more about this model The 2018 Volvo XC90 may have the most beautiful interior available in any SUV. It's all Scandinavian textures and minimalist elegance. You know, matte wood, brushed metals, tailored upholstery and not too much of anything. In a world of excess, it's a restrained environment. It's practically a sanctuary. It's even, dare we say, tasteful.
But there's also every conceivable luxury aboard. Turn up the volume on the optional 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system and the whole car seems to quiver with music. Computers monitor practically everything, and the seats are more comfortable than anything in your house.
Volvo has taken the big leap and committed to powering all its vehicles with four-cylinder engines going forward. The standard XC90 powerplant is a 2.0-liter member of Volvo's new Drive-E turbocharged engine family. The T5 version is rated at 250 horsepower. Higher-trim XC90s get a version of the 2.0-liter Drive-E with a supercharger and a turbocharger that is rated at 316 hp. And if that's not enough, Volvo is also offering a plug-in hybrid version that supplements the twin-charged four with an electric motor for a total of 400 hp.
An eight-speed automatic transmission makes use of the power no matter how it's generated and feeds either the front wheels or all four of them depending on the trim level. And there are numerous XC90 trim levels, ranging from the T5 Momentum to the T8 Excellence.
Volvo's tradition of leading-edge safety continues with this second-generation XC90. There's a forward collision detection system that, combined with automatic braking, should prevent some disasters. The seat cushions are energy-absorbing, the seat belts are self-tightening, and new for 2018 is a lane departure system integrated with automatic steering to keep the XC90 on the road at all times. There's also a semiautonomous driving mode that lets the XC90 pilot itself at up to 80 mph.
Despite the XC90's strong points, you'll find many other solid choices out there. No market segment is more crowded or more competitive than that of luxury crossovers. Make sense of it all by starting with Edmunds.
2018 Volvo XC90 Overview
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Volvo XC90 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 XC90 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Volvo XC90 and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 XC90 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 XC90.
Vehicle
T6 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A)
Review
Traded in a '13 Ford Escape Titanium for a '18 XC90 Momentum with the Momentum Plus and Convenience Packages. Very happy with purchase after 2,200 miles and 8 weeks. Wrestled with decision - final competitor was the Q-7. Volvo won my business based upon the features offered, safety rating, outstanding active bending LED high beam headlights and PRICE! Q-7 was/is a fantastic vehicle - but feature for feature the Q-7 is just more expensive and I couldn't justify the additional cost of $3,000 to $5,000. On top of this good pricing we got an additional $3,000 Conquest Award due to owning a Mercedes Benz! I liked that the Volvo has a spare tire in it vs. run flats on the Q-7. The park assist on the Volvo (parallel & perpendicular) is something that Audi didn't offer. Huge sunroof in the Volvo came in the Momentum but was an upcharge in the Q-7. Styling (inside and out) of the XC90 is very striking (in a positive way). Decent base sound system. Seats - very comfortable ... and I like the seating position as well ... good visibility. 2nd row seating is generous and comfortable with plenty of room for big feet. The 3rd row is handy - certainly not something for full-size adults for anything longer than a local trip - but reasonably comfortable for smaller adults and the younger generation. Good overall cargo capacity. Comes with roof rack too. The trailer hitch is cleverly concealed to give the rear of the vehicle a nice finished look. We have the 21" wheels with Pirelli tires - and while the ride is no doubt a little stiffer - I don't find it objectionable - I like the looks of the larger wheel. The 4 cylinder definitely has 6 cylinder performance - and inside the vehicle it also sounds like a 6 to me - not sure if Volvo has intervened to make the engine sound more robust when inside the cabin. Outside it sounds like a 4. My wife was able to lock her key in the car - something that shouldn't be able to occur. You'll need to devote some time to read the manual to learn all features of the electronics and safely features - but it's well worth the time spent. Needs more USB ports. Could use a sunglass holder in the overhead area. Only time will tell regarding quality. Overall both my wife and I are pleased with the XC90. I never thought I'd consider a Volvo - but trying to be objective I drove 8 to 10 different mid-sized SUV's including the XC90 - and I was impressed. MPG has been slowly improving.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2018 Volvo XC90
Edmunds Value
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Available Volvo XC90 2018 Submodel Types: SUV, Hybrid
Available Trims: T6 Momentum, 3.2, T6 Inscription, 2.5T, T6, T5 Momentum, V8, T6 R-Design, 3.2 Special Edition, T8 Inscription Twin Engine Plug-In Hybrid, 3.2 R-Design, T8 Momentum Twin Engine Plug-In Hybrid, T5 R-Design, T8 R-Design Twin Engine Plug-In Hybrid, V8 Sport, T6 First Edition, T8 Excellence Twin Engine Plug-In Hybrid
Exterior Colors: Onyx Black Metallic, Crystal White Metallic, Osmium Grey Metallic, Ice White, Pine Grey Metallic, Bright Silver Metallic, Silver Metallic, Luminous Sand Metallic, Savile Grey Metallic, Magic Blue Metallic, Black, Denim Blue Metallic, Black Stone, Electric Silver Metallic, Titanium Gray Metallic, Black Sapphire Metallic, Ember Black Metallic, Oyster Grey Metallic, Twilight Bronze Metallic, Willow Green Metallic, Caspian Blue Metallic, Ruby Red Metallic, Bursting Blue Metallic, Maple Brown Metallic, Passion Red, Shadow Blue Metallic, Ash Gold Metallic, Crystal Green Metallic, Premium Electric Silver Metallic, Caper Green Metallic, Flamenco Red Metallic, Crystal White Pearl, Cypress Green Metallic, Lunar Gold Metallic, Nautic Blue Metallic, Seville Grey Metallic
Interior Colors: Charcoal leather, Charcoal premium leather, Amber leather, Soft Beige leather, Blond leather, Amber premium leather, Off Black leather, Amber/Charcoal premium leather, Blond/Charcoal leather, Off-Black leather, Blond premium leather, Amber/Charcoal leather, Blond/Charcoal premium leather, Maroon Brown premium leather, Charcoal premium leather/sueded microfiber, Off-Black premium leather, Soft Beige premium leather, Amber (Momentum) premium leather, Graphite, Blond (Momentum) premium leather, Charcoal leatherette, Sandstone leather, Taupe/Light Taupe, Beige premium leather, Calcite leather, Graphite leather, R-Design Off Black leather, Sovereign High Chestnut Brown leather, Taupe cloth, Charcoal (Momentum) premium leather, Chestnut premium leather
Popular Features: Alarm, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Auto Climate Control, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Power Driver Seat, Power Liftgate/Trunk, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Trip Computer, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Tire Pressure Warning, Aux Audio Inputs, Sunroof/Moonroof, 5000lb Towing Capacity, Leather Seats, Parking sensors, Third-row seating, USB Inputs, AWD/4WD, Bluetooth, Automatic Emergency Braking, Post-collision safety system, Heated seats, Navigation, Back-up camera, Keyless Entry/Start, Lane Departure Warning, Upgraded Headlights, Mobile Internet, Electronic Folding Mirrors, Blind Spot Monitoring, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Adaptive Cruise Control, Remote Start, Cooled Seats, 3500lb Towing Capacity, Heads up display, Upgraded Stereo, 360-degree camera, Rear Entertainment System, 2nd Row Bucket Seats, Pre-collision safety system, Towing Hitch
Engine/Mechanics: 6, 5, 4, 8 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC
Fuel Types: premium unleaded (required), regular unleaded, premium unleaded (recommended)
Drivetrains: all wheel drive, front wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
