2016 Volvo XC90
It’s been quite a while since we’ve had a really all-new Volvo to sample. And, for a while we were having doubts whether Volvo would ever get around to addressing their large but aging XC90 crossover. Well, not only have they gotten around to it, but they’ve turned it into a potential luxury-class hall of famer.
13-years have passed since Volvo made its mark in the burgeoning three-row luxury crossover segment with the first XC90. But, over all that time, newer rivals have seriously dampened the “nine-0’s” sales. So the all-new, 2016 XC90 has certainly got its work cut out for it.
That first 2002 XC90 proved to be the right vehicle at the right time. And, at least visually, this stylish second-gen 7-seater looks like it scores again.
It’s wagon-ish two-box shape is familiar enough to be easily pegged as a Volvo, but like your Aunt that took a mysteriously long vacation to South America and came back looking younger than ever, it’s clear there’s been a lot of work done here.
But we all know it’s what’s inside that counts; and impressively, the XC90’s interior has transformed from utility grade to flagship material. The layout is smooth, simple, and not muddled at all. Very few traditional buttons or knobs remain; but the few that do, are the right ones.
A tablet-like Sensus touch display dominates the center stack. It’s arranged more vertically than horizontally, like a Tesla S, and its use is very intuitive.
As in every Volvo we can remember, the front seats are a highlight; offering great levels of comfort and support. That’s also true for the sliding and reclining second row, and even the still adult capable third row. Plus, features like the built-in child booster seat are still far and above class typical.
And, even with Volvo’s latest change of ownership, the brand’s commitment to safety hasn’t wavered. The XC90 is packed with enough safety features to keep even worry warts at ease.
Indeed, our car’s automatic braking system worked perfectly in our crash barrier test. The available self-parking system also worked better than most.
As for its actual utility factor, the XC90 can carry plenty of goods.13.0 cubic feet worth behind the third row seats, 41.8 behind the second, and 85.7 behind the first. And, for ease of loading there’s a hands-free power liftgate.
All XC90s are equipped with advanced all-wheel-drive, 8-speed automatic transmission, but somewhat surprisingly, only 4-cylinder power. But, the 2.0-liter I4 in our T6 is both turbocharged and supercharged for 316-horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque.
And, you forget it’s a 4-cylinder after just a few minutes behind the wheel, as it provides effortless power. Even the automatic stop/start is seamless, and it can still tow 5,000 lbs.
Regardless, we still think an inline 4 may be a tough sell in this segment. Though the forthcoming plug-in hybrid T8, with the boosted 2.0 plus an electric motor for 400 total horsepower, will certainly be a Volvo differentiator.
The more time spent driving, it becomes clear that this vehicle is built for family vacations over long distances. It’s extremely quiet and solid. Rough roads and slick pavement do nothing to upset it.
There’s a very natural feel to the electric power steering, and through the cones we were mostly impressed with the XC90’s sporty firmness. The rear suspension features a Corvette-style transverse leaf spring to eliminate cargo-robbing coils and shocks. A full air suspension is also available.
As for acceleration… truly the little engine that could, this 4-banger picks up the XC90’s 46-hundred lbs. and delivers it to 60 in a swift 6.5-seconds. The ¼-mile is over in 14.9-seconds at 94 miles-per-hour.
Plus, T6 Government Fuel Economy Ratings are still 20-City, 25-Highway, and 22-Combined. We averaged a very good, for its nearly full-size demeanor, 26.0 miles-per-gallon of Premium. The Energy Impact Score is an average one at 15.0-barrels of annual oil consumption with CO2 emission of 6.6-tons.
Choices in this segment are indeed plentiful, but base pricing of just $49,825 means the XC90 T6 is highly competitive.
Lavish interiors, sporty attitudes, and sophisticated powertrains are just the price of entry into the high end crossover segment. So, how does the 2016 Volvo XC90 expect to get back on people’s short list? Well, by providing all of that and more, in the way that only Volvo can, with top notch safety, otherworldly comfort, and family extra-friendly features; all wrapped up in unmistakably Swedish style. We are very impressed!
