2020 Volvo XC90 | Ageing Gracefully

Despite not being the newest luxury 3-row on the market, Volvo's XC90 is still a solid option for those looking for safety, practicality, luxury value and plug-in hybrid performance. With consistent tweaks over the last few years the XC90 remains a strong performer in teh luxury segment despite the recent launch of brand-new German alternatives.
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[@777Outrigger]

Volvo prioritizes cargo area over third row room. Yes, because Volvo wants a bigger crush zone in a rear end accident. I've seen Volvo do rear end crash tests specifically to test third row safety. I haven't seen anyone else do this rear end crash test, including the IIHS.

[@lihuizhou8922]

Totally love my XC90, especially all the safety features, the PA really makes a long hwy drive a pleasant trip. My lease will end next Feb, so I am very excited looking forward for a 2020 XC90.

[@ivanlowjones]

More Volvo XC90, yes please Alex.

[@vitalisabaleuski7704]

Thanks a lot!! So amazing information that absents in other reviews!!,,

[@stephenoverstreet9898]

I should have bought a preowned XC90 instead of my preowned Q7. This will probably be our next family car. It really is AGING gracefully.

[@aircanuck]

My own cash was on the line. Drove the Audi, BMW, Mercedes. Volvo XC90 Inscription won! Comfort, safety, audio system and styling were big factors

[@lariosfregosoify]

XC90 still THE SUV KING 👑

[@yavivid]

Thanks Alex for reviewing the new XC90. I always enjoy your informative reviews. Are you gonna review the 2020 BMW X5 xDrive45e any time soon?

[@regiwstruk]

Just a big fan of your reviews.

[@klinikdaddymelatiutama7049]

mine was T8 MY 18..really satisfy my driving pleasure and chauffeur any passenger..

[@seabream]

Hi Alex, thanks for the review. Note: it seems to be missing from the channel's EV and Hybrid playlist.

[@carlauditts8514]

Great video!! Thanks!!

[@jerrymorrison7501]

Great reviews Alex. So if you could have a T6 or T8 equally equipped for the same price which one would you pick? It seems you prefer the power distribution on the T6 and the actual power on the T8.

[@cowboytx26]

No arm rests on those captain chairs is a deal breaker. Can’t believe they missed that

[@omimanni5473]

i just got one, and it hurt me that it didnt have it, but it doesnt hurt as bad as crashing into a wall :) .

[@MrCarpediem6]

same.. I've passed up on cars before due to lack of arms rests

[@TheHelghast1138]

It has to do with crash tests

[@alliejr]

I'm a big Acura MDX fan (own 2 including the hybrid), but I agree with Alex-- the Volvo is a step above.

[@radudeATL]

I really like this SUV. My choice if I could afford such a vehicle...

[@MatrixDiscovery]

Low mileage 2nd hand XC90 are like half price. These things depreciate quicky.

[@dallysinghson5569]

@@MatrixDiscovery In this case there a reason why XD Volvo skimps on the servicing to make the car look cheaper to own and BOOM something breaks. "Lifetime of the vehicle".

[@bird271828]

Turn signals should be amber!!

[@kevinhache9467]

bird271828 totally agree. All red tail lights are very dated.

[@whitemailprivilege2830]

bird271828 Amber Guyger?

[@tarassu]

Just to be fair, I will add "Turn signals should be red!!" - let's see who gets more thumps up :D

[@Jaymac720]

I hate red turn signals, especially when the turn signal is just the brake light. It’s especially annoying on old trucks. I never know what they’re doing. Amber turn signals also just look better IMO

[@dchawk81]

@@Jaymac720 Wait so when I put my turn signal on you don't know that the blinking means I'm turning in the direct of the chosen blinking light, because it's red and not amber?

[@tiennghe7143]

Thanks Alice

[@ktpinnacle]

Has there been any feedback on the reliability of the TC, SC 4-cylinders in this larger vehicle?

