Although we’ve just seen a small update, this mid-size luxury crossover, it looks like the current generation won’t remain in production for too long. The latest reports suggest that the next generation will hit the market in 2021, as the 2022 model, which clearly indicates that the 2021 Volvo XC90 will be the last model year of the current generation. Therefore, we don’t expect to see any particular changes. We count on a familiar design and features.
The current generation of this crossover has been around for about six years. Given the age, we can talk about some drawbacks as well, which particularly refer to the ride quality and general reliability. On the other side, the current model looks pretty fresh, especially on the inside, where you can find loads of tech goodies, hi-end materials and plenty of space. Also, there is a pretty wide range of powertrain options in the offer.
The 2021 Volvo XC90 is expected to hit the market sometime in the last quarter of the year.
2021 Volvo XC90 Redesign
In terms of base design characteristics, the recent update has brought a couple of interesting novelties, particularly at the front end. There you can see a new grille design, with new bars and shapes, while a few other areas have been revised as well. On the other side, the overall shape has remained the same. Also, we haven’t seen any particular change in terms of mechanics, so the 2021 Volvo XC90 will continue to ride on a familiar SPA platform. This platform has a couple of advantages compared to some rivals, and that particularly refers to motorization, as this architecture supports all kinds of electrified powertrain options, which is the reason why the next generation will also ride on it.
Interior
The interior design has always been a strong point of this model and the 2021 Volvo XC90 definitely won’t be an exception. First of all, the overall quality is pretty good. The dashboard looks very attractive, despite the age, and utilizes pretty impressive materials. We also like the number of tech features that are standard or optional, while a great thing to know is that even the base trim comes with synthetic leather upholstery.
When it comes to the interior space, this is a typical three-row crossover. The first couple of rows is pretty generous in terms of legroom and accommodates adult passengers with ease. On the other side, the third row is typically tight for this class of vehicles, so it’s best to be left for kids.
This model features a very practical cabin, especially when it comes to the cargo volume. You may count on 15.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet behind the second, while the overall volume goes all-away up to 85.7 cubic feet. Those are the highest ratings in the class.
2021 Volvo XC90 Powertrain
When it comes to powertrain options, you may count on three familiar choices. Base versions will carry on with a familiar 2.0-liter turbo-four engine that delivers around 250 horsepower. The more upscale T6 option features the same turbo-four engine but also gets help from a supercharger, for a total output of 316 horsepower.
Finally, T8 is the most powerful version of this crossover you can get. It comes in a plug-in hybrid configuration, which uses the same turbo/supercharged engine and gets help from an electric motor, for a total output of 400 horsepower. This system includes a 9.2-kWh battery pack, which ensures an all-electric range of 18 miles.
All engine options come with the same 8-speed automatic transmission. In higher trims, you can opt for paddle shifters as well.
2021 Volvo XC90 Release Date and Price
Considering that there are no bigger changes to come for the next year, we presume the 2021 Volvo XC90 will hit the market sometime late in the year. When it comes to the price, the current model goes around 48.500 dollars and we don’t expect that things will drastically change in the next year.
Next Generation Arrives in 2021
The next generation of this crossover will arrive in 2021, as the 2022 model and it is about to bring some pretty interesting novelties. As we already mentioned, we count on an updated generation of the current platform, which will be codenamed SPA2. The focus will be on the electrification, so the new XC90 will be available both in hybrid and all-electric versions. Also, the new architecture should provide significant weight savings and make this crossover one of the lightest models in the class.
Another important novelty that is expected to come with this redesign is level 4 autonomous driving system. This means the new XC90 will be able to complete a trip without any human intervention. Still, keep in mind that this system will work only on mapped roads, mostly highways.
