2017 Volvo XC90 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
What's New for 2017?
The 2017 Volvo XC90 is in its second year since the model was overhauled, so there was not a need for many major changes to the 2017 from the 2016. The driver assistance system has received an upgrade, and there are a few more infotainment apps available. The Pilot Assist II is all-new for 2017, as is the run-off road protection system. Volvo also introduced the Excellence trim, a new top-of-the-line luxurious trim that even features a beverage cooler in the back seat.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2017 Volvo XC90 – The Pros
1. Sophisticated Interior and Exterior Style
The 2017 Volvo XC90 has a sleek interior and exterior design no matter which trim you opt for. The R-Design trim features one-of-a-kind exterior and grille accents, 20-inch alloy wheels, upgraded sports seats, aluminum mesh cabin accents, and leather upholstery. The Inscription on both the T6 and T8 trims also has leather upholstery, and the T8's Excellence has a bright exterior trim and beautiful extended leather upholstery.
2. Second- and Third-Row Seating is Spacious
Each vehicle seats between 5 and 7 people, and does so with comfort. Standard with any XC90 are the 40/20/40-split second-row seats and 50/50-split third-row seats. Adults can comfortably fit into any of these seats and will have leg, arm, and head room to spare. There is 119.6 cubic feet of interior volume and a maximum cargo capacity of 85.7 cubic feet.
3. Numerous Standard Safety Features
Safety is key for Volvo, and the 2017 Volvo XC90 is loaded up on safety features. Standard with these vehicles are the Lane Departure Warning Accident Avoidance System and Post-Collision Safety System. Frontal Collision Warning will warn you of pedestrians and bicyclists on the road ahead of you. In its Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the XC90 earned "Good" marks for frontal and side collision, as well as for it's roof strength and whiplash protection.
4. Precision Handling
The 2017 Volvo XC90 has superb precision handling, taking turns well and efficiently making stops. Its all-wheel drive and Instant Traction feature keeps the vehicle on the road in all types of weather conditions. If your vehicle looses traction in a tire, power gets transferred to the more stable tires, allowing you to safety navigate the road without losing grip.
5. The Optional Hybrid Model
If you're looking for a hybrid SUV, the XC90's plug-in model hybrid has a lot to offer. It gets a total output of 400 hp and 472 pounds-feet of torque. When both power sources are in use, the vehicle can get from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds. Also, it only takes about 2.5 hours to recharge at a 240-volt charging station. It gets a combined mpg of 25 and can get 14 miles on pure electric range.
6. The Volvo On Call App
For all the smartphone junkies out there, Volvo has developed the Volvo On Call app to fit your tech needs. This multi-functional app allows you to start your car, call for roadside assistance, lock or unlock your doors, pre-cool in the summer, and pre-heat in the winter - all from your smartphone! The app comes standard with a 6-month trial subscription and is easy for most people to use.
7. The Convenience Package's Helpful Features
The Convenience Package offers a lot of useful features and is worthy of purchase just for its air suspension. You can get semi-automated parking and adaptive cruise control with the Convenience Package's Pilot Assist II system. Not only will you get convenience, you get optimized safety options.
8. Footrests in the Excellence Trim
The high-end luxury of the Excellence trim gives you the feeling that you're in a limo, not a regular SUV. The footrests in the backseat allow passengers to relax in comfort and style, which is especially great for long drives. So why not let your passengers kick back and enjoy a cold drink from the backseat beverage cooler?
9. The Sensus Touchscreen is Easy to Use
The 9-inch Sensus touchscreen (which is pretty enormous for an in-vehicle touchscreen, as they normally size at about 7 inches) is easy to see and easy to use. All of the apps on it are clearly labeled, and people with larger fingers won't have a problem touching on the app they want. The screen is vertically-oriented, which helps with visibility and glare reduction from the sun.
10. Hand-made Crystal Glasses
Last, but certainly not least, are the set of hand-crafted crystal wine glasses you receive when you purchase the Excellence package. Volvo understands that you're paying well over $100,000 for this vehicle, so they treat you to a nice little surprise - two hand-made crystal glasses from the well-respected Swedish glass-maker Orrefors.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2017 Volvo XC90 – The Cons
1. Below-average Acceleration
Unfortunately, if quick acceleration is something you're looking for in an SUV, you won't find it with the 2017 Volvo XC90. This model has serious lag when in ECO mode, and other modes show some lag as well. This might not be helpful in case of an emergency situation where you need to pass another vehicle.
2. Substandard Gas Mileage
SUVs aren't known for getting the best gas mileage. Although its gas mileage isn't terrible, the XC90 does get outperformed in its class. It can get up to 22 city / 26 highway mpg. Your estimated annual fuel cost will likely be somewhere in the $1,800 ballpark. Other vehicles with hybrid ability, such as the 2017 Lexus RX Hybrid, can get better gas mileage.
3. The Price
These aren't your ordinary family SUVs priced at a moderate MSRP. The basic model has a starting MSRP of $45,750, and the Excellence prices at over $100,000. If you're on a budget and don't need a ton of extra features, you might want to consider another vehicle.
Conclusion
The 2017 Volvo XC90 packs a lot of convenience and comfort into a luxury mid-sized SUV. While the higher-end trims might be out of the ordinary consumer's price range, the standard trim includes a good amount of features. The hybrid model compares well with other hybrid SUVs and performs better than some of the XC90's non-hybrid trims. If you're thinking of buying a roomy and tech-friendly SUV, consider giving the XC90 a test-drive.
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