[@cvandenhaute]

I considered buying a T6 AWD inscription in 2016, went a different route. Just configured a 2020 and I'm shocked that prices have gone up so much! Over 5k higher than a 2016 with similar configuration!!!!

[@masterofwhales]

Any time frame on Aviator review?

[@tonesmith909]

Chose an XC90 T8. Biggest gripe is the lack of straps or automation to raise the third row. Love the efficiency, speed, handling and looks of this ride. Its so damn smooth all around!

[@chrischambless]

You only mentioned the Aviator once. I was hoping you would consider it more in the comparisons especially at the end. No super charger, but it’s a plug-in on top of a twin turbo.

[@andrewslovak9241]

Great review as always. I am a new owner of a 2019 and it is such a pleasure to drive. The safety systems are excellent, and build quality is superb. The four cylinder is quite punch y. As Alex says it has a European flare that speaks to me as well and is very enjoyable to be in. A 2019 will likely be a much better deal right now then the new entries so your money will go a bit further.

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

As an Volvo lover: I'd buy it someday Alex.

[@jwong7316]

sad about the arm rests and engine choice. BUT the interior design, trunk space and build quality are top notch. Ended up picking up a 2020 XC90 and a BMW X5 40i based on many reviews such as this one. Thanks Alex!

[@DuesenbergJ]

I’m Swedish so of course I would chose the Volvo. Not because I’m a patriot, but because they are common here.

[@TD-zc4zi]

We own a 2017 T6. Great vehicle and fantastic gas mileage especially on the hwy. Wish we had pilot seats to get to the back (3 kids in car seats - would be nice to get the oldest in a booster in the back. The interior and simple infotainment/controls closed it for me. The others (at the time) were loaded with buttons and lacked things like Pilot Assist which the Volvo had. The new X5 and GLE are definitely more competitive but I don’t see the need for massive displays and hand gestures or want to pay for CarPlay every month. I think we’ll be opting for another XC90 again next year.

[@jeffreyjewell75]

Thusenth Dhavaloganathan the GV80 looks way better than the Volvo in my opinion

[@Crazyuncle1]

I like the 0 to 60 number on the T8 but I would choose the T6 with the Polestar option. The T6 also includes front fog lamps, a spare tire, more storage space than the T8 and weights less. And Volvo, please give us arm rests on the captains chairs. My wife’s Toyota Sienna has them. It’s not that hard to do. And maybe a retro fit for 6 seat versions already out there. Overall I love the XC90. I think it’s beautiful inside and out. Planning to own one soon.

[@legambaz]

Should have left the old grill alone. Other than that, still a sweetheart. Exactly how much better would an X5 handles over the XC90 Alex?

[@raziasadiqali7332]

I love XC90 and q7. They are best luxury suv ever.I missed that XC90 have only 6seater. In 3rd row the seats are going down with their hand. In third row the seats of q7 are going automatically with button, it very easy for kids.

[@ChrisWhalenCPA]

Alex, one of your graphics said that this is shorter in length than the MDX? That's amazing because when I see these two vehicles on the road the Volvo looks so much bigger than the MDX. Does anyone else have that same thought?

[@alliejr]

Agreed.

[@Tinrs80]

Agree 💯 bout the grill.

[@hasmukhvpatel4539]

how to pull up third row seat.processor is slow in 2016 also. smart car good mileage,safety is the best.

[@zunaidkajee4540]

Hi from South Africa 🇿🇦. About your comment with regard to the X5 seat vs XC seats. Is the seats you talking about standard in your market, or an optional extra? Here in South Africa, the comfort seats are an expensive option on the bmw, whereas on the volvo the seats are standard, with Napa leather....

[@johnnylee1531]

How many the mpg(imp.)? from 0-60 mph how fast? indicators should be amber!!

[@syarinhy]

Really hoped they will reinstate an armrest for the middle seat, for the 6 seat configuration. It would be a shame not to have that option.

