2016 / 2017 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD Review and Road Test | DETAILED in 4K

My first drive was filled with excitement for the car and the brand but over time I began to ask myself: was it really that good? The answer is: it was better.
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[@malmstring]

You make the best car reviews on youtube. Period. Thanks!

[@vashbier7681]

Alex-great job as always with your reviews. Because of your work-my wife and I were able to make our purchasing decision that much more easier. We chose to purchase the new XC90 Inscription with the HUD, Wilkinson system and the vision package. We should have it by May-just in time for our first-born to enjoy. Thanks again for all you do!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Vashek Usov Congratulations!

[@ktpinnacle]

And what do you think?

[@elliottmanning4116]

"The artist formally known as the ML." Brilliant! How do you auto journalists deal with these luxury automakers changing their vehicles names like they're in the entertainment business?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Elliott Manning We get frequent headaches...

[@Maxwell1989]

+Alex on Autos Aloha Alex is the new xc90 quieter than a 2014 Nissan Rogue s AWD my mom has one it's a beautiful vehicle and she loves it but one day should like to upgrade to the new Volvo so what are your thoughts on the refinement and quietness can't wait for you to do a full review on the xc90 T8 hybrid version and see if it's quieter than the regular version I know it's going to be super fast 0 - 60 in 5.3 seconds

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Maxwell Adams Yes it is.

[@SSS-mp8th]

When you get a chance to test the F-Pace I'd like to see how it compares to this even though it's a 5 passenger CUV.

[@babaktaherian]

Dear Alex, Thanks for the best Car reviews. I had a suggestion and that is to measure the cabin noise at higher speeds. 70 or 80 miles per hour. Best...

[@py1211]

Hi Alex I always like your presentations, no background rock music no fancy exaggerated gestures, just pure facts and objective views. You must have done a lot of research. If I were a car maker I will gladly hand my new car for your evaluation.

[@kingsleyayden9217]

you all probably dont give a damn but does anyone know a method to log back into an Instagram account?? I somehow lost my password. I would love any tricks you can give me!

[@westonjosue8912]

@Kingsley Ayden Instablaster =)

[@pillieee]

I really like your reviews. You are like Autogefuhl, a german car review channel.

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Thanks, Alex. We're now seeing red rear turn signals in Canada. Personally, as a driver approaching a vehicle equipped with such turn signals I find them difficult to detect against a sea of red lights ahead of me. I consider the amber rear turn signals a definite safety improvements vs the red. Why would an owner care about something that's in the rear that they cannot see?? Marketing trumps safety in this case. Mind you, way too many folks here don't even bother with turn signals. Huge pet peeve of mine. 😕 Anyhow, this Volvo is a very nice vehicle. A head turner. Cheers

[@paulc6747]

+Mario Dalla Riva ~ Yes, I hate red turning signal too. Red is the same color as the tail light and the brake light. It is barely distinguishable from all other red lights unless you really pay close attention to the blinking red signal. The amber turning signal, on the other hand, will be nicely visible from a distance and there is no guessing what that amber is all about.

[@MarioDallaRiva]

+Paul C Bravo!!

[@RyanTai]

+Mario Dalla Riva Totally agree, in fact there have been multiple studies on the colour of turn signals and amber is safer as you would think. I really like the car and the red turn signals are the only disappointment.

[@A_guan]

I hate red signals also we need those fancy sequential turn signals found in Audis in Europe

[@kipamore]

Volvo and Buick, quietly being ignored as the best values in cars for decades.

[@qzx55]

Great review as usual. Can't wait for the next generation of the Volvo S60

[@shopwithaaron]

Car and Driver's SUV of the year....beautiful design! Great review as always Alex!

[@brucec43]

Unfortunately the $1800 air suspension requires purchasing another option package, making it quite a bit more expensive if you otherwise didn't want the other options

[@rykalpictures5133]

Volvo is the best! nice review dude .. pls more review about Volvo cars! i love it..

[@watershed44]

I don't agree with that claim about the red turn signal preference, perhaps the US domestic model buyer prefers it but the market that Volvo is aiming at likely does not.

[@RyanTai]

+watershed44 Yeah on the Volvo forums is pretty much unanimous red turn signals are bad. I don't buy people prefer them, honestly most people don't car and people that care prefer amber.

[@electrictroy2010]

OVER 150 HORSEPOWER PER LITER . WOW :-o My first car only did 45hp per liter. Dodge Challenger SRT392 is 80 per liter. This turbo/supercharged Volvo blows both away .

