MotorWeek | Road Test: 2016 Volvo XC90

[@MarvFitBikesKicks]

Still best reviews in the game, everything you need to know in just under 6 minutes

[@BigDaddy_BHJ1977]

People wonder about a 4 cylinder super turbo charge powering such a heavy vehicle. Don't worry. the same thing was said about ford's eco boost v6 powering a full size pickup truck and SUV.

[@tonyyayo2115]

This is the nicest thing in the Volvo lineup. Recently picked up a Grand Cherokee Overland, and wish I took a look at this during the shopping process

[@matthewjackson549]

That's like comparing a dump truck to a limousine.

[@dezmitchell5329]

Matthew Jackson id call you a jerk but you are right. Volvo can’t be compared to anything less than Mercedes or Audi. It’s not the brand but the heft and attention to detail. The car had a confidence about it that is unbelievable

[@EDHBlvd]

Such an awesome car. Want one.

[@Maxwell1989]

I love the new Volvo xc90 proud to be Swedish

[@76carmel]

With the rededign of the XC90, we hope this foreshadows future Volvos like the XC60 and S60.

[@ANCD7_]

Gotta love Volvo

[@LordLauderdale]

Best review as always.

[@DBLA]

What was up with John's voice at the beginning? Was he sick?

[@herbivore7108]

Nah he wasn't sick, you can tell they did a voice track overlay with the video. Which is why his words don't match up exactly with his face.

[@dezmitchell5329]

I’m a guy and my gift after college was a Volvo S60 2.4t. All my friends wanted to take my car when we went out. Volvo was discreet money and class. It’s smoke a bummer without getting the cops attention. Seats and gas mileage were fantastic

[@ezrafigueroa5424]

love your reviews!

[@cub35guy]

You'd THINK the I4 would be an issue -- especially just the turbochaged T5 - (superchager only on T6 and above) I had a BMW335 - 2013 - That thing was CLOSE to an M. I have a T5 now - Drivers next to me are shocked when I take off from a stop light. Effortless power. I get to 50 nearly instantly (considering it's a huge SUV) - Like the Volvo - only a few electrical issues in the first year model I have. Volvo NA has been helpful. Dealer network -- sucks. They need to learn from Lexus if they truly want to play in that league at the dealership and service centers. NOT EVEN CLOSE. I've had a couple Lexus' before. They treat you right from the moment you step in the door. And service center - all of them are great.

[@dwight122324]

Got to wonder how long does a small turbo engine last when theres a big demand of it, still prefer an old i6, or v8, with natural aspiration

[@Foxie635]

Most doctors I knew 10 years ago loved Volvo. Now, anyone can enjoy it since it's not boring like a car a boring doc. would drive. lol

[@dmoney668]

Best looking SUV's out

[@vindesh17]

Anyone know the name of the song from 4:30 onwards?

[@paulprescod1980]

Would have been nice for them to be clear that this is a review of the T6 and not the hybrid.

[@2002altima]

Very nice

[@seinsmeld13]

Nice helmet Ben.

[@jdm1152]

I really tried my best to like the volvo, X5, GL and the lexus was a little bigger than what i needed. The Q7 was perfect. Definitely a tough choice out there in the 65-70K plus range. Poor us right?

[@susand1177]

Q7 is an exquisitely made car, the looks have grown on me too, and the interior is just sublime. Enjoy!

[@RCtennis3811]

The track you all use is looking in rough shape these days.

[@deloreanman14]

+RCBR You're not the only one who noticed. I'm guessing its days being used for actual drag racing are probably over.

[@herbivore7108]

Some simple maintenance would go a long way, it's not professional in the current state.

[@donleamon8653]

+RCBR Same track that they have always used. Seems to get the job done...

[@chadsingleton7632]

Lmao!!! cmon motorweek seriously

[@TimJoseph08031990]

This thing can tow 5,000 lbs. with a turbo-charger and super-charger 4 cylinder engine, but the Honda Pilot could only tow 4,500 lbs. with it's V6 engine, regardless of it's VCM system.

[@R777-RLM]

+Tim Joseph Honda probably wants their Pilot to have good longevity to its engine life.

[@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.

[@777Outrigger]

Sorry that you got the XC90 model with the bum GM 4-speed tranny. I bought, and still own, a 2006 2.5T AWD XC90, and it's been spectacular. I haven't had a repair in the last 4 years. The GM 4-speed was only for model years 2003-2004-2005. Volvo extended the warranty to 100,000 miles for these transmissions, and pro-rated the costs above 100,000 miles up to 120,000 miles, I think??? Yes, the new XC90 has had some teething problems, like most all-new models have, but XC90 owner reviews on automotive websites have been very positive.

[@johnpinho]

I've had 3 transmission replacements with brand new transmissions in the vehicle. This would be #4. Volvo supposedly re-engineered the last transmission but it only lasted a little over 50,000 miles (like the 2 prior). So I know the car is 12 years old but the newest transmission isn't 12 years old. My buyer beware is that Volvo has not fixed its defective product and its dealers from my experience in the USA get very little support to do the right thing from headquarters. Sweden's response was whatever the USA customer service said. The vehicle design was outstanding but without a functioning transmission it's useless. Thank you for commenting. I hope the new Volvo's are better but Buyer beware it might be a good idea to wait and see if you can before purchasing one.