[@venom5809]

You might want to check your title there Dan Quayle. LOL 😉

[@stephenhendricks103]

Have a soft spot for Volvos based on owning a couple of vehicles from some years ago. I'll confess to ongoing confusion between the XC90 and the V90 Cross County (often abbreviated as the V90XC.) My next door neighborhood owns the latter and repeatedly explains that it's not an XC90. In any event each is an appealing vehicle even if the nomenclature is confusing and they're somewhat difficult to distinguish from one another unless they're parked together. Of course, sometimes a minor issue can be a deal breaker. In this case I'm puzzled by the absence of center arm rests in the second row captain chairs. Why on earth would Volvo opt to save at most a few bucks in a luxury vehicle by denying second row passengers a spot to place an elbow!

[@valdius85]

Can`t wait for you to test CR-V hybrid AWD on your mointain routs.

[@qncsc]

wait how much is this ... ? i missed the graphics and such that do the comparisons between brands

[@TheDefenderSisu]

Picking mine 2019 next week in Sweden I hope it’s good will be driving it all over Europe for 2 weeks. I got the T6 inscription. With all the options except for the high end stereo, and it was cheaper than getting it of the lot. Volvo is paying for our airfare up and back and shipping the car back to the states.

[@dealzguyYT]

Excellent and congrats! Enjoy the trip and the car. My 2018 with 20K miles has been flawless except once in a while random screen rebnot

[@mistynoland1869]

Hector Camacho please let me know how the trip goes! When do you leave? I don’t know if many people know about the free trip to Sweden to pick up your Volvo if they don’t have the one you want! Have fun.

[@stevedoyel]

The lack of arm rests for the captain’s chairs is odd. My 2013 Explorer Sport doesn’t have them either. That said we are considering trading in the wife’s 2016 T6 Inscription for a 2020 6-seater. We also have a bit of regret going with the blond interior. Our next family car will definitely have black carpet and seats.

[@777Outrigger]

XC90 sales surged by 41% in Nov 2019. Volvo attributes this sales increase to the 2020 refresh. Total Volvo sales surged 18% for Nov in a stagnant US market.

[@SVXistance]

No mention of EV only range ??? I’ve read only 1 more mile or range vs 2019??

[@triggerhappyreviews]

I was very interested in this as a replacement for our Highlander Platinum. The lack of simple armrests in the second row is a horrible omission.

[@dealzguyYT]

I did the same, traded in a HL platinum for a fully loaded XC 90. Got a 11k discount for a $70K car . Has been flawless. But do yourself a favor and opt for the bench seat for 2nd row, you will thank yourself later

[@Alberts_Kviesis]

what is the model of your phone that lying in your pocket?

[@nickgiomuso5051]

18:41 How big is this car?!

[@dinosaurusdog9118]

Where is this manufactured now?

[@f1fan6735]

I'm a Honda guy. I'd gladly pass on a MDX (similar trim and price) for an XC90.

[@chemicalcorral]

Honda guy here... That's exactly what I did. Bought a 2016 XC90 T8 and love it. My only complaint is the lack of aftermarket support. The aftermarket support for Honda is awesome!

[@that1guy524]

Don’t do it, I got a 2019 with electrical problems that my wife is having. Also Volvo service sucks. Ever since China took over the company, it’s gone down hill. 😞

[@hunter9961]

​@@that1guy524What a biased dumbass, old Volvo never excelled at its reliability. If China hadn't taken over the company, it would have been long dead already, let alone the enormous money for Volvo to develop its current sole platform before 2010.

[@hr9592]

chemicalcorral has the xc90 been reliable?

[@Baseketballify]

I can speak from personal seat time and say, sure, some may prefer Audi, BMW, or MB in this class. But there's one thing those mfr's don't have that this one does: Mjölnir aka Thor's Hammer for headlights. They are IMMEDIATELY recognizable from far away. There's no other car on the market which has such stunning headlights. When the other manufacturers have some feature that ties in with Marvel or DC, let me know. For me, that's a big deal. Those lights are so cool and really bright, too. As it is said, the heart wants what it wants.