Specifications
- Engine: 2.0 liter I4
- Horsepower: 316
- Torque: 295 lb-ft.
- 0-60 mph: 6.5 seconds
- 1/4 mile: 14.9 seconds @ 94 mph
- EPA: 20 mpg city/ 25 mpg highway
- Energy Impact: 15.0 barrels of oil/yr
- CO2 Emissions: 6.6 tons/yr
2025 Genesis GV80
Genesis Does It Again Only Better
The Genesis GV80 arrived on the scene for 2021 as the brand’s first utility vehicle, and it’s gotten a few subtle updates since, but none as comprehensive as what’s in store for 2025. So, let’s find out if the value proposition remains as high as its indulgence factor.
When Hyundai launched their new luxury sub-brand Genesis, few people questioned that it would be successful, as both Hyundai’s recent track record and their big R&D budget would both be key ingredients to ensuring it had staying power. But many people did question how long they’d be able to offer such a high level of extravagance for such a relatively low price compared to the traditional European luxury brands they were taking aim at, surely that would have to level out at some point.
Well, 2025 is not that time just yet, as this updated Genesis GV80 utility seems to deliver more boujee bang for your boutique bucks than ever. We’ll start by taking the wraps off the GV80’s recent facelift. Up front, the Crest grille gets a new twin-line motif to better match the 2-line headlamps which appear even slimmer looking thanks to the Micro Lens Array technology.
Bigger changes take place inside with a whole new dash design that incorporates the multimedia and driver information into one 27-inch-wide OLED display. Materials throughout the cabin get an upgrade too, and the center console has been revised with the upper control panel gaining volume and tuning knobs for the radio. They’ve even updated their crystal-like gear selector and other controls for more substantial feel and function, while also making the cupholders bigger and wireless phone charging easier to access.
Five-passenger capacity is the standard arrangement in four-cylinder GV80s, with a small two-place third row standard with the V6s, though our top Prestige trim does without the third row. As in most midsize utilities, that space is better used for cargo than passengers anyway; 36.5 cubic-ft. behind the second row, and 71.7 with seatbacks folded.
That base four-cylinder engine is a 300-horsepower 2.5-liter turbo; the upgrade is this 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 which delivers 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both have the same output as last year and both come equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive is now standard in all GV80s. Maximum towing capacity remains 6,000-lbs.
At our test track, this twin-turbo was pulling us off the line so smoothly, it was hard to believe we were hitting 60 in just 5.6 seconds. Power poured on steadily throughout the 13.9-second quarter-mile which we finished at 102 mph.
Through the handling course, body roll was very evident, just as we noted in our original GV80 test back in 2021; but even with the very soft suspension, overall balance is quite good, and all-wheel-drive grip is plentiful, as it could be hustled through the cones quite spiritedly without excessive understeer or even stability control intervention. Nothing but smooth in our panic braking test too, as stops averaged a quite short 103-feet from 60 with the expected amount of nosedive and even a decent amount of feel through the brake pedal.
And just to further stake their claim in the modern luxury utility landscape, arriving with this updated ’25 GV80 is a sleek coupe version with sloped-roof style and a unique 3.5-liter turbo engine with an electronically driven supercharger.
A final change of note for ’25 is an expanded trim structure, making for many more available choices, starting with the 2.5T Standard at $59,050; 3.5Ts are available in Advanced and Prestige trim only starting at $75,150.
Just because it costs significantly less than its European luxury brand rivals, don’t think for a minute you’ll be getting anything less with the 2025 Genesis GV80. For when it comes to delivering a lavish driving experience that won’t direct you to the poor house, it looks like Genesis is just getting started.
Specifications
As Tested
- Engine: 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Horsepower: 375
- Torque: 391 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph: 5.6 seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 13.9 seconds at 102 mph
- Braking, 60-0 (avg): 103 feet
- EPA: 16 City | 22 Highway | 19 Combined