[@watershed44]

This is a really magnificent vehicle. If only SAAB could have been saved as we can only imagine what they could have come up with as competition.

[@rykalpictures5133]

Volvo is the best! nice review dude .. pls more review about Volvo cars! i love it..

[@gaffle-411]

Volvo's have been notorious for terrible re$ale value. Let's see if they've steered their ship in a new direction.

[@mrYaniii22]

DJ GaFFLe same as bmw and benz.

[@AmirFish]

Hey Alex- great review. What about the xc60?

[@NoviProleterijat]

A bit disappointed that u didnt mention anything about its safety

[@namduong7509]

That open pore wood is LIFE!11

[@shantanumathur1059]

Thanks Alex for your unbiased and detailed review . We are looking to buy our first Family Hauler and after review we are sold on the XC90. Our main considerations were Safety Safety Safety and this car checks all the boxes . Keep up the good of bring every these review .

[@petaujus3000]

your reviews are probably the most professional ones around, keep it up !

[@mucisibale]

tires noise = deal breaker. such a vehicle should be first and foremost refined and quiet.

[@MatrixDiscovery]

+mucisibale First world problems.

[@mucisibale]

+smasila More like 2016 $60k car problems. Alternatively, you could get a Lada.

[@kf6857]

+mucisibale Get 20" tires, problem solved.

[@mucisibale]

+Khaled Farhad I'm not sure about that. All the reviews I watched so far mentioned the tire noise. So maybe Volvo just skipped on the tire noise insulation to keep the weight down? Like BMW did with the current 3 Series, thinner glass, less sound deadening, etc.

[@kf6857]

+mucisibale This car is extremely well isolated, tire size has a very big impact on road noise. 90% of the reviews are with XC90s on 21"s. The momentum's are on 19/20". Of course, Air Suspension/regular lead spring can impact as well as type of road.

[@suzannelemen4414]

The car has been in the shop 16 times over the past 2 years. Worst purchase I have ever made 10,000 out of pocket in the last 2 years.

[@brucec43]

Note the lack of storage cubbies in front and the small console. Wallets, glasses, purses, etc will be all over the place. For such a large vehicle this is a mistake.

[@brianx2640]

Bruno TaTa I agree and only 1 usb. What size family are they targeting

[@SkillBoostingTips]

I really like your videos, especially going back when looking at used cars as this is. One thing I think you should hit a little more in the videos is reliability. Consumer Reports give this the worst possible score on reliability, problem is I am not sure why.

[@redbaron185]

Best SUV you can find today - Volvo XC90!

[@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.

[@johnbauernfeind9081]

i test drove xc 90 last week and found it to be a very poor drive....felt every imperfection on the road as well as a lot of road noise. also, the car felt like it was very light. cabin very nice

[@brucec43]

Exactly the opposite reported by dozens of professional reviews. Maybe you'd enjoy a nice Buick.

[@PatrickBonsi]

Maybe the one you test drive was equipped with optional 20/21" rims.

[@charles-bernardgagnon8244]

Hi Alex Cheers for your review. They are so much informative. I am living in Canada. Currently looking for a large SUV. I can made up my mind between the XC90, BMW X5 and Q7. I do not need a 3 row of seating. I have a strong interest for the Q7. Would you say that the XC90 is more comfortable than the Q7? Would you say that the 3.0liter Q7 will consume more gas in the city than the XC90 4 cylindre? I think the R design model are 6 cylinder in Canada. The X5 current model is 2-3 yrs old... Apparently BMW is bringing a complete new new model in 2019. I intend to lease for 3 yrs. Do you have any insight on the new x5 coming model? Should I wait for it? I am currently driving a 2014 VW Touareg diesel that I really like. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

[@2cm2cm]

Hi I like your review style and details. I watched almost all your reviews. I am wondering if you could give me your idea on 2015 Mustang Ecoboost and 2015 Mini Cooper Hardtop 2 Door. I like these two models because they are classic and fun to drive. What do you say about their cabin quality, cabin noise, reliability, ride quality? I just test drove both of them, I am not sure but felt like Mustang is quieter and less firm while mini got beautiful interior design. Please let me know, thank you~

[@sorob6253]

Alex, awesome review, I am planning to buy my first SUV and I am really leaning toward XC90 I would greatly appreciate if you could let me known about the reliability, maintenance and the resell value of XC90. My wife loves this car but she is saying Volvo is nowhere close to 2016 RX350 for its resell value and RELIABILITY. Reliability is what prevents us to go ahead and buy this car. We need your help . Thank you so much again

[@777Outrigger]

About MPG, what I'm reading on the Swedespeed forum is that DriveE engines start getting better MPG when they are broken in after a few thousand miles, or more. This is unlike the legacy 5-cyl engines that get the rated MPG immediately. Wards Automotive got 24 mpg on the T6 XC90, in what they described as heavy footed mixed driving.

