2016 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD R-Design – Review and Road Test – The Diesel Driver – The Joy of Diesel Driving

Clear and accessible controls are the hallmark of the XC90

The R-Design sport seats provide excellent support on long drives and the front and second rows are roomy, with ample leg and elbow room. The third row is somewhat tight, as one might expect, and should be reserved for children or pets.

The XC90’s cargo capacity is vast and almost unparalleled in its segment. With all three rows of seats up, it offers 15.8 cubic feet (447 liters) behind the third row. With the second and third rows folded down, capacity expands to 85.7 cubic feet (2,427 liters). Access to the tailgate via the handsfree feature makes it easy to open with a small kicking gesture, as if you were hitting a virtual pedal under the rear bumper.

While Volvo’s acceleration figures for the XC90 are fast, we were a tad underwhelmed by actual performance. That’s not to say the XC90 is slow but it certainly didn’t feel fast. The stop-start feature, however, was responsive and worked well.

In our week with the XC90, we found that the 4-corner air suspension gave the vehicle poise and delivered an overall smooth ride, although the occasional pothole was felt more than one should expect in a luxury SUV. However, that could be attributed to the massive 22” (yes, 22”) wheels the car is fitted with, and I’d reserve judgment until I have time to drive an XC90 with more pothole-friendly dubs.

BOTTOM LINE

Since the XC90 only stayed in our short-term fleet for a little over a week, I didn’t have the opportunity to do what every prospective Volvo owner should experience: factory delivery, which Volvo calls Overseas Delivery and entails a trip to Gothenburg, Sweden, to pick up the car. However, I did fall in love with it and I’m tempted to book my plane tickets now.

THE DETAILS

	2016 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD R-Design
Base price/price-as-tested	$49,800/$67,156
Drivetrain	Front engine, all-wheel drive
Engine	2.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged four
Horsepower/Torque	316 / 295
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Curb weight (lbs)	4,394
Wheelbase (inches)	117.5
Length x width x height (inches)	194.8 x 84.3 x 69.9
0-60 mph (seconds)	6.6
Fuel economy (mpg)	20/25

(Photos: Accura Media Group)

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