into a 3-hour tour with Gilligan at the wheel.

[@SSS-mp8th]

I love the design of the new XC 90 but they complexity of that drive line and engine is just asking for problems down the road.

[@emililorenzo3835]

SS S what kind of problems?

[@kellympaul]

in my case a fault ERAD that developed a rather loud annoying whine when the electric engine was engaged. Noticable in _any_ drive mod :(

[@SSS-mp8th]

I haven't heard of any so far, I'm just saying that is a lot of complexity. They have a turbo charger, super charger and hybrid system added to it. Many points of failure.

[@lawrencefearon6830]

Could the engine[s] be any more complicated. Sheeez.

[@Kyungho79]

What is government tax reduction and CA rebate for this vehicle?

[@dongshuowu3454]

Where those dislikes came?

[@zuti071]

Intro music is disaster !!!

[@David-vz1yj]

I have a 2016 T8-R in Bursting Blue. Also previously owned a 2008 XC90 Sport (Yamaha V8 - 311HP). I enjoyed the Sport much more than this T8-R. Way more fun to drive. The T8 is gorgeous but the Sport had more of an edge/personality to its look (@ the time) IMO. The lack of hybrid range on the T8 is increasingly irritating. as is the dark interior. I am still not a convert to the myriad 4 cylinder (insert funky co-power option) being integrated into this class of vehicle. I must be getting old.

[@terryoakley6217]

Electric Volvo without a battery

[@ktl2001]

For the price I might as well get the Tesla Model X

[@douglashammerstrom2511]

Simply the worst car imaginable. My 2016 Volvo T8 has been in the shop for over 60 days now with no fix in sight. Volvo's response? Drop dead. Don't even think about this vehicle.

[@killacamfoo]

$100k+ for this? Yikes. Perhaps by 2020 something like this will come down a bit in price.

[@connorPiper0]

The 104K version of the XC90 is not at all similar to what the SUV pictured is. The excellence is supposed to be something you are driven in, and it is not comparable to the others in the segment. It only has room for 4 people.

[@DimachkaS]

Red turn signals? Volvo is dead to me

[@bravo_zulu]

DimachkaS exactly

[@emililorenzo3835]

DimachkaS a little stupid detail don't ruin a car as you think !

[@darrenh5745]

Well apparently that's based on people's choice. Most people Actually prefer red turns include myself, but it's just personal taste though.

[@aldeflorio5500]

Tempest in a teapot.. Much ado about little.

[@motuarikidub1189]

Please remove the cheesy intro music

[@snazari1994]

Lose that intro already

[@deandrethompson5341]

I like intro, simple and concise... not too loud and buffoonish

[@franceskkasa1466]

first dislike

[@bryanmchugh1307]

the ground clearance sucks. It looks awesome but still.....

[@dealzguyYT]

Bryan McHugh has more GC than MDX, Q7 and others. Maybe you are seeing this with the Air suspension lowered completely here...

[@mikeh4327]

my gosh, he talks about the engine and all i can hear is "this is complicated stuff with a whole bunch of things to break and since it's Volvo, it will make you homeless from costs of repairs"