2022 Volvo XC90 Inscription - Review by Mark Fulmer

6 Passenger SUV with Luxury, Style, and Safety

Mark Fulmer
Executive Producer, Editor
THE AUTO CHANNEL

The XC90 is the largest of the of Volvo’s three SUVs, and having had its best sales in 2021, and thus made just a few changes in the 2022 edition. The “Recharge” increases both the range (qualifying for the $7500 federal tax) and power.

The dual powerplant creates 455 hp and a hefty 523 lb-ft of torque via a 2.0L Direct-Injected Turbo & Supercharged turbo four and a rear-mounted lithium ion Traction Battery electric motor with 3.7 kW Onboard Charger. That yields battery-only range to between 35 and 41 miles. A silky smooth eight-speed transmission, electric power-assisted speed-sensing steering, and a pillowy double wishbone suspension give the driver a confident and relaxing driving experience. The tapering hood can give a false sense of narrowness to the width so it is wise to glance at each side view mirror checking how centered you are in a lane until your forward view becomes second nature. When it comes to parking the 360 birds-eye view camera system make that procedure picture perfect.

The XC90 interior is a thing of beauty. Cream-colored Nappa leather surrounded by clean uncluttered slightly arcing lines give an aura of modern elegance. Combined with the rich tones of Harmon Kardon 10 speaker audio system and you're in a cozy environment regardless of the world outside. You also ride fearless of dust, smoke, and pollen with an air filtration system.

The crystal shift knob is a pleasant change from leathery or plastic shifters. Note the large audio volume dial - easy to find without looking (volume adjuster on the steering wheel as well).

Visibility is very good in all three seats, including the sunroof.

The heated and ventilated front seats both have 10-way power adjustments - 4-way power lumbar, power cushion extension, power adjustable side support, and both have their very own seat memory.
Front row specs:
head room 38.9 in.
leg room 40.9 in.
shoulder room 57.7 in.
hip room 56.0 in.

The second row seats can recline. The passengers were very pleased with the roominess and quality of the seats, and were surprised to find an added feature...
Rear head room 38.5 in.
Rear leg room 37.0 in.
Rear shoulder room 56.6 in.
Rear hip Room 56.5 in.

A built-in booster seat ! With one hand the front half of the seat swings up to form a Federally approved, and quite comfortable booster for kids.

The third row is actually manageable because the second row can slide forward enough for average sized folks to have just enough legroom...

And, most importantly, there are four healthy sized a/c vents to keep those guys comfortable.

Cargo space is bountiful. Even with all seats up, the numbers tell the story. Cargo Space/Area Behind Third Row - 11.2 cubic feet.

Cargo Space/Area Behind Second Row - 34.1 cubic feet.

Cargo Space/Area Behind Front Row - 64.1 cubic feet.

Volvo continues to make good on its commitment to safety, and has been awarded the Most 2022 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK PLUS Awards of Any Brand (as of April 2022)...

IntelliSafe Assist - Pilot Assist
DSTC/RSC Electronic Stability Control (ESC) And Roll Stability Control (RSC)
ABS And Driveline Traction Control
Side Impact Beams
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
Front And Rear Parking Sensors
BLIS Blind Spot
Collision Mitigation Support
Lane Keeping Aid/Run-off Road Mitigation Lane Keeping Assist
Lane Keeping Aid/Run-off Road Mitigation Lane Departure Warning
Collision Mitigation-Front
Driver Monitoring-Alert
Collision Mitigation-Rear
Low Tire Pressure Warning
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
Curtain 1st, 2nd And 3rd Row Airbags
Airbag Occupancy Sensor
Driver Knee Airbag
Care Key
Power Rear Child Safety Locks
Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center 3 Point and Pretensioners
Back-Up Camera