2013 Volvo XC90: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2013 Volvo XC90 gets a major late-cycle refresh led by a fully color-matched exterior that replaces the older two-tone look. It also gains standard LED exterior lighting, rain-sensing wipers, and headlight washers across the lineup.
About the 2013 Volvo XC90
1st generation (2003-2014 US), major late-cycle refresh year; second-to-last US model year before the all-new 2016 XC90.
Volvo positioned the 2013 XC90 as its flagship family SUV: a safety-first, seven-seat luxury crossover with a calm cabin, flexible cargo space, and a more thoughtful feel than overtly sporty rivals. The core appeal is straightforward: comfortable seating, a built-in child booster seat, strong crash-safety credentials, available AWD, and a premium Scandinavian look. Even in 2013, Volvo sold the XC90 more on family usefulness, security, and smart design than on power or cutting-edge tech.
For 2013, Volvo positioned the XC90 as a family-focused, seven-passenger SUV, with leather seating, a moonroof, and a built-in child booster seat on the core 3.2 trim. Premier Plus adds richer leather and wood trim, while Platinum focuses on navigation, a rear camera, and upgraded audio. R-Design versions pair sport-themed details with firmer suspension and steering.
What changed, by category
2013 Volvo XC90 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, 3.2 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.2 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.2 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.2 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.2 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.2 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd Geartronic | Automatic, 6-Spd Geartronic | Automatic, 6-Spd Geartronic | Automatic, 6-Spd Geartronic | Automatic, 6-Spd Geartronic | Automatic, 6-Spd Geartronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 240 hp | 240 hp | 240 hp | 240 hp | 240 hp | 240 hp |
| Torque | 236 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 85.1 cu-ft | 85.1 cu-ft | 85.1 cu-ft | 85.1 cu-ft | 85.1 cu-ft | 85.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 30.1 in | 30.1 in | 30.1 in | 30.1 in | 30.1 in | 30.1 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2013 Volvo XC90 compared with the 2012 model?
The 2013 Volvo XC90 receives a major late-cycle refresh. Its exterior is fully color-matched, LED daytime running lights and LED taillights become standard, and every trim gains rain-sensing wipers and headlight washers. Wheel and cabin-trim updates vary by version.
Did the 2013 Volvo XC90 get a new engine?
No, the 2013 XC90 keeps the previous 3.2-liter inline-six engine and six-speed automatic transmission. The year's important updates center on styling, lighting, convenience equipment, and trim packaging rather than the powertrain.
Which trim levels joined the 2013 Volvo XC90 lineup?
Four trim levels joined the 2013 XC90 lineup: 3.2 Platinum, 3.2 Premier Plus, 3.2 R-Design Platinum, and 3.2 R-Design Premier Plus. They build on the regular and sport-themed versions with different combinations of cabin upgrades, convenience equipment, navigation, a rear camera, and premium audio.
Is the 2013 Volvo XC90 a full redesign?
No, the 2013 XC90 is a major refresh of the first-generation model, not a full redesign. The underlying vehicle and powertrain carry over, while the exterior, lighting, equipment, wheels, and cabin details are updated.
What is different about the 2013 XC90 R-Design?
The 2013 XC90 R-Design has firmer suspension and steering, sport front seats, a special steering wheel, blue-face gauges, a unique grille, and dual tailpipes. For 2013, it also receives the color-matched exterior, new 19-inch Ixion wheels, revised upholstery and trim, standard LED lighting, rain-sensing wipers, and headlight washers.