In this article:
Who is the Volvo XC90 a good car for?
What is the Volvo XC90 like to drive?
Tech features in the Volvo XC90
Similar cars to the Volvo XC90
Is the Volvo XC90 a good car?
The Volvo XC90 is Volvo's flagship SUV model and has been with us in some shape or form for the last 20 years. Released in 2002, the XC90 has enjoyed much success and is now in its second generation with a third-generation replacement set to drop the XC90 name in favour of something a little less stoic and clinical, if reports are to be believed.
Revered for its practicality and reliability, the Volvo XC90 is an excellent family car no matter what size your family is as the 7-seater arrangement will be able to cater for virtually all your needs.
Who is the Volvo XC90 a good car for?
As we've mentioned, families will appreciate the practicality and design of the Volvo XC90 but those that are looking for something a little different from the norm will appreciate the execution of the XC90. It exudes an air of class and elegance that is often lacking in some other brands. It manages to be both sporty and stately without being ostentatious. If safety is your primary concern, the Volvo XC90 is the perfect car for you.
Is the Volvo XC90 a good first car?
While the XC90 is easy to drive and offers a host of driver assistance systems, parking aids and safety systems, the sheer size of the XC90 makes it tougher to park and position on the road. It will take a while to become accustomed to the dimensions and extremities of the vehicle and as such, we do not recommend it as a first car. The Volvo XC40 is better suited for inexperienced drivers.
Is the Volvo XC90 a good family car?
The XC90 is an excellent family car. Aside from the numerous safety systems that help keep the occupants safe, including 6-airbags, pedestrian detection and autonomous braking, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alerts, the structural integrity of the XC90 creates a safe passenger compartment.
The flexible seating arrangement and voluminous boot space allow for nearly any arrangement of seating and storage. Storage ranges from 302-litres with all the seats upright to 680-, 1045-, and up to 1856-litres with all the seats folded flat.
Is there a Hybrid Volvo XC90?
Indeed there is. Volvo has discontinued its diesel offerings as they prepare to go full-electric in the future and offers the XC90 T8 Recharge PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) as a substitution. The latest version of the T8 has an improved battery pack to allow for a full-electric range of over 70 km.
Even the petrol derivative benefit from low-voltage electrification. These 48v mild-hybrids use electrification to help improve fuel consumption and employ an onboard charging system.
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What’s it like to drive?
Reviewer's opinion
"Keen observers will note that the former 'T6' badge has now made way for the 'B6' badge as a result of the new set-up, and out on the road, the powertrain impresses, with effortless performance and linear power delivery in keeping with the luxurious slant of the product. The press unit was fitted with air suspension, which endows the XC90 with a buttery smooth ride quality, which when combined with the high levels of refinement and minimal cabin intrusion, creates an automotive isolation tank." - Sean Nurse, AutoTrader
Read the full Volvo XC90 review
What does it look like?
Exterior
Interior
What is the Volvo XC90 like inside?
It's in the cabin where the class and elegance shine through. The interior design is executed with a typical Swedish fashion with minimalism and style. Free of clutter and unnecessary switchgear, the multi-tiered dashboard flows inwards towards a large, portrait-orientated infotainment screen that houses numerous controls. Fiddly and slightly confusing at first, the smartphone-like design soon becomes familiar and convenient to use.
Space is generous and the trimmings opulent and hard-wearing, with raised stitching and perforations breaking the minimalism and adding detail to the surfaces.
Style
The exterior of the XC90 is bold and muscular without relying on impractical creases and awkward bulges; it's the equivalent of a finely tailored suit, well-proportioned and elegant from every angle. The XC90 is as at home in the office parking lot as it is in front of the casino or hotel.
The narrow headlights feature the Thor's Hammer DRL element, making the XC90 immediately recognisable as a Volvo product and the tall rear taillights extend up high into the tailgate and curve around the lower section, hugging the hips of the two-box design.
Tech features
- Collision avoidance system
- Lane Keep Assist
- 360-degree camera
- Blind spot information system (BLIS)
- Cabin particulate filter
Price and specs
Which is the cheapest Volvo XC90?
Quality comes at a price and the XC90, being the flagship model in their lineup, will set you back a few Rands. The model range starts of from R1 305 000 for the B5 AWD Momentum and you can expect to pay R1 635 600 for the range-topping T8 Recharge in Inscription trim level.
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How much does it cost?
| Model | Price |
| Volvo XC90 B5 AWD Momentum | R1 305 000 |
| Volvo XC90 B5 AWD R-Design | R1 376 400 |
| Volvo XC90 B5 AWD Inscription | R1 376 900 |
| Volvo XC90 B6 AWD R-Design | R1 433 000 |
| Volvo XC90 B6 AWD Inscription | R1 433 500 |
| Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge AWD R-Design | R1 635 100 |
| Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge AWD Inscription | R 1635 600 |
*Pricing correct at time of publishing and subject to change without notice.
Competitors
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Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
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