2022 Volvo XC90: A Trim Comparison

Volvo is known for luxury, and the XC90 certainly delivers—all without being overly flashy. This mid-size SUV (the largest Volvo currently offers) is also fairly eco-friendly. It’s made so that 85% of its parts are recyclable and up to 95% of the vehicle is recoverable. It offers three trims levels. Each trim level also comes with a couple of engine and powertrain configurations. We’ll look at all of them to help you decide what’s right for you.

Momentum

The 2022 Volvo XC90 Momentum is the basic XC90 trim. Of course, since it is Volvo we’re talking about, even the basic trim is going to cost a fair amount. It comes loaded with a solid array of features, though. First off, however, drivers will choose a seating configuration: either 6 seats or 7 seats, starting at $49,900. The XC90 has 2 seats in the first and third rows. A second-row bench seat is the typical 7-seat configuration. The 6-seat style features second-row captain’s chairs and is more expensive.

Then we move on to engine options. The XC90 Momentum has  T5 or T6 options paired with specific drivetrains. It’s worth noting that the T5 is not available for the 6-seat XC90. This accounts for the main price difference between it and the 7-seat configuration. You’re really paying for a more capable engine, not for better seats.

So how do the Volvo XC90 T5 vs T6 engines differ? The T5 engine is a 2.0-liter I-4 capable of 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The combined EPA fuel economy rating is 25 mpg. That’s not bad for a vehicle this size. The T5 has two powertrain options: front-wheel-drive for and all-wheel-drive.

The T6 engine comes with an extra boost of power in the form of a turbo supercharged 4-cylinder engine. It produces 316 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T6 engine only comes with an all-wheel-drive powertrain. Because of this, the combined fuel economy drops to 22 mpg.

When it comes to standard features, the XC90 Momentum features 19-inch six-spoke turbine silver alloy wheels and dual integrated tailpipes. The rearview mirror caps are color-coordinated to the body of the vehicle. The interior features leatherette upholstery, a high-performance audio system, and iron ore inlays throughout the cabin.

Volvo is known for its safety features and it doesn’t disappoint with the base trim. Among the features offered are blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist. These features are designed to help keep you alert on the road but they aren’t a substitute for it. Features like Forward collision warning, road sign detection, pedestrian detection and rear parking sensors will also assist you in this manner. Other driver assistance features include adaptive cruise control and adaptive headlights.

The T6 version of the Momentum costs an additional $4,900. It features a 3.16-horsepower engine and leather upholstery. You’ll also have the option for features like heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a 14-speaker stereo, and a heads-up display among many other things.

Inscription Expression

The Inscription Expression starts at $63,800. This model includes all of the standard equipment with the T6 but is paired exclusively with the 400-horsepower T8 plug-in-hybrid powertrain. All options are carried over.

Inscription

The 2022 Volvo XC90 Inscription is a mid-level luxury-focused trim. The T6 runs at $63,600 while the T8 starts at $70,100.

Unlike the two previous trim levels, there are only two engine/powertrain configurations. Drivers can choose between the T6 AWD or the T8 eAWD Recharge Plug-In Hybrid. There is no front-wheel-drive powertrain option for the XC90 Inscription trim.

Confusingly, there are also “Inscription Expression” trim options that seem to split the difference between the luxury of the Inscription trim and the sporty-inspiration of the R-Design trim.

The Inscription trim adds ventilated front seats with extra thigh support, a 14-speaker stereo, and ambient interior lighting. Additonally, you’ll get 20-inch wheels and sunshades.

Available features include wool upholstery, 19-speaker stereo, massaging front seats, and hands-free parking assist.

R-Design

The 2022 Volvo XC90 R-Design is all about incremental performance increases with a sportier look to go with them.

The only engine option is the T8 eAWD Recharge Plug-In Hybrid. With the battery fully charged, drivers can opt to coast around town for up to 18 miles on electric-only energy and no emissions. Once the battery is depleted, the gasoline engine takes over to provide 27 mpg of combined fuel economy. There is also a driving option where the electric and gas engines can work in tandem—something more akin to battery-electric hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius.

One immediately noticeable difference on the XC90 R-Design is the black rearview mirror caps. No other trim has these black mirror caps. The wheels on the XC90 R-Design are also an upgrade from the XC90 Momentum. Here, they are 20-inches and a 5-spoke black diamond-cut alloy wheel. The interior also receives an upgrade. The inlays are a metal mesh design, the premium sound system is Harman Kardon-branded, and the seats feature suede upholstery The seats also incorporate sport seat padding.

Most options from the trims above are carried over here. Get this trim starting at $69,500.

(Featured image via Facebook)