[@MenaBradford92]

I test drove the 2018 xc90 a couple days ago. I walked away feeling that, without the air suspension package, the ride was pretty rough. I was really disappointed as I had heard so many great things about this vehicle. The air suspension must make a very significant difference...? Volvo has the best safety ratings and if you get the top of the line, it's sort of luxurious in a minimalist Swedish way; however, it isn't as fun to drive as the X5. Being 25 without kids, I'm prioritizing enjoyment. If I had a family, I'd go with the xc90.

[@amit128]

Hey Alex... Really appreciate the great review!! Getting ready to either purchase the xc90 or the 17' Audi q7. Have you been able to drive the new q7 yet? if so, what are your thoughts in comparison to the xc90. Thanks again!

[@marinoint]

Can't wait to see your review on a loaded all-new Lincoln MKX & Jagaur F-Pace. I think for people who don't need third row seats, the MKX is a terrific SUV for the money. The F-Pace S is my personal favorite SUV because of its look and performance.

[@prashantdeshmane905]

Alex , what I and many would really appreciate is a review on 2016 GL class and comparison of that car to Volvo xc 90 top range - do you think this is something you would be coming up with ? thanks for your great in depth reviews always enjoy these Prashant

[@grantjones2863]

more electronics=more stuff that can( and will) go wrong

[@chrissorreda4982]

Grant Jones You're a sad, old man :(

[@grantjones2863]

I'm actually 17. Today's cars cost so much because of the electronics.

[@Lucky8s]

+Grant Jones You're going to be the next Einstein.

[@grantjones2863]

WuWei Xu how? Why?

[@JonnyELO8329]

Great review!! Could you please do a review Volvo on Call and the app for android or apple. I am curious to see if the the app works at all. I have read mixed reviews. Keep up with the great videos!!

[@ratimidvolokin4931]

very beautiful and elegant; looks different than the other cheaper Volvos; unlike the MBs and BMWs which look the same; deserves to sell very well; hopefully has better reliability than anticipated; good luck to the new owners.

[@3201gonzales]

this suv is the best in the market! but if it was more reliable. usranking said this car have poor below reliability

[@gocepetrovski3933]

Thanks Alex for another great review! I was wondering what your thoughts are on the D5 version. I know it is not available in US, but looking at the specs, what do you think? Less Kw but more torque, some say this is better combination for car that is going to carry up to 7 passengers.

[@marcusjamesOG]

Hi Alex...great video. One minor issue. All the interior shots are too close in to get a feel of how the front interior looks. During the entire video I was hoping you would zoom out on the interior for a wider view. That said overall a very informative interview. Keep up the good work.

[@jesusuribe1660]

Alex, I enjoy watching your detail reviews and appreciate the time and effort you put into it. Great work! Can you please review the 2016 Ford Explorer limited?

[@ellusionist718]

Would you go with the T5 on the XC90? Test drove it the other day and seem to have plenty of power. Any concerns on the maintenance of the air ride system over time?

[@smad11]

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

[@Mcglocklingirls]

love the review details - and using your channel to make some better choices in purchasing my next family vehicle however you jump about in the editing cuts too much :(

[@HeadingForTomorrow]

Dear Alex, Have you ever had XC90 stop or apply brakes when it wasn't necessary?

[@theclutch19]

Where's the DVD player? No DVD player? Good luck selling this vehicle to families...

[@tespoonful]

Very thorough and in-depth review with excellent visuals. Very helpful comparisons to competing vehicles! Great job Alex as always

[@uos64]

Alex, I watch your reviews regardless of whether I am interested in the car or not. you're that good!! and the final word in car reviewing.

[@engrtun]

Alex, which car has most least cabin noise? and how many db it was?

[@oOJakkeOo]

If fuel economy isn't better than that, I'd rather just have a 3.0 V6 turbo. Makes a sweeter roar.

[@johnbauernfeind9081]

maybe that is problem with all these professional reviewers....they test so many cars they get confused.

