For years, Volvo’s much-deserved claim to fame was their peerless safety features rather than sexy lines as the boxy rides resembled rolling security-laden refrigerators. Not the most alluring silhouettes, but at least you had a great chance of arriving in one piece.
Thankfully, Volvo designers have heard the shouts of customers demanding their safety in beautiful packages. Good on them.
The all-new 2026 XC90 B6 AWD Mild Hybrid checks a slew of boxes for those desiring classy luxury, security, wonderful technology and yes, beauty. The tester’s top-of-the-line B6 option feels plenty upscale for the price.
Skin
The 2026 version is in its 11th year and still looks mighty fine after the refresh on the 2025.5 model. The look brings some classy, handsome chops up against a highly competitive upscale SUV market. The exterior exudes a clean, elegant appearance with a hint of drama. Striking “Thor’s Hammer” headlights illuminate the road and rotate when turning.
Sightlines offer a fresh SUV appearance from any angle and a blunt nose allows Volvo to satisfy European pedestrian impact regulations. That front offers a new bumper, cool grille and hood that’s harmonious with the entire silhouette. There’s just enough chrome bling and dark trim to accessorize the exterior and the rear includes dramatic vertical LED brake lights and dual chrome exhausts.
Darkened 22-inch black diamond cut rims are welcome accessories as are the dark arches around the wheel wells. The roof rails gradually slope to give it a streamlined silhouette (call me a big fan). Volvo admirers will notice the XC90’s classic appearance is happily still relevant with sexy panache.
Performance
The powertrain is a spirited number to launch the 4,700 lb. 3-rower. An eight-speed transmission coupled with a Turbo & E-charged 2.0 liter brings 295 HP / 310 lb.-ft. torque when combined with the 48-volt mild hybrid battery. The acceleration is 0-60 in 6.4 seconds but feels much quicker. The dual charged power delivers admirable smoothness and pep for the targeted audience. That said, it is eerily quiet for all that power. The standard AWD is a joy when confronted with inclement weather and the Active Chassis with air suspension to smooth out the roads.
The lesser powered B5 AWD offers 247 HP / 266 lb.-ft. torque but improved mileage at 26 mpg. Base price is $62,345.
You’ll notice the engine bay is far larger than the engine. As usual, Volvo used safety-first thinking to allow a good distance buffer between engine, bumper and cabin for reducing collision calamities. Genius.
The normally annoying Auto Stop mode is one of the smoothest experienced and for the first time I left it alone when testing a vehicle. Impressive.
Finally, the gas mileage is good (400+ mile range) for the heavy poundage. I got 24 mpg overall; however, while the 48-volt mild hybrid does improve efficiency, it won’t power the SUV on electricity alone.
Cabin
Nearly everything in the interior is superb – especially for a 3-row human hauler. Creature comforts abound in the spacious cocoon and lovely heated and ventilated Blond Nappa leather brightens the cabin and feels like a warm hug. Soft-touch materials, attractive blonde matte wood trim and a perfectly formed heated steering wheel (three temperature settings!) will delight the inhabitants. Massaging seats offer three intensities and five massaging types – always welcome after a long day on the course.
An excellent Head Up Display shows speed, applicable speed limit signs and navigation directions on the windshield. Wireless charging is included. And the wiper fluid is dispensed through the wipers themselves, thus no more annoying over spray when cleaning the windshield.
Volvo spent years redesigning the heated and vented seats with renowned chiropractors resulting in near perfection with zero pressure points to endure. In fact, the XC90 instantly braces the passengers if the car goes airborne or detects an imminent crash from behind. Safety plus!
A large double-panoramic moon roof provides oodles of headroom and looms above abundant rear seating. You can fold, recline, or slide forward/backward each of the three row seats without moving the others. You can replace the bench seats for two buckets if desired. The third row is a bit tight for adults, but kids will love it.
Graduated stadium seating allows all passengers excellent views. A digital rear-view camera delivers unobstructed views (three lanes across) from the rear. Drivers can also fold down all the rear headrests when traveling alone with one button for increased visibility. Finally, a mere sweep of your foot underneath the bumper opens and closes the trunk lid for entry into a spacious cargo area (at 85.7 cu. ft. with the two rows folded). And you can peruse eleven different exterior cargo options for canoes, bikes, luggage and a roof tent. The chassis will rise and lower for easier entering, exiting and loading cargo.
Tech check
The XC90 B6 infotainment touchscreen is quick to respond, yet we’d like some good ‘ol dedicated physical buttons for convenient access. The 11.2” vertical touchscreen is easy to comprehend after a good tutorial. In fact, the Apple Car Play and Google Built-In software and voice recognition are excellent.
Given it’s a Volvo, there is a plethora (nearly an entire column) of very worthy safety features. The Lane Departure firmly brings you back when weaving while ignoring the lane signal. For grins, I drove over three miles hands free on the Tollway with nary a concern but plenty of admiration.
Audio availability includes the excellent 14-speaker Harman Kardon package or ramp up to the amazing Bowers & Wilkins blowtorch with lighted speakers for $3,200.
The 2026 Volvo XC90 B6 AWD Mild Hybrid is an extraordinary ensemble embodying luxury, driving chops and cutting-edge technology. Thus, it’s the epitome of what a customer desires to arrive safely while coddled in luxurious appointments inside a striking figure. You’d be wise to give it a go when looking for a crowd-pleasing 3-row people hauler.
SCORECARD
Golf Bags: More than two
Curb Appeal: That is one handsome ride
0-60: 6.4 sec
Mileage: 24 mpg with spirited driving
Must-Haves: Lounge Package
Warranty: 4-year/50K miles
Base Price: $73,850
Price as Tested: $85,700
Who Buys It? Families desiring unparalleled safety and upscale comfort
Finish Line: A terrific vehicle that checks about the entire wish list
Test-drive the 2026 Volvo XC90 B6 AWD Mild Hybrid at Crest Volvo in Frisco.