Volvo XC90 2022 Review

The 2022 Volvo XC90 is the largest and most expensive model in the automaker's lineup. We looked at this three-row SUV in a new light after substantial improvements for the 2020 model year. The plug-in hybrid version, in particular, changed from a hard pass to a must-have seemingly overnight. With top-notch interior materials, a pleasant ride and intriguing selection of powertrains, the Volvo XC90 should make the to-consider list of anyone looking at a midsize three-row luxury SUV.

There will be some rival models on that list, of course. You'll want to check out the Acura MDX and Infiniti QX60. Both are family-friendly SUVs — just like the XC90 — and add some new features and style as part of their full 2022 redesigns. The Audi Q7 and Lincoln Aviator are great choices too. But overall the XC90 holds its own and should easily satisfy shoppers seeking a roomy and classy luxury SUV.

Which XC90 does MatoCar recommend?

The 2022 Volvo XC90 is a three-row midsize luxury SUV. It comes with one of three available powertrains that Volvo calls the T5, T6 or Recharge. These powertrains can then be matched to one of three trim levels that influence how many features the XC90 comes with. The trim levels are Momentum (called Inscription Expression for the Recharge powertrain), R-Design and Inscription.

The XC90 comes with one of three available engines:

• The T5 has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (250 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque).
• The T6 upgrades to a turbocharged and supercharged version of that engine (316 hp, 295 lb-ft of torque).
• The Recharge uses the same engine as the T6 but adds an electric motor and battery pack (combined 400 hp, 472 lb-ft). This is a plug-in hybrid powertrain that lets you drive about 18 miles on all-electric power before it switches to regular gasoline power.

All XC90s come with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 comes standard with front-wheel drive and offers optional all-wheel drive. All other XC90s come standard with all-wheel drive.

Seating for seven is standard, though the T6 and Recharge powertrains in Momentum/Inscription Expression or Inscription trims can have a six-seat configuration with second-row captain's chairs.

Momentum (called Inscription Expression for the XC90 Recharge) This base trim level comes with:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Adaptive LED headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
• Panoramic sunroof
• Hands-free liftgate
• Digital instrument panel
• Four-zone automatic climate control
• Driver's seat memory settings
• Heated front seats (all-wheel drive only)
• Faux leather upholstery (T5) or leather upholstery (T6 and Recharge)
• 9-inch touchscreen
• Navigation system
• 10-speaker audio system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
• Wireless charging pad

Advanced driving aids and safety features include:

• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Volvo and the car in front)
• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
• Rear cross-traffic alert (warns if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse)
• Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)

There are several packages and stand-alone options available for the Momentum/Inscription Expression trim level. They include:

• Advanced package
• Ambient interior lighting
• 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the XC90 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
• Climate package
• Heated front seats (front-wheel drive only)
• Heated rear seats (AWD only)
• Heated steering wheel
• Air ionizer (helps further filter and clean air in the cabin)
• 20- or 21-inch wheels
• Leather upholstery
• 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
• Integrated booster cushions for outboard rear seats

R-Design (Recharge only) The R-Design is positioned as the sporty XC90. Available only with the Recharge powertrain, the R-Design adds:

• 20-inch wheels
• Black exterior trim
• Illuminated doorsills
• Ambient interior lighting
• Front sport seats with thigh-cushion extension and heating
• Passenger-seat memory settings
• Leather upholstery
• Rear sunshades
• 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system

Unless already included, the optional features listed above for the Momentum trim are available for the R-Design, except the 21-inch wheels. Additional options include:

• 22-inch wheels with performance tires
• Air suspension (adapts to provide greater ride comfort or sportier handling)
• Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with no driver intervention)
• 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system

Inscription (T6 and Recharge only) The Inscription offers more luxury features, building off the Momentum with these additions:

• 20-inch wheels
• Chrome exterior trim
• Illuminated doorsills
• Ambient interior lighting
• Heated and ventilated front seats with thigh-cushion extension and side-bolster adjustment
• Passenger-seat memory settings
• Upgraded leather upholstery
• Rear sunshades
• 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system

Unless already included, all features on the Momentum/Inscription Expression trim are available for the Inscription. Additional options include:

• Lounge package
• Massaging front seats
• Simulated suede headliner
• 21-inch wheels
• Air suspension
• Automated parking system
• 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system
• Wool blend upholstery (removes front seat ventilation)