[@MatrixDiscovery]

Good luck on maintaining that engine. Going to cost more than an arm and a leg.

[@ZeeZee89]

Only engine is what I don’t like 4 cylinders cmooon

[@zhaoguanyugary]

Definitely better than the X5

[@princea9615]

Alex I feel like the infotainment center is a little to confusing epically for my mom who's had to xc90s a 2006 and a 2013.. I'm trying to get her to get a BMW X5 or an Acura MDX

[@kf6857]

+Alim Felix She should try it, it's very easy to get a hang of it.

[@vitaliealexandru2838]

Hi Alex. I came across your channel when looking for a GX 460 in depth review. Yours was the most detailed, fair and comprehensive review on youtube. I'm interested in that particular segment for my next ride. Any plans on reviewing GM's large SUVs? In particular, the Yukon XL? Thanks.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Vitalie Alexandru Perhaps. I have an older review on one of GM's full-sized SUVs but nothing terribly recent.

[@vashbier7681]

Alex, thanks for another fantastic review. My wife and I are in the market for a luxury crossover and are torn between the new XC90 and the 2016 limited platinum toyota highlander. Which one would you buy? Thanks for your consideration.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Vashek Usov If reliability is more important than luxury or handling, I'd get the Toyota, otherwise the XC90.

[@rossgeller729]

Thanks for the detailed review, Alex. I'm debating between the XC90 and Infiniti QX60. Do you think the infiniti will be more reliable down the road? I used to own a 2003 XC90 which had so many problems and the experience makes me want to stay away from Volvo.

[@andrewloughlin347]

G Gong xc90

[@dennysk]

Alex I watch reviews on a daily basis. Could you please review the new 2016 accord? Right now I am on the fence with an MKZ hybrid and Q50 Hybrid. Thanks!

[@Chitwn81]

+denny keo Go with the MKZ hybrid....gorgeous car and drives like a dream...if you're a sporting type of guy then maybe the Infiniti would be your choice but that MKZ is a beautiful car and especially in the grayish blue or red.

[@mesutkayman]

I really enjoy watching your reviews. Thank you Alex, the best reviewer :)

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

FYI: OSD is still not yet available for the US spec XC90.

[@rykalpictures5133]

Volvo is the best n perfect i love it! .. nice review dude.. pls more review about Volvo cars!

[@louie8390]

An excellent review as always! Interesting to hear that steering-linked LED headlights are rare -- I didn't realize that. Surprising, then, that my brother's 2016 Mazda6 has them!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+louie8390 Mazda is quite unique in the mass-market segment for using steering headlamps. They have done this with their HID lamps in the Mazda6 and now with the LED lamps in the 6, CX-3 and a few others. It's a very nice touch for sure.

[@brianx2640]

50k and this car only has 1 usb charging port? Volvo!

[@MrVara411]

Fantastically detailed reviews! I can tell a lot of work goes into them. Thanks!

[@mountainhobo]

Low beams steer, but high beams do not. That's an unusual solution. You need steering headlights the most on mountain twisties, and that's when high beams are essential, not low beams.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+mountainhobo The beam pattern on the high beams is very broad so it wasn't really an issue.

[@theonlyboknoy]

Great review! How does the Haldex AWD system in the XC90 compare to the SH-AWD system in the MDX? Which is the better system?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+theonlyboknoy Better is a tricky word. The SH-AWD system is probably the better system since it can send power power to teh rear and can torque vector. However because the XC90 has a much better weight balance than the MDX and considerably wider tires, the Volvo handles better than the MDX.

[@bradh716]

That interior is very nice looking. I like an interior that is happy to see the driver again.

[@zkum16]

Alex you drive a lot of cars. But what have you chosen to own for yourself?

[@ThorMaxx]

He has a video on that. He has a jag, a Saab SUV and a jeep Cherokee.

[@mountainhobo]

I know they do not directly compete, but given the price difference, would you take this Volvo or top of the line Durango?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+mountainhobo I really like the way the RWD V8 durango drives so it is very tempting. If you like RWD dynamics or you need to tow, the Durango is the way to go.

[@zainag]

Awesome! This is a fantastic review Alex. I'm looking at the soft nappa leather seats and was worried about the wear. Did you notice any color transfer or excessive wear the week that you had this car? Did you have any technical glitches or issues that are common sometimes with first model year cars?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Rahul Verma I did not notice any wear or any issues while I had the XC90. That said, the softer the leather, the faster it will wear.

