Volvo steady (as always) with worthy PHEV three-row XC90 luxury SUV

Mid-size luxury hybrid sport utility van buyers have it good From the lowest entry-priced Lexus TX Hybrid to the highest-priced Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid brand loyalty reigns and poor choices are minimal The Volvo XC starting at the mid-range price of represents the legacy of the Swedish manufacturer well Although the current generation is nearly a decade old it constantly evolved Several makeovers have substantially changed the truck including Volvo s second facelift to the three-row SUV in September Debuting as a model the XC is now Volvo s best-selling motorcycle in the United States with overall sales surpassing one million Van variety is expansive The XC is offered in three powertrains including the T plug-in hybrid All powertrains are available in Core Plus and Ultra trims the latter renamed from Ultimate The latest XC edition designated as the model and part of the generation debuting in has several exterior and interior updates Volvo long ago dispatched its staid exterior with the latest modifications further modernizing the conveyance s appearance Changes include redesigns for the mixed-crossed fascia headlights and grille A modified front bumper and updated tinted LED taillights add additional modernizing Interior upgrades include an -inch touchscreen infotainment system increased interior storage spaces and a repositioned wireless charging pad The new dashboard features redesigned air vents made from recycled materials and increased sound insulation Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoAdvanced voice recognition allowing hands-free control of various functions are also new The reviewed T trim remains the flagship It pairs a turbocharged -liter four-cylinder a rear-axle-mounted electric motor and a -kWh battery to combine for horsepower The entire XC lineup is only available with eight-speed automatic transmissions and all-wheel drive The EPA-estimated - miles per hour acceleration is seconds In hybrid mode the XC T achieves an estimated MPGe It has an estimated mpg in gas-only operation It also has a -mile electric-only range Charging the Volvo s -kilowatt-hour battery pack takes an estimated five hours on AC power Volvo s legacy is built on steady in-command driving and safety The XC defines the reputation The SUV advances smoothly and handles city and highway driving assignments quietly The all-wheel-drive system is ready for handling inclement weather and has been a long-term Volvo mainstay The regenerative braking system is equally smooth and allows far less necessary braking at slow speeds approaching stop signs and stop lights Standard features include Volvo s Pilot Assist for semi-autonomous driving adaptive cruise control lane-keeping and the carmaker s City Safety system It includes automatic collision avoidance The Ultra trim adds nearly a dozen items ventilated front seats to front-seat patron memory and laminated glass side door windows and -degree camera view Volvo in the past few days recalled more than vehicles including - XC models for rear-view camera delay issues The chassis lift system adjusts ride height and adapts shock absorbers to provide additional stability Activating the off-road mode offers increases ground clearance when needed When the engine is turned off the system deactivates with an eerie sound As a luxury SUV all seating is constructed of high-grade relaxed and firm leather Seating legroom and headroom are satisfactory Third-row seating is not an afterthought as is common But it is best reserved for children The cabin also features a Bowers Wilkins sound system and ambient lighting The finesse-operated shifting knob is offered in a Volvo Swedish signature Orrefors crystal With its advanced trim starting base and options the Volvo XC T is priced at Like its competitors the luxury SUV offers plenty Its steep price aligns with the segment standard and is likely comfortably acceptable by brand loyalists James Raia a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento also contributes business lifestyle and sports content to several print and online publications E-mail james jamesraia com