[@squeezy99]

Great video. I've watched many videos on the XC90 and I can't decide which one is right for me - a T8 or a T6 (B6 petrol in Europe). I drive long distances to and from UK/Italy and around France & Germany, as well as the usual short distance trips like shopping etc. Although I like the thought of a plug-in hybrid (as does my wife), I'm torn between that and the T6 - not just on price but what are the likely differences in fuel economy, especially with the T8 once the battery is depleted. Is there sufficient regenerative braking and battery recharging by the engine in the T8 to squeeze more mpg than with the T6? Quoted mpg for plug-in I feel are always misleading - quotes of 100mpg+ are common - this is surely fantasy in real-world driving.

[@lariosfregosoify]

T6 with airbag system if you plan on keeping it long term

[@Jimmy_Cavallo]

250 HP. That’s a big luxury drop to go down to from my 2003 Escalade with 345. I guess I’m still searching. My 1993 Acura Legend coupe before this had 230 HP

[@scotiajinker8392]

I’m in the uk & I’ve just got a 2020 XC90 B5 inscription, love the car but I do miss an arm rest on the front seats.i like the gear shifter but I find it counter intuitive, why do you push it forward to go to reverse? After all it’s just a switch, in my mind it should be forward for drive & back for reverse.

[@mavsguy842]

Missing 2nd-row arm rests is very disappointing in the 6-seater. The 6-seater XC90 is very high on my wife's list for a new vehicle next year, but that might be a deal-breaker, or sway us back to the 7-seater, where there's at least a folding center arm rest. I'd love to hear the justification behind that omission.

[@egoro8015]

Considered most options mentioned in the video, and still chose the XC90 T8. Main reason = HOV stickers in California. If it wasn't for that, then the V8 X5 would be the clear winner.

[@edysinsimon8646]

I do think this Volvo XC90 appears to be aging well. Still my fav XC model is the 60 series in the T6 version. BTW...Who decided "Americans" like the red turn signals anyway?

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Next generation xc90 is 2022. Just hybrid and all-electric. I do hope there is less "piano black" in the car. That's a trend in all cars and I think it'll date the cars in time.

[@MichaelFrancis222]

I would choose the MB GLS

[@ultratech6671]

I think the manual steering column is something to do with safety.

[@ryanmargolisracing]

UltraTech66, yeh I think your right and it’s also more accurate to adjust than a electrical one.

[@louislee4643]

UltraTech66 thfyf

[@1GQ_gent]

Is it really called the "Thor Hammer" led headlights??

[@MrMagnasco]

No armrests? lol Oh Volvo!! 😂

[@Thebusdriverandgamermorefan790]

I'm thinking of buy a used 2020 Volvo XC90.

[@General_Crock]

My experience suggests that Volvo and Saab have been more tightly damped than the Germans over the last 25 years or so, and I believe that to be the general consensus among journalists as well, measuring like for like.

[@dadadum7269]

Volvo boasts distinctive luxury!! Unlike any other luxury vehicle ;) if you ever get the chance to sit in one, you'll know what I'm talking about !!!!

[@cyrilmatthew2995]

How long they can push with this transverse mounted 4 cylinder engine ..atleast make this RWD

[@alliejr]

It's AWD with a better weight balance than every Audi. What is your real complaint?

[@MichaelAllen-td1uu]

Something you have not addressed is the Volvo dealer network. In my area the Volvo dealer has changed owners at least eight times in the last thirty years resulting in older outdated facilities. Also others brands Audi, Lexus consistently outperform Volvo in Consumer Report customer satisfaction surveys in regards overall customer satisfaction.

[@lihuizhou8922]

Totally agree, Volvo definitely need to improve their customer service, but I really love my XC90.

[@markthomas4483]

Great review. You misspelled ‘aging’ though.

[@adebayoabraham599]

Recently developed interest for the XC90 for the "feeel safe" drving experience (Heavy and firmness) with hope for a stress free not "problematic" drive experience. This I hope for while I work on paying up balance on deposit made on the 2008 XC90 🙏😅😏😆

[@nicholsonpoole833]

turn signals shouldn’t be red

[@austinhartman6541]

What the MPG?

