2016 Volvo XC90: Award-Winning SUV With Best-In-Class Safety

The 2016 Volvo XC90 emerged as a standout in the fiercely competitive large SUV segment, securing the prestigious Large SUV of the Year award from Auto Express in 2016. This second-generation model built on Volvo’s legacy of safety and refinement, introducing a fresh design language that blended Scandinavian minimalism with cutting-edge technology. It outperformed notable contenders like the Audi Q7 and Kia Sorento, praised for its versatile powertrains, expansive cabin, and family-friendly features.

Revolutionary Design and Build Quality

The XC90’s exterior showcased bold, upright proportions with crisp lines and the iconic Thor’s Hammer LED headlights, giving it an imposing yet elegant stance. Its high-strength steel boron structure enhanced crash protection while keeping weight in check for better handling. Inside, the cabin exuded premium quality with soft-touch materials, a clean dashboard layout, and a massive 9-inch vertical touchscreen dominating the center console.

Available in trims like Momentum, Inscription, and R-Design, even base models felt upscale. The Momentum trim, starting around £46,850 in the UK, included leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced climate control. Higher trims added ventilated seats, premium audio systems, and bespoke detailing, making it a true luxury contender against German rivals.

Powertrain Options: Efficiency Meets Performance

Volvo’s Drive-E family of 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines powered the XC90, delivering surprising vigor from compact units. Key variants included:

• D5 Diesel: 231bhp with 49.6mpg economy and 149g/km CO2, ideal for long-haul efficiency.
• T5 Petrol: Turbocharged 250hp front- or all-wheel-drive options, EPA-rated at 22 city/26 highway mpg.
• T6 Petrol: Supercharged and turbocharged 316hp with 295 lb-ft torque, hitting 0-60mph in 6.4 seconds.
• T8 Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid: 400hp combined output from petrol engine plus 80hp electric motor, offering 25 miles electric range and superior acceleration at 5.9 seconds to 60mph.

All paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and Haldex all-wheel drive (standard on most models), enabling up to 5,000-pound towing capacity. The T8’s rear electric motor enhanced traction and efficiency, posting remarkable low CO2 figures.

This lineup balanced daily usability with spirited performance, appealing to diverse drivers.

Interior Versatility and Comfort

Designed for families, the XC90 offered genuine seven-seat capacity with all rows accommodating adults comfortably. Second-row seats slid and reclined independently, while third-row chairs folded flat into the floor, yielding up to 1,102 liters of cargo space. Boot volume expanded further with seats removed, rivaling minivans in practicality.

High-quality Nappa leather, wood inlays, and ambient lighting created a serene environment. The air suspension (optional on higher trims) smoothed out road imperfections, ensuring a composed ride. Noise insulation was exemplary, making highway cruises whisper-quiet.

Safety Innovations That Set New Standards

Volvo’s safety heritage shone brightest, with the 2016 XC90 boasting the industry’s most advanced suite. Standard features included:

• City Safety with automatic emergency braking for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
• Run-off-road mitigation using steering to keep the vehicle on the road.
• Large Animal Detection to avoid wildlife collisions.
• Adaptive cruise control with Pilot Assist semi-autonomous steering.
• 360-degree cameras and blind-spot monitoring.

These technologies earned top crash-test ratings and contributed to awards like U.S. News & World Report’s #1 Luxury Midsize SUV. Volvo claimed it offered the most comprehensive standard safety package ever.

Driving Dynamics and Everyday Usability

Despite its size, the XC90 handled nimbly thanks to a sophisticated chassis, optional air suspension, and precise steering. It excelled in corners with minimal body roll, while the AWD system provided confident grip in wet or snowy conditions. Fuel efficiency impressed for a large SUV, especially the diesel and hybrid variants.

Tech integration via the Sensus system was intuitive, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. The Bowers & Wilkins audio option delivered concert-hall sound.

Awards and Market Reception

The XC90’s excellence was affirmed by multiple accolades: Auto Express Large SUV of the Year 2016, Autocar Game-Changer Award, and top rankings from Consumer Reports and Kelley Blue Book. Reviewers lauded its style, comfort, and innovation, with Car and Driver noting its unique Swedish opulence.

Pricing started competitively, with a T6 Inscription tested at $65,955, offering strong value against BMW X5 or Mercedes GLE.

Long-Term Ownership Considerations

Reliability was solid, though early models had minor infotainment glitches fixed via updates. Maintenance costs aligned with luxury peers, and resale values held firm due to desirability. Warranty covered 4 years/50,000 miles, with hybrid battery guarantees extending further.

Comparison with Key Rivals

The XC90 distinguished itself from peers:

It offered superior safety and efficiency without sacrificing luxury.

FAQs

What engines were available in the 2016 Volvo XC90?

Diesel D5 (231bhp), T5 (250hp), T6 (316hp), and T8 hybrid (400hp combined).

Is the third row usable for adults?

Yes, all seven seats are full-size, with good legroom and access.

How safe is the 2016 XC90?

Exceptionally, with innovative systems like Run-off-road Protection and top crash scores.

What’s the towing capacity?

Up to 5,000 pounds across variants.

Any common issues?

Early infotainment bugs, resolved with software updates.