[@777Outrigger]

I understand your upset. I'd be upset too if the same had happened to me. Volvo bought this GM transmission for the old XC90 because, at the time, it was the only transmission that would fit in the engine bay, transversely mounted, with a 6-cyl engine. The smaller 2.5T 5-cyl engine on my 2006 XC90 could fit with a regular 5-speed Aisin transmission in the engine bay. Volvo now only has Aisin transmissions, which are excellent transmissions. Aisin is owned by Toyota, and all Toyotas and Lexus's have the same transmissions as Volvo. The Aisin 8-speed on the new XC90 has been around now for a couple of years on Volvos and Toyotas, and is proving to be a great transmission. And you can't go wrong with a Volvo-made engine, and a Toyota transmission. :-)

[@johnpinho]

Thank you for the information. I'm actually looking into purchasing a Toyota Highlander because top safety and reliability. Do you think Volvo should put a new engine and transmission (Aisin=Toyota trans) after the 3rd transmission failure at 50K? The Volvo is still sitting in my garage waiting for Volvo to do the right thing... replace their defective transmission. When you buy an expensive car, you should expect to get quality and a company that stands behind their product. Volvo does neither well.

[@777Outrigger]

My mother owned a 2002 Lexus RX 300, and she was not happy with either it's reliability or how the dealership treated her. My daughter owned a 2002 Volvo V70 at the same time, and my daughter's V70 was more reliable. My daughter drove the V70 to 185,000 miles, and only had suspension work and front end work, really nothing else significant. (It had an Aisin 5-speed, by the way) You never know what you're gonna get sometimes. :-) And Volvo knows they have a dealership problem, and they're working on improving their dealership experience, and customer service.

[@billwilmington8284]

Looks like the X5's cousin.

[@EDHBlvd]

Yes, it's sexy Swedish cousin.

[@sjohnson7879]

Looks nothing like a BMW. Looks better

[@soiceyboy33]

This would be a strong candidate for my next car but I'm hesitant because of the 4 cylinder.....turbo charged or not, seems way too small. they should have at least left a v6 on the table

[@kf6857]

It's both supercharged and turbocharged, the best way to find out if it's the car for you is to test drive :)

[@soiceyboy33]

+Khaled Farhad I know, but I'm concerned about long term reliability. A naturally aspirated V6 option would have been nice

[@foxtrot685]

+soiceyboy33 Well you should cross Volvo off your list. This engine will become the basis of all its future engines. Its entire car lineup will be boosted 4 cylinders. Sorry...

[@jlcii]

+soiceyboy33 I totally agree with you, I don't trust a vehicle with all that crap on such a small engine. And they want that in ALL their cars? Oh no, just no... next!

[@kf6857]

+Jo Co What crap is that? Supercharger and Turbo? They have been around for a long time...as I mentioned in another comment, there has been no mechanical issues with the car, there are around 25,000 delivered out of over 70,000 pre-orders. The only thing one should worry about is how much they'll like the car, it is a really good package.

[@JuanRodriguez-ki7md]

wow

[@grantellis3046]

Sad they didn’t offer the I-5 turbo for a little more power in a heavy vehicle

[@jacobg.witmer]

My Ford Freestyle was based off the XC90!

[@R777-RLM]

I'm disappointed in Motorweek for picking this SUV as their car of new car of the year. Is their no consideration of reliability and longevity anymore. I'm referring to the engine, a 2.0L Turbo + supercharged 4 cylinder to pull 2 tons and tow. If this thing goes 100,000 miles I'd be surprised. PEOPLE wake up and demand the return of appropriate sized engines, this should have at least 6 cylinders.

[@williammacdonald4615]

ron mortensen So would you rather it be a Mercedes or a Land Rover? Luxury cars aren't built to last anymore.

[@R777-RLM]

William Macdonald, I agree with you. My point is how Motorweek praised this SUV, with no concern over this 4000+ pound SUV, being pulled by a turbo/supercharged 2.0L I4, nor mourning the loss of the great I5 and the I6, which would have been an appropriate sized engine for a SUV this large. Now the only power upgrade for Volvo's, are how much air they can force into this one engine. I thought Volvo was better than this. But then some of that blame goes to the EPA, and CAFE requirements.

[@kolyan1980]

ron mortensen noob MB Sprinter has 2.1 4cyl. Engine with 160hp and weights 5k ..

[@nathannnathan85]

I have mine still and it's still going great!! it's been very reliable.

[@nathannnathan85]

I still have mine in 2023 and it still drives like it's new. best car I've ever had. only regular maintenance..

[@susand1177]

Just too underpowered for me, and consequently way too expensive. Rather have Audi or Rangey for the price.

[@Maxwell1989]

Susan D less expensive then Audi or a Range Rover and can go 0 to 60 in 5 seconds flat with the T8 hybrid model

[@seinsmeld13]

If this is made in China $49,000 is $15,000 too much.

[@tvanb]

+david dykeman wtf it is not made in china...

[@alexsaab8089]

+Torrey B unfortunately it is Gothenburg stopped making the xc90 in 2014 I believe. Some Volvos are still produced in Sweden

[@kf6857]

+Alex Paradis The new XC90 is made in Gothenburg, Sweden. Generation 1 discontinued in 2014 and is actually still produced in China for the domestic market, it's renamed as the XC Classic. My brother works at the factory in Gothenburg, he makes the seats for the new XC90.

[@alexsaab8089]

+Khaled Farhad ok my mistake I though this was the case but I went against my gut and looked on the internet and trusted it stupidly. Thats pretty cool I always wanted to vist that factory and the Saab factory

[@kf6857]

+Alex Paradis Hope you get the chance to visit the factory in Gothenburg. They have a blue train which will take you around the whole factory area :)

[@DuRIzCestDoux]

Why was there an XC60 in the beginning?