2017 Volvo XC90 – Best Fuel Economy
Review of the Classy 2017 Volvo XC90 SUV
The flagship model of the Volvo crossover, the 2017 Volvo XC90 II with its modest and unassuming exterior design and a supremely ergonomic and subtle elegant interior, is one of the top seven seat SUVs to come out this year. With outstanding cargo capacity, enhanced safety through updates to the driver assistance system, standard safety features, and precise handling, the XC90 II is the ultimate family utility vehicle.
Standard Specs and Features
The 2017 Volvo XC90 II comes with the following as standard: auto dimming rear view mirror, 50/50 split third row seat, 40/20/40 split second row seats, driver memory settings, leather upholstery, keyless ignition and entry, lane departure warning, rear parking sensors, rear view camera, hands free power tailgate, roof rails, LED fog and headlights, and 18-inch alloy wheels. It also features some of the latest technology such as USB port, auxiliary audio input jack, satellite radio with 10 speaker sound system, smartphone app integration , audio connectivity, Bluetooth phone, voice controls, navigation system, and a 9 inch central touch screen.
Performance and Handling
With a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine coupled with 8-speed transmission, the 2017 Volvo XC90 engine offers some remarkable performance and handling. The more common T5 version of the vehicle comes with turbo supercharge to provide up to 295-pound feet of torque and 316 hp. It accelerates from zero to 60 in 6.6 seconds, which is above average for a car of this size. The more expensive T8 twin-engine hybrid allows one to switch between the electric motor on the rear wheel, and the mechanical all-wheel drive system. Despite its size and small engine the car provides almost car like road holding and handling, only producing body rolls on the tightest of corners.
Safety
The 2017 Volvo XC90 got a very high rating from the NHTSA scoring five stars, the highest possible safety rating. It was also awarded the IIHS Top Safety Pick Award after earning Superior ratings in mitigation and front crash testing and a Good score on all crash testing. Its excellent safety ratings are due to a range of optional and standard safety features. These include Pilot assist to prevent drifting, cross traffic alert, blind spot warning, cyclist and pedestrian detection, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
Interior and Exterior Design
An antithesis of modern luxury vehicle design, the 2017 Volvo XC90 takes the concept of Swedish auto design to another level. Its unassuming yet elegant designs are modern yet remaining timeless, luxurious, yet sensible. It has the classic aerodynamic shape of the crossover Volvo SUV but with the proportions of a rear wheel drive car. Its plush interiors can come in either two tone or all black color schemes. The leather, metal, and wood accoutrements convey understated luxury as opposed to the brash chrome accessories of other luxury SUVs. It also features heated front seats, generous windows, and panoramic sunroof as standard, all of which make for an airy and well-lit interior.
Fuel Economy
With its two-engine hybrid model the 2017 Volvo XC90 offers better fuel economy than most seven seat SUVs. The more common XC90 T5 provides 25 mpg on the highway, 22 mpg in the city for a combined fuel economy of 23 mpg. The top of the range and more powerful T8 provides a combined fuel economy of 25 mpg as a hybrid without its battery. Running only on its electric battery, it provides an economy of 54MPGe and a 14 mile range, which is quite remarkable as, compared to other SUVs in its class.
