2020 Volvo XC90 Gets Fresh Look and Better Fuel Economy

Volvo unveiled a refreshed XC90 this morning, giving it’s best-selling top-of-the-line SUV a new look and hybrid tech to lower fuel consumption.

The new 2020 Volvo XC90 hasn’t revolutionized its design introduced in 2015, but it did just enough to make the changes noticeable. Most of the changes are found up front where the new XC90 gets a deeper grille, slightly redesigned headlights and an overall rounded look.

From the side and the back, it’s the same XC90, no question about that. It’s hard to complain about that, however, as the Volvo mid-size luxury SUV is still among the most stylish in its segment. In our opinion, anyway.

The main improvements found on this new 2020 XC90 are found under the body. Volvo says it improved the XC90’s fuel economy by about 15 per cent by pairing the internal combustion engine with a kinetic energy regeneration braking system (KERS). This new system will fall under what Volvo is calling its “B badge” vehicles.

This evolved powertrain will be joined by the XC90’s current T8 plug-in hybrid engine, thus giving Volvo buyers essentially two electrified options.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 will also feature a customizable interior which can be made to seat four, five, six or seven passengers. Granted, we don’t expect all of these variants to come to North America.

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More Safety on the 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 also gets more safety features. First available on the XC60, the Oncoming Lane Mitigation system will now be available on the XC90. Cross Traffic Alert now features automatic braking. These systems are added to the XC90’s City Safety system which can brake for vehicles, pedestrians, and even large animals.

Want a quick summary of Volvo safety? Take for granted that the XC90 can brake, swerve, and warn you for just about anything happening around your luxury SUV.

Last but not least, the new Volvo XC90 adds Android Auto to its Sensus Connect system. That latter will now feature both Android compatibility and Apple CarPlay.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 goes on sale right now.