Volvo builds some of the most sophisticated and refined vehicles on the roads these days. The brand focuses on the interior comfort and safety of passengers but equips its models with efficient and powerful powertrains as well. The SUVs are also in the brand’s focus and recently redesigned XC60 and all-new XC40 get attention from the buyers who don’t need the third-row seating and large cargo capacity. The mid-size Volvo XC-90 can seat up to seven and provides up to 66 cubic feet of cargo space.
The second-generation XC90 arrived for the 2016 model year and was the first in the range to adopt the brand’s Scalable Product Architecture as well as the newest styling langue. The 2020 XC-90 sports slightly refresh styling and offers more standard features. The T8 plug-in hybrid benefits also form the increased electric range.
As for the 2021 Volvo XC90, the model should represent the last model year of the second-generation version and the 2022 model should be all-new. So, the 2021 XC-90 should remain almost identical as the 2020 model and Volvo should just mix with the equipment availability.
The third-generation XC-90 should, on the other hand, switch to the upgraded SPA platform and rely on the electrified powertrain only with the all-electric version available. The styling changes will likely be evolutionary but the redesigned XC90 should introduce level 4 autonomous driving technology allowing transportation from point A point B without the human intervention. That will, however, be possible on some roadways.
2021 Volvo XC90: Design
The current generation Volvo XC-90 gets attention with the sleek body sculpting and signature styling elements. The Thor’s Hummer headlights make every Volvo instantly recognizable and the same is with the unique vertical taillights which stretch from the mid-tailgate zone over the rear pillar until the roof-mounted spoiler. The sleek grille with the large Volvo emblem in the middle is also the part of the model’s identity.
As for the styling changes, the 2021 Volvo XC-90 will stay identical as the lightly refreshed 2020 version. Volvo will likely offer a new package with a unique manicure and new color options. The third-generation is also expected to come with the evolutionary straying changes while should be based on the upgraded SPA 2 architecture with weight saving benefits and improved electrification capability.
Interior, Equipment:
The cabin of the mid-size Volvo XC-90 combines simplicity and elegance with premium materials and supportive seats. The model delivers also the class-competitive cargo capacity with up to 66 cubic feet of space. Every XC-90 will also come with a large center touchscreen display and up-to-date infotainment features. In the top grades, the model will get a digitalized 12.3-inch instrument cluster.
The part of every version will also be keyless entry and ignition, a power liftgate, power front seats, four-zone automatic climate control, parking sensors, etc. The standard safety equipment will also include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, etc.
The upper grades will add more premium features such as leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, a massaging function, heating steering wheel, larger wheels, unique trim accents, etc.
2021 Volvo XC90: Powertrains
The 2021 Volvo XC90 should continue to rely on the same powertrain options as the current version while the all-new 2022 model should exclude the combustion engine-only options and employ some form of the electrification in all versions with the battery-powered version included.
The T5 version will combine a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and 8-speed automatic transmission with either front- or all-wheel drive. This version will deliver 250 hp and torque of 258 pound-feet with the fuel economy around 24 mpg combined.
The T6 will boost the performance with the turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter engine to 316 hp and torque of 295 pound-feet. The all-wheel-drive will be standard on this version with the fuel economy around 22 mpg combined.
The T8 eAWD plug-in hybrid will use the same superaged and turbocharged engine as the T6 but combined with the 87-hp electric motor for the total output of 400 hp and 472 pound-feet. The T8 will provide 58 mpg which includes the potential of the electric and gas propulsion. The all-electric range will be around 18 miles.
2021 Volvo XC90: Release, Price
The 2021 Volvo XC90 will go on the market in the late phase of the 2020 calendar year. The price range should again start around $48, 000. The new-generation XC-90 should appear in 2021 as the 2022 model.