Check Out Every Photo of the 2020 Volvo XC90 R-Design
The oldest model in Volvo's lineup receives minor changes to stay fresh.
The Volvo XC90 SUV is the oldest model in the brand's lineup. Let that sink in for a moment. When the current generation debuted for 2016 as a truly all-new model, it was a breath of fresh air in a lineup filled with outdated cars. But Volvo has been consistently coming out with brand-new models since then, so to keep the now "old" XC90 feeling fresh, it's giving the SUV a facelift for the 2020 model year.
When it comes to styling changes, though, the XC90 has received the equivalent of a needle of Botox instead of a full suite of cosmetic procedures. There's a new grille, some new wheel designs, different exterior colors . . . and that's basically it.
But it's not as though the XC90 really needed a styling update, anyway. It remains one of the best-looking SUVs available today, and doesn't look as "old" as it actually is.
Since the XC90's debut, Volvo has come out with a bunch of driver-assist features that weren't available on the big SUV, which the company is now rectifying.
Steering assist has been added to the XC90's automated emergency braking and blind-spot-monitoring systems, with Volvo pointing out that the former is the only such system that can detect pedestrians, bicyclists, and large animals like moose.
The cross-traffic alert now has automated braking, and the oncoming-lane mitigation system that debuted on the XC60 is now available; it will steer the car back into the correct lane if it has wandered off and there is oncoming traffic.
Disappointingly, the biggest news for the new XC90 won't make its way to the United States—at least not yet.
Starting with the XC90, Volvo will be introducing new non-plug-in-hybrid powertrains across its lineup, which are marked by a B badge (B5 and B6 versions will be available, based on the existing T5 and T6 motors).
These new hybrids use a kinetic energy-recovery braking system (KERS), which, as the name says, recuperates kinetic energy when braking. Volvo says that this system can offer fuel savings and emissions reductions of up to 15 percent in "real-world driving."
As on the outside, the interior hasn't changed much, either. There are some additional trim options and a new "tailored wool" interior upholstery option that looks quite chic, and the XC90 can now be had in a six-seat configuration in addition to the existing four-, five-, and seven-seat setups.
Android Auto capability is new for the Sensus infotainment system, as is Spotify music streaming.
Powertrain changes haven't been limited to the new KERS-equipped engines, though. The T8 plug-in-hybrid setup, which uses a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter inline-four, has been upgraded with a new battery pack and what Volvo calls "brake-by-wire advanced battery charging."
Volvo says range has been increased by about 15 percent, and total system power is up to 420 horsepower, from 400 previously.
These updates will be made across the board to all T8-equipped 60- and 90-series models, with the XC90 being the first.
The 2020 XC90 will go on sale in the United States this fall, with order books open now; pricing has yet to be released.
Production, which starts in May, will remain at Volvo's Torslanda, Sweden, plant.
The next-gen XC90, based on the second generation of Volvo's SPA platform that underpins its 60- and 90-series models, will make its debut in a couple of years, ushering in another new era of fresh Volvo models.
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