[@waterdrinkingexpert6797]

Austin Hartman I think about 27 mpg for the T6

[@af7119]

it's vOlvo, not vahlvo. otherwise fantastic video!

[@klausnielsen7102]

To bad that the Excellence is discontinued! Now there is no out of this wold Volvo.

[@jerrycaughron7378]

Volvo Xc90

[@tarassu]

Yesterday somebody was blinking crazy with brake lights on the left lane, half hidden behind my a-pillar. After 5 blinks I was looking WTF are you doing. And I saw Virginia licence plate in Estonia, Europe. Then I got it. It's stupid turn indicator.

[@dchawk81]

If you can't tell a turn signal from a brake light, it's not that person who's stupid. Brake light = 3 lit (two on the sides, one in the middle) possibly steady or random. Turn signal = ONE blinking in a consistent pattern.

[@tarassu]

@@dchawk81 Yea... until you only see 20% of the vehicle due to... other vehicle or A-pillar as an obstacle.

[@dchawk81]

@@tarassu Literally never been so close to someone's ass where an A pillar prevents me from telling their brakes from turns.

[@princedarkness8029]

So there was an american volvo from virginia in estonia?

[@dealzguyYT]

Arnis - are you making this shit up?

[@justabrokeredneck]

Weird that volvo claims us Americans like red turn signals, then claimed we like amber ones with the release of the xc30

[@gene978]

Reliability is a Major deciding factor and CR still not a fan of Volvos for that reason.

[@RESISTAGE]

Shifting stick is embarrassing. Should've put dial instead.

[@reasonsformoving]

Manual adjusted wheel and manual 3rd row. Wow. Let’s just step back 10 years.

[@charliec2627]

This guy loves his BMW, I wonder if he gets paid by them. Or he is just bias to German cars! lol Even in the Land Rover review, he keeps mentioning BMW. "This is good but BMW is so much better....". I was looking for an unbiased review, this guy probably is not it. Although his review was not bad.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Credit where credit is due. The X5 is a great SUV. The Volvo is no slouch which is why it was our top luxury pick in 2016, 2017 and 2018

[@davidck1]

LED headlights I thought those are not legal in the USA

[@Pridyyy]

They are less bright than the ones on the european market

[@davidck1]

@@Pridyyy love the automatic led system on my European V90. Had a few individually controlled LEDs to light up the sides and keep card from getting blinded and it's very accurate and fast acting

[@ohc1492]

(07:19 - 08:23) I came for the Volvo and stayed for the way those jeans fit.. and then came again.. LOL.. Ok, ook... I'll show myself out.

[@crownr0yalonice]

Enrique Ortiz I think this every time .... like oof. Not enough appreciation for the fit of his jeans.

[@bikes7777]

No E in aging

[@jaywho476]

Can't you hear his lilting British accent?

[@venom5809]

Dan Quayle disagrees. 😂

[@hah6746]

I love previous front grill, this looks yuck

[@blueeyeswhitedragon9839]

FYI...Volvo is now owned by Geely, a Chinese company.

[@benbrady6325]

Yet they act independently

[@twig3288]

So no spare wheel then? I have a feeling the depreciation will be precipitous when the electrical side of the power plant becomes ballast.

[@filthyk50]

Shame only a 4 cylinder available

[@pawelzieminski6717]

Kurt Cunningham why?

[@weirdshibainu]

I agree. Seems like that engine is working very hard.

[@gangigooga7710]

weirdshibainu how Can a engine work hard? Isn’t that it’s purpose? The car doesn’t need more than a 4 cylinder.

[@weirdshibainu]

@@gangigooga7710 what a stupid remark. An engine is like anything else, if its overworked, itll fail faster than an engine that isn't. No. It's not its purpose to work hard. I guess all the engineers that put v6 and v8 engines in cars should listen to you about a car only needing a 4 cyl.

[@bird718]

besides the thor hammers i'm not a fan of the looks. that includes the interior

[@stevewise1656]

Still the best? Since when was it rated the best or close to the best? The engine unreliability issues knocked this car out of “the best” conversion right after it came out. I never see these on the road and live in a very wealthy metro region.

[@zamomix]

Depending on the wealthy area. Where I live, XC90 is the norm. What's the unreliability you talk about?

[@stevewise1656]

Oscar Zamora 1) Greater SEATTLE is only slightly behind the Bay Area and San Jose in average earned household incomes (we’re within the top three percent and so are most of our friends) 2) As for luxury cars mostly see Porsche, Mercedes, Audi, Tesla, Ferrari’s and Lambo’s commonly. Not one of these Volvo’s...do see the smaller Volvo’s 3) serious issues with the tiny 2.5 liter single turbo engine, not to mention the worst infotainment reliability of....last I looked...all car brands. Are they safe? Yes, though even Volvo’s didn’t receive the IIHS top safety pick plus awards this year. Lastly, I don’t care about the badges, though I was surprised at the title of this vid. When this car first came out we did know a few people who’d leased them, though they were always in the dealership, sometimes for weeks, waiting for new infotainment consoles to be swapped out or engine replacements. The interiors are beautiful and one of the best I’ve seen. Very simple, though classy lines and materials. I believe Volvo won an award back in 2015 for this interior.

[@zamomix]

@@stevewise1656 alright. 2.5T engines haven't been built for a while now. I've had 3 Volvos with the 3.2 engine, 1 with the 2.5T, and 2 with the 2 liter turbo. I have not had engine issues on the last 15 years. But, I'm not the universe, so can't say much. The super wealthy will look at the 80 plus K SUVs. XC90 is a 60ish range. I don't mind keeping the budget easy with the help of low insurance with the XC90.

[@edweagle]

I'd honestly get a decked out Palisade and save a tonne of money

[@thatoneguy5903]

Imagine buying a $44,000+ Hyundai lol

[@dchawk81]

Palisade and Telluride are being overhyped because they're shiny.

[@edweagle]

@@dchawk81 not sure what that means but ok

[@edweagle]

@@thatoneguy5903 paid 43k after discounts for my 2015 genesis sedan... if you never drove one you have nothing to say

[@thatoneguy5903]

Ed that’s wonderful that you bought a Genesis, and despite being owned by Hyundai, a Genesis and Hyundai are two different cars. I’ve ridden in a Genesis and it was a solid “Okay” for me. Would still prefer an S90 or a used E class.

[@Onthercks07]

Alex I think it's important to mention the abysmal reliability of many of the new volvos

[@crownr0yalonice]

Andrew Chae thats why we lease, not buy.

[@dallysinghson5569]

Ageing gracefully? At the time of this video being made it's a 5 year old freakin' model, it's hardly "aged".

[@Wasabi9111]

I really wanted to like the xc90 as I grew up w Volvo’s. But recently test drove T6 inscription w air suspension and the ride was very disappoint. It was bumpy and noisy with a lot of engine and road noise. It didn’t have the same luxury insulation of the Germans. Certainly wasn’t worth $70k+.

[@hafizde7]

If he was bald and has lot of yellow loving banana minions he is GRU 😊😂

[@TL-ph5wg]

He sure can talk. Does he require breathing ?

[@nvn2005]

I bet he a good rapper 🤔

[@essasalah8906]

يارب ترزقني نفسها

[@natecurrier]

Ageing? Really?! 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@zaven3584]

www.google.com/amp/s/dictionary.cambridge.org/us/amp/english/ageing

[@bwest-yq3uc]

Like them when they were Sweden owned .....

[@zamomix]

Because they're swedish built, still

[@maxdondada]

Wait no more Excellence!? Shame

[@denault3985]

I guess Kia liked this Volvo, they made a duplicate called the Telluride. The main difference is the lack of touch-sceens up front.

[@biz4twobiz463]

The T8 seems like a maintenance nightmare!! Turbocharged, supercharged, and hybrid... is WAY beyond what I think reliability goes. Sorry, this crossover is a pass...IMHO.