“Comfortable, sporty for its size, smooth transmission with plenty of pick up and passing power. Interior is laid out well with lots of versatility in seating. Plenty of room for family and travel. Solid vehicle that gives confidence when driving in snow/unfavorable conditions.”
2020 Volvo XC90: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2020 Volvo XC90 is a mid-cycle refresh that brings updated front-end styling plus revised brakes and suspension for a smoother ride. It is a light update rather than a full redesign.
About the 2020 Volvo XC90
2nd generation (2016-2021), mid-cycle refresh year
The XC90 is Volvo’s three-row flagship SUV: a family-sized luxury vehicle built around safety, calm design, and everyday comfort rather than flashy excess. Volvo markets it as a roomy seven-seat SUV with a clean Scandinavian cabin, advanced driver-assistance tech, and available plug-in-hybrid power. Its biggest draws versus rivals are seat comfort, a simple upscale interior, strong standard safety features, and the choice between conventional gas power and a plug-in hybrid without giving up family space.
The 2020 XC90 ranges from the understated, family-focused Momentum to the sport-themed R-Design and comfort-focused Inscription. T5 models use a 250-hp turbo engine, T6 versions pair a 316-hp engine with AWD, and the 400-hp T8 plug-in hybrid has AWD and an 18-mile electric range. Signature features include Pilot Assist with adaptive cruise control, a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and ventilated premium-leather seats on Inscription trims.
What changed, by category
Styling
Volvo revised the grille and bumper details while keeping the XC90's basic shape. On the T6 Momentum, alloy wheels changed from standard equipment to optional.
Structural
Revised brakes and suspension aim to make the ride smoother and more comfortable. T6 Momentum, T6 Inscription, T8 Momentum, and T8 Inscription gained six-seat cabin layouts.
Powertrain
T8 plug-in-hybrid models received updated electrification hardware, energy-recovery braking, and a larger battery with a modest electric-range increase.
Trim lineup
The T8 Excellence trim was dropped for 2020.
2020 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, 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 |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid | Plug-In Hybrid | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | |||
| MPG Highway | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 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 |
| Max Towing | 4000 lb | 4000 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 |
| Rear Legroom | 37 in | 37 in | 37 in | 37 in | 31.9 in | 31.9 in | 37 in | 31.9 in |
| Seats | 5 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 18 | 18 | 18 | |||||
| MPGe Combined | 55 | 55 | 55 | |||||
| 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 | ||||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||||
| Head-Up Display | ||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||||
| 4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||
| Massage Front Seat | ||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Volvo XC90 a full redesign?
No. The 2020 Volvo XC90 is a mid-cycle update of the second-generation model introduced for 2016. Its main revisions are refreshed front-end details and changes to the brakes and suspension.
What changed on the 2020 Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid?
The 2020 XC90 T8 received updated electrification hardware, energy-recovery braking, and a larger battery with a modest range increase. Its plug-in-hybrid system produces 400 hp, includes AWD, and provides an 18-mile electric range.
Which 2020 Volvo XC90 trims have the new six-seat layout?
The six-seat layout was added to the 2020 T6 Momentum, T6 Inscription, T8 Momentum, and T8 Inscription. These versions use two second-row seats instead of a three-person bench.
Was any 2019 Volvo XC90 trim dropped for 2020?
Yes. The T8 Excellence trim was dropped from the Volvo XC90 lineup for 2020.
Is the 2020 Volvo XC90 meaningfully different from the 2019 model?
Yes, but the differences are modest. The 2020 model is most relevant if you value its refreshed styling, smoother-riding brake and suspension revisions, new six-seat layouts on selected trims, or the updated T8 plug-in-hybrid system.
2020 Volvo XC90 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Volvo XC90.
4.2
2020 Volvo XC90
(328 reviews)
“DON'T buy the XC90. It's been in for service twice in the 4 months I've owned it. The electronics are all messed up and so far they cannot figure it out.”
“It's great value. The seats are really comfortable. I think it's more comfortable and more fun to drive than an X7.”