[@johnfurious8419]

Very NICE! Great review as usual. Really polished presentation

[@macmanirving]

Hi Alex, Thanks for all your hard work making these videos. Do these new XC90's still have the rear fog lights in the US?

[@PatrickBonsi]

Yes they do. I saw it on a show room version.

[@briankillheffer1155]

Alex, you mentioned that all future Volvos will share common "DNA" with the XC90. Do you expect to see smaller engines in other models going forward? And will the tablet based sensus infotainment interface trickle down through the rest of model range? Thanks.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Brian Killheffer Yes. All future Volvo models will be 3 or 4 cylinder and they should all get that tablet system

[@briankillheffer1155]

+Alex on Autos It will be interesting to see where the polestars go in the era of smaller engines and lower emissions.

[@coleyboysnr]

Hi Alex, great review video. I'm looking at the XC90 R-Design with Air Suspension and cannot decide on the stock R-Design 20 inch wheels or the 22 inch options. Trying to get a better understanding of the change in ride comfort/quality if I go for the 22's. Have you driven the XC90 with Air Suspension and 22's and if so, what are your thoughts/comments? Thanks.

[@PatrickBonsi]

I would go with the 20" rims because they will be cheaper to replace and less likelyhood of bending your rims if you hit a pot hole.

[@coleyboysnr]

Thx Patrick, appreciate the guidance.

[@Iwasshocked]

cars with turbochargers and superchargers have rarely been reliable.

[@2turbo4u]

Alex you are the best car reviewer out there, you leave no stone unturned.

[@MbaekweCabana]

I am in love with this car. OMG!

[@fatonshala221]

Sa litra vaj i hudhet motorit

[@brucec43]

Hey Alex, great review again. Would you say the steel spring suspension does not handle and ride as well as the air suspension?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Bruno TaTa Handling is slightly better, the ride is slightly worse

[@andras.89]

from 09:49 I can't click on "Click here for the infotainment review", is there a video especially about that out there? BTW, one of the best review of this beauty!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+András Balázs Thanks for letting me know! I fixed it and you can also click here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHSse6msnsiUrpI

[@andras.89]

+Alex on Autos Thank You very much!!! :) I am gonna check it right now! ps: congrats for the 100.000 subscriber! :) Well deserved.

[@maksn5751]

Alex, any info comparing this to say a Land Rover LR4 or the Discovery? both with 3rd rows.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Max N Land Rover has a different mission in mind, Iike the Volvo interior more but the LR will be more off road capable. Likely the Volvo will be more reliable but the difference is going to be small.

[@maksn5751]

How about from the interior volume and comfort? Gas mileage on the xc90 Is not great and really unsure of a twin charged 4 banger in a beast that big.

[@a128102]

Great review, I can't wait to test drive one after seeing your review!

[@michaeljobe3981]

Alex, Does the handling change that much without the air suspension? Also, is the B&W stereo that much better? Thanks for any info and keep up the great work.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Michael Jobe The handling is changed a little but personally I think the ride is changed more and for the better. The B&W sound system is nice but I suspect I would stick with the standard system.

[@michaeljobe3981]

+Alex on Autos Thanks. Hope to see your review of the Q7 soon. You'd think they would be anxious for you to have time with one. I plan to use the information heavily to make my upcoming purchase decision.

[@traceyberry583]

what is the slot for next to the Glove compartment Button ?

[@renold5033]

one of my favorite car in the market, worth what you pay for.

[@poirierr4]

At this price point, better tires should be expected.

[@Fadic4]

I can already tell the engine will be very reliable. Lol.

[@reasonsformoving]

Great review. What about predicted reliability?

[@merqury5]

that was amazing. I bet vilvi watched this!

[@chrisherman1191]

Great review. I sat through the whole thing. A+++

[@kingreef2160]

does it have ambient lightning around the cabin

[@MrLathor]

I'm surprised at the A+ ride. I found the ride on the inscription to be to harsh, sharp impacts were too intrusive for a car of that price. In fact, I found the ride on the Cayenne we test drove later to be similar, and that car also handled better. Maybe it's the fact that I'm used to the ride of my RX300, but I find the ride on modern cars to be too harsh in general.

[@bjbenny100]

One correction, Lexus GX460.

[@francob911]

Whats the MPG on the T8 Hybrid??

[@IAmAPhan]

Another thorough review, as always.