The 2016 redesign brought a much nicer vehicle. The XC90 SUV's best qualities include its flexible and comfortable interior, seven-passenger seating capacity, and long list of safety features. Base models use a 250-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo, offered with front- or all-wheel drive. Our tested 316-hp, turbocharged and supercharged version delivered decent punch and returned 20 mpg overall. but had a raspy sound. A plug-in hybrid with an electric range of about 14 miles is available. All versions use an eight-speed automatic. Handling is commendable, but the ride is stiff, though the optional air suspension makes it more comfortable. The interior is quiet, plush, and modern, with super comfortable seats. But audio, phone, and navigation functions are controlled through an unintuitive touch-screen infotainment system. Volvo's Pilot Assist offers a suite of advanced driver assistance features. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert -- two important safety features -- were made standard for 2018. A surround-view camera and front park assist were also available.
Changes for 2020 included a new 12.3-inch display in the instrument panel showing information such as navigation directions, telephone and road signs. Also, the battery size for the plug-in hybrid increased to 11.6 kWh.