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2020 Volvo S90: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2020 Volvo S90 is the arrival of the sport-themed R-Design trim. This is a trim-focused update rather than a redesign, with a reshaped lineup and more standard equipment.
About the 2020 Volvo S90
2nd generation S90 (2017-2021), fourth year and final model year before the 2021 styling refresh.
Volvo positions the S90 as its flagship sedan: a roomy, safety-focused luxury four-door with clean Scandinavian design instead of flashy styling. The big draw is calm long-distance comfort, especially in the back seat, paired with standard driver-assistance tech and a minimalist cabin centered around a portrait touchscreen. Compared with German rivals, the S90 leans more toward elegance, seat comfort, and understated luxury than aggressive handling or complicated gadget overload.
The 2020 S90 lineup ranges from the well-equipped T6 Momentum to comfort-focused Inscription models and the new, sharper-looking R-Design. T6 versions have a 316-horsepower engine and AWD, while T8 models pair AWD with a 400-horsepower plug-in hybrid system and about 21 miles of electric-only range. Depending on trim, highlights include a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adaptive cruise control with steering assistance, ventilated Nappa leather seats, and a lowered sport suspension.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The T5 Momentum and T8 Momentum leave the lineup. Gas-powered S90 models now use the 316-horsepower T6 system, while the 400-horsepower T8 plug-in hybrid continues in Inscription and the new R-Design.
Styling
New T6 R-Design and T8 R-Design trims add black exterior accents, integrated tailpipes, a charcoal-themed cabin, steering-wheel paddle shifters, and a lowered sport suspension. Leather upholstery also becomes standard across the remaining lineup.
Safety
Rear cross-traffic alert becomes standard equipment.
2020 Volvo S90 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Drive-E, Turbo, Supercharged, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drive-E, Turbo, Supercharged, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drive-E, Turbo, Supercharged, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drive-E, Turbo, Supercharged, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drive-E, Turbo, Supercharged, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd Geartronic | Automatic, 8-Spd Geartronic | Automatic, 8-Spd Geartronic | Automatic, 8-Spd Geartronic | Automatic, 8-Spd Geartronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | ||
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | ||
| Horsepower | 316 hp | 316 hp | 400 hp | 316 hp | 400 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.4 cu-ft | 15.4 cu-ft | 15.4 cu-ft | 15.4 cu-ft | 15.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 40.4 in | 40.4 in | 40.4 in | 40.4 in | 40.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 21 | 21 | |||
| MPGe Combined | 60 | 60 | |||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Park Assist | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| 360 Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Head-Up Display | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| 4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Massage Front Seat | |||||
| Memory Front Seats | |||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
| Ventilated Rear Seats | |||||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2020 Volvo S90?
The biggest change is the new R-Design trim, offered with both the T6 gas powertrain and T8 plug-in hybrid system. It gives the S90 a sportier look and adds details such as a lowered sport suspension, paddle shifters, and black exterior accents.
Is the 2020 Volvo S90 a redesigned model?
No, the 2020 Volvo S90 is not a redesign. It is the fourth year of the second-generation S90, with changes focused on trims and standard equipment.
Did Volvo discontinue the T5 S90 for 2020?
Yes, Volvo dropped the T5 Momentum for 2020. The gas-powered lineup starts with the more powerful T6 Momentum, which has 316 horsepower and AWD.
Which 2020 Volvo S90 trims are plug-in hybrids?
The 2020 S90 T8 Inscription and T8 R-Design are plug-in hybrids. Both have a 400-horsepower AWD system and about 21 miles of electric-only driving range.
What equipment became standard on the 2020 Volvo S90?
Leather upholstery and rear cross-traffic alert became standard on the 2020 S90. The latter warns the driver about vehicles approaching from the side while backing up.
2020 Volvo S90 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Volvo S90.
4.4
2020 Volvo S90
(35 reviews)
“The Volvo s90 is a superior vehicle for the money, compared to Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz. It is a stylish, safe and comfortable vehicle to drive, and provides the creature comforts and safety needs I look for in a new car!”
“20 inch wheels and Volvo bureaucracy ruin what could have been a great ownership experience. Insist on the 18 inch wheels and don't expect Volvo to resolve any issues quickly or conveniently.”