While subcompact and compact SUVs offer drivers familiar car-like handling, many drivers—especially those with growing families—look to the midsize segment for its substantial passenger and cargo space. If you’re looking for the stylish simplicity of a Volvo SUV in a slightly larger package, add the three-row midsize Volvo XC90 to your list.

In this article,

Jerry

, the trusted

car insurance

broker app, takes a look at what makes the XC90 Volvo’s best midsize SUV and determines which XC90 trim is the best of the best. We’ll also consider how it stands up to competitors, like the Genesis GV80 and Porsche Cayenne, and give you some tips on how to lower your

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Does Volvo have a midsize SUV?

Yes—the three-row Volvo XC90 is a midsize SUV, though it’s the largest SUV available from Volvo for 2022. Below it are the compact

Volvo XC60

and the subcompact

Volvo XC40

. Volvo doesn’t offer a full-size SUV.

What makes a midsize SUV?

That’s a great question. When it comes to sedans the definitions are very precise, but in the world of SUVs, the difference between subcompact, compact, mid-size, and full-size can seem pretty random. And this doesn’t even take into account the difference between crossovers and SUVs. So let’s see if we can simplify things a bit.

When it comes to the types of SUVs available today, the main differences deal with size and chassis. Generally, crossovers will be smaller and built on a car chassis, while SUVs will be larger and built on a truck chassis. Crossovers are generally powered by four- or six-cylinder engines, SUVs by six- and eight-cylinder. Finally, crossovers generally handle more like cars, and SUVs more like trucks.

Simple, right? If only.

If it were simple, the Volvo XC90 would not exist since it’s technically not a midsize SUV, but a midsize crossover—it’s built on the chassis originally used for the

Volvo S80

sedan. It’s labeled “midsize” because it’s larger than the compact XC60, but not quite as large as what most manufacturers and dealers call full-size. And it’s called an SUV because the terms “crossover” and “SUV” have become largely interchangeable in the auto-sales industry, if not in the auto-manufacturing world.

Key Takeaway A midsize SUV can be built on either a car or truck chassis and is called midsize because it’s larger than a compact but smaller than a full-size.

Is the Volvo XC60 a midsize SUV?

No. The Volvo XC60—Volvo’s best-selling SUV—is a compact crossover, not a midsize SUV. The XC60 utilizes

Volvo’s S60

chassis and offers two-row seating for five passengers.

MORE:

What is the smallest Volvo SUV?

The XC90: Volvo’s best midsize SUV

Granted, it’s tough to call something “the best” when it’s actually “the only,” but there’s a lot that makes the XC90 one of the best midsize SUVs on the market today. Let’s take a closer look.

2022 Volvo XC90

MSRP range: $51,995 to $72,195

MPG: 19–21 city/27–30 highway

MPGe: 66 with 36-mile EV Range

Seating for: 7 passengers

The Volvo XC90 may not be the most fun luxury SUV to drive, but its comfortable, plush interior and available plug-in-hybrid (PHEV) powertrain make it one of the top choices in its segment. In fact, Car and Driver added it to their Editors’ Choice list for 2022, rating it 9.5/10.

Buyers have three powertrain options with the XC90, all paired with the same 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard on all but the T5-powered Volvo XC90 Momentum, which features front-wheel drive, with optional AWD. All models are rated a respectable 5,000-lb max towing capacity.

Volvo starts you off with a rather tepid T5 250-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-four that can manage a shamble to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. If that isn’t enough power for you—and it probably won’t be for most—Volvo offers the T6 engine. The T6 combines a supercharger with the T5’s turbocharging system to achieve 316 horsepower. This configuration also shaves a little over one second off of the XC90’s 0 to 60 time, bringing it down to an acceptable, though not exciting, 6.1 seconds.

Those looking for still more power will have to opt for the PHEV Recharge T8 system, which pairs the T6 engine with an 18.8 kWh battery pack, increases output to 455 horses, and is capable of snapping off 0 to 60 in just 4.5 seconds.

No matter the engine configuration, the XC90 handles nicely—steering is responsive and accurate, and optional air suspension provides a smoother ride than the slightly bumpy handling experienced in models without the feature. You won’t find the XC90 zipping through any twisties, as it tends to lean around curves, but that’s par for the course with this segment.

Handling is just one part of the equation for those considering a Volvo though—many are often more concerned with the brand’s reputation for safety. The XC90 doesn’t disappoint here, earning a solid 5-star

NHTSA safety rating

and a place on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ list for 2022.

Inside, passengers are presented with a masterpiece of quality materials and attractive, yet functional, design. The boxy silhouette allows for ample shoulder and headroom throughout, though the third row will be a bit short on legroom for most adults. The cargo hold offers 15.8 cubic feet of storage with all seats in place and up to 85.7 cubes with all rear seats folded.

2022 Volvo XC90 trim comparison

Trims are a bit tricky with this model since, while it looks like there are five available, there are three distinct standard equipment packages.

First, the Momentum and Recharge share the same standard equipment, but the Momentum is available with the T5 or T6 powertrain, and the Recharge can only feature the T8 powertrain. Likewise, the

Inscription

and Recharge Inscription are largely identical aside from their powertrains. Finally, the Recharge offers an additional appearance package, called the R-Design.

Highlights for the Momentum and Recharge include:

Available with T5, T6, or T8 Recharge powertrain

Standard FWD with available AWD

Adaptive LED headlights

Panoramic sunroof

Hands-free power liftgate

Digital instrument panel

Four-zone automatic climate control

Navigation system

10-speaker audio system

Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration

Wireless charging pad

Forward collision mitigation

Blind-spot monitor

Adaptive cruise control

Lane-keeping assist

Rear cross-traffic alert

Rear automatic braking

Inscription and Recharge Inscription trims add these highlights to the base features:

Available T6 or T8 Recharge powertrains

AWD standard

Illuminated door sills and ambient interior lighting

Heated and ventilated front seats

Upgraded leather upholstery

14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system

Available air suspension

Available 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system

The R-Design appearance package, available only with the T8 Recharge powertrain, exchanges the Inscription’s chrome exterior trim for black trim and adds heated front sport seats in place of the Inscription’s heated and ventilated standard seats. R-Design buyers also have the option of adding 22-inch wheels, while Inscription buyers can only go up to 21-inch.

The bottom line

For the available air suspension, Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats with available massage function, and an upgraded Harman Kardon audio system, we’d opt for the Inscription trim over the Momentum. When it comes to powertrain, the T8 Recharge Inscription hits all the boxes for power and fuel economy, making it the optimal choice, but if the $70k+ price tag is a bit too rich for your blood, the T6 Inscription should do nicely. The R-Design Trim is nice to look at, but doesn’t offer enough additional features to make it worth the extra $6k over the T6 Inscription’s base MSRP.

MORE:

All the best Volvo compact SUVs

Best midsize SUV competitors

Just because the Volvo XC90 is the best midsize Volvo, that doesn’t mean it’s the best midsize SUV out there. Take a look at these other luxury competitors:

2022

Genesis GV80

($51,295 starting MSRP): Greater towing capacity, a smooth quiet ride (regardless of optional air suspension), and an optional third row make the Genesis GV80 a staunch competitor for the XC90.

2022

BMW X5

($61,595 starting MSRP): Endless