2017 Volvo XC90 Overview
The 2017 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution for the Swedish automaker, ushering in a new era of design, technology, and powertrain innovation. It was lauded for its luxurious interior, advanced safety features, and a distinctively Scandinavian approach to automotive design. This mid-size luxury SUV offered a compelling alternative to established German rivals.
Highlights
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Engine Options: The XC90 primarily offered two turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine options, both part of Volvo's "Drive-E" powertrain family, paired with an 8-speed Geartronic automatic transmission.
- T5: A 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This was the base engine, delivering capable performance for everyday driving.
- T6: A 2.0-liter twin-charged (turbocharged and supercharged) engine generating 316 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This option provided a more potent and responsive driving experience.
- T8 Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid: This advanced powertrain combined the T6 engine with an electric motor, delivering a total of 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque. It offered an estimated 25 miles of all-electric range, making it an excellent choice for fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
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Safety Features: Volvo has long been synonymous with safety, and the 2017 XC90 was a testament to this legacy. It came standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including:
- City Safety: This is an umbrella term for Volvo's collision avoidance technology. It utilizes sensors and cameras to detect potential collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals. It can automatically apply the brakes to prevent or mitigate a crash.
- Oncoming Lane Mitigation: This system helps drivers avoid collisions when they drift out of their lane and into the path of an oncoming vehicle. It can provide steering assistance to guide the car back into its lane.
- Run-off Road Protection: This innovative system actively helps to protect occupants in the event of an unintentional road departure. It can automatically tighten the seatbelts, and in some scenarios, can even provide cushioning to reduce the forces transmitted to the occupants upon impact with the ground.
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Steer Assist: Alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots and can actively steer the vehicle back into its lane if a lane change is detected with a vehicle in the blind spot.
- Cross Traffic Alert with Auto Brake: When reversing out of a parking space, this system warns the driver of approaching vehicles from the sides and can automatically apply the brakes if a collision is imminent.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Pilot Assist: Allows the car to maintain a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, and with Pilot Assist, it can also provide gentle steering inputs to keep the car centered in its lane, effectively offering a semi-autonomous driving experience at highway speeds.
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Trim Levels: The 2017 XC90 was available in three distinct trim levels, each offering increasing levels of luxury and features:
- Momentum: The well-equipped base trim, offering a premium experience with standard leather upholstery, a large touchscreen infotainment system, and a comprehensive suite of safety features.
- R-Design: This sportier trim featured more aggressive styling elements, unique interior accents, sport-tuned suspension, and larger alloy wheels, appealing to those seeking a more dynamic aesthetic.
- Inscription: The pinnacle of luxury, the Inscription trim elevated the XC90's opulence with premium leather upholstery, wood inlays, enhanced seating with ventilation and massage functions, and additional chrome accents.
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Other Notable Aspects:
- Interior Design and Quality: The cabin was a standout feature, characterized by its minimalist Scandinavian design, high-quality materials (including real wood and leather), and an intuitive, tablet-like touchscreen interface that controlled most vehicle functions.
- Third-Row Seating: The XC90 offered standard seven-passenger seating across three rows, with a usable third row for children or shorter adults, a significant advantage over many compact luxury SUVs.
- Quiet and Refined Ride: The XC90 provided a hushed and comfortable driving experience, absorbing road imperfections effectively and isolating occupants from the outside world.
What to Expect
Owning a 2017 Volvo XC90 typically offers a sophisticated and comfortable experience. The focus on safety is evident in daily driving, with the various assistance systems working unobtrusively to enhance awareness. The infotainment system, while comprehensive, can have a slight learning curve due to its reliance on the central touchscreen. The cabin's quietness and the quality of materials contribute to a premium feel.
In terms of maintenance, as with most luxury vehicles, scheduled maintenance at authorized Volvo dealerships or reputable independent shops is recommended to keep the sophisticated powertrain and systems in optimal condition. Expect costs to be in line with other European luxury SUVs. Regular oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid checks will be standard. For models with the turbocharged and supercharged engines, specific attention to intake system maintenance may be beneficial.
Insurance premiums for the 2017 XC90 are likely to be higher than for a mainstream vehicle due to its luxury classification, advanced technology, and potential repair costs for specialized components. Factors like your driving record, location, and the specific trim level chosen will influence the final cost.
Potential Considerations
While the 2017 XC90 is a highly competent vehicle, there are a few aspects buyers should be aware of:
- Infotainment System Responsiveness: While aesthetically pleasing, the Sensus infotainment system could occasionally be a bit slow to respond or require multiple taps to access certain functions. This was a common observation in early iterations of the system.
- Third-Row Space: While present, the third-row seating is best suited for children or occasional use by adults on shorter journeys. It is not as spacious as some larger, more dedicated three-row SUVs.
- Engine Power Delivery (T5): While adequate, the T5 engine might feel a bit underpowered for some drivers, especially when the XC90 is fully loaded with passengers and cargo. The T6 or T8 powertrains offer a more robust performance.
- Turbo Lag (T6): While the twin-charging system is designed to minimize it, some drivers might still detect a slight delay in power delivery from the T6 engine when accelerating from a standstill or at lower RPMs.
Overall Summary
The 2017 Volvo XC90 was a highly accomplished and desirable luxury SUV that successfully blended Scandinavian design, cutting-edge safety technology, and a premium interior. It offered a compelling package for families and individuals seeking a safe, comfortable, and stylish mode of transportation. While the infotainment system had minor quirks and the third row was best for smaller occupants, its overall refinement, extensive safety features, and available plug-in hybrid powertrain made it a standout contender in its segment.