The current generation of the company’s flagship crossover has been around for five years and it’s already clear that it won’t be in product as long as the previous version was. The latest reports suggest a complete overhaul for the 2022 model year. This clearly indicates that the 2021 Volvo XC90 will come without more important changes. We are about to see familiar design characteristics, while the upcoming model year could bring are new color options and similar things.
This means that you may count on a familiar layout, which offers loads of great things. First of all, there is an attractive styling, which comes in a combination with some of the nicest interiors in the class. Furthermore, there is a pretty long list of standard and optional equipment, especially when it comes to safety features. Finally, there is a wide powertrain offer, which includes a plug-in hybrid version as well. Given the lack of changes, we are pretty sure that the 2021 Volvo XC90 will hit the market sometime late in the year.
2021 Volvo XC90 Redesign
As we’ve just mentioned, the 2021 Volvo XC90 won’t change too much in terms of base design characteristics. After all, we saw a mild update last year, which has brought some subtle but quite interesting novelties. In terms of styling, there are a couple of new things, particularly at the front end. Therefore, we are pretty sure that the next model year won’t bring any particular novelty.
The same thing goes for mechanics. The recent update has brought novelties in this aspect as well. We saw a new suspension setup and brakes, which have improved the comfort and overall ride quality. Still, the XC90 still rides on a familiar SPA platform and the actual driving experience isn’t drastically different compared to the pre-updated version.
Interior
As you may presume, bigger changes won’t come on the inside either. The 2021 Volvo XC90 will carry on with the same cabin design, which is considered to be one of the finest in the class. The overall build quality and materials are exceptional. Aesthetics are on a high level as well and the current generation still looks quite fresh and attractive.
Besides excellent build quality, this crossover also offers plenty of space and a high level of practicality. The first two rows are exceptional in all aspects, especially in terms of seats, which are amazing. The third row is best to be saved for kids, though adults could enjoy shorter rides as well. The cargo area is even more impressive and you will hardly find any other mid-size luxury SUV that is so generous in terms of cargo volume. In numbers, that would be around 15.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind its third-row seats, 41.8 cubic feet behind the second row, and 85.7 cubic feet of the overall cargo space.
Features
Additions in terms of standard features are typical for yearly updates. So, we have no doubt that the next year will bring some of them as well. However, we don’t expect to see too many of them. The current model is already equipped pretty well and comes standard with goodies like a 9-inch touch screen, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, two USB ports, a 10-speaker stereo etc. In higher trim levels, you can also get goodies like upgraded navigation, premium audio systems, a head-up display, Wi-Fi hotspot etc.
When it comes to safety features, the current model comes standard with a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, a driver drowsiness monitor and more. Additionally, there are goodies like adaptive pivoting headlights, front parking sensors, a surround-view parking camera system, and hands-free park assist.
2021 Volvo XC90 Engines
Things under the hood will certainly remain the same. Therefore, you may count on three familiar engine options. Base models come with a 2.0-liter turbo-four that puts out around 250 horsepower. The same engine is available in a version with both turbo and supercharger and the max output, in this case, goes up to 316 horsepower. Finally, there is a plug-in hybrid version, which is also based on this engine but gets significant help from the electric motor. So, the max output goes up to 400 horsepower. Moreover, the Polestar version gets a slight power boost and delivers 415 horsepower.
2021 Volvo XC90 Release Date and Price
Given the fact that no bigger changes are about to come for the next year, we presume that the launch date will be scheduled for the last quarter of the year. When it comes to the price, the current model starts at around 48.500 dollars and we don’t expect significant changes. The competition remains the same and includes models like Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Lincoln Aviator etc.