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2018 Volvo XC90: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2018 Volvo XC90 is that Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a broader set of driver-assistance features became standard. It was an equipment-upgrade year rather than a redesign, though T8 plug-in hybrids also gained a larger battery and longer electric range.
About the 2018 Volvo XC90
2nd gen (2016-2020 pre-refresh), third model year
The XC90 is Volvo’s flagship three-row luxury SUV, aimed at buyers who want family space and premium comfort without the aggressive feel of many German rivals. Volvo sells it on calm Scandinavian design, strong safety technology, a clean and airy cabin, and efficient four-cylinder powertrains that still deliver useful performance. Its biggest differentiators are its understated style, safety-first reputation, and an interior that feels more relaxed and less flashy than most competitors.
Momentum serves as the well-equipped core model, R-Design adds a sportier look and cabin, and Inscription emphasizes leather, wood trim, and comfort. The 400-hp T8 models combine plug-in hybrid power with AWD, while the four-seat T8 Excellence is a luxury-focused model with massaging seats, rear tray tables, and a beverage cooler.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
T8 plug-in hybrid models gained a larger battery, raising EPA-rated electric range from 14 to 19 miles. The T8 Momentum trim also joined the lineup.
Safety
Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and park assist moved from optional to standard on most trims. Automatic high beams also became standard on T5 Momentum and T6 Momentum.
Tech
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard across the XC90 lineup.
2018 Volvo XC90 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Drive-E, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drive-E, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drive-E, Turbo, Supercharged, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drive-E, Turbo, Supercharged, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drive-E, Hybrid, Turbo, Supercharged, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drive-E, Hybrid, Turbo, Supercharged, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drive-E, Hybrid, Turbo, Supercharged, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drive-E, Turbo, Supercharged, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drive-E, Hybrid, Turbo, Supercharged, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd Geartronic | Automatic, 8-Spd Geartronic | Automatic, 8-Spd Geartronic | Automatic, 8-Spd Geartronic | Automatic, 8-Spd Geartronic | Automatic, 8-Spd Geartronic | Automatic, 8-Spd Geartronic | Automatic, 8-Spd Geartronic | Automatic, 8-Spd Geartronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid | Plug-In Hybrid | Plug-In Hybrid | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 20 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 27 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 250 hp | 250 hp | 316 hp | 316 hp | 316 hp | ||||
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 4000 lb | 4000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 85.7 cu-ft | 85.7 cu-ft | 85.7 cu-ft | 85.7 cu-ft | 85.7 cu-ft | 85.7 cu-ft | 85.7 cu-ft | 85.7 cu-ft | 85.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37 in | 37 in | 31.9 in | 31.9 in | 31.9 in | 31.9 in | 37 in | 31.9 in | 31.9 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 7 | |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 | |||||
| MPGe Combined | 62 | 62 | 62 | 62 | |||||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||||
| Integrated Child Seat | |||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||||
| 360 Camera | |||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||||||
| Roof Rails | |||||||||
| Head-Up Display | |||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||||
| 4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | |||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | |||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||||
| Massage Front Seat | |||||||||
| Massage Rear Seat | |||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||||||
| Refrigerator/Cooler | |||||||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||||
| Ventilated Rear Seats | |||||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest difference between the 2018 and 2017 Volvo XC90?
The biggest difference is the 2018 XC90’s expanded standard equipment. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more driver-assistance features became standard, while T8 plug-in hybrids received a larger battery and longer electric range.
Does the 2018 Volvo XC90 have standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard across the 2018 Volvo XC90 lineup.
How far can the 2018 Volvo XC90 T8 travel on electricity?
The 2018 XC90 T8 has an EPA-rated electric range of 19 miles. That is up from 14 miles for 2017, thanks to a larger battery pack.
Was the XC90 T8 Momentum new for 2018?
Yes. The T8 Momentum joined the XC90 lineup for 2018 as the straightforward plug-in hybrid trim, pairing a 400-hp powertrain and AWD with the Momentum equipment theme.
Was the 2018 Volvo XC90 redesigned?
No. The 2018 XC90 continued the second-generation design introduced for 2016, with no major exterior, chassis, or platform changes.
2018 Volvo XC90 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Volvo XC90.
4.2
2018 Volvo XC90
(576 reviews)
“This is a fantastic vehicle. Very classy without being over the top. Lots of luxury and safety”
“Go for it, buy the VOlvo! Safe, fun, luxurious vehicle to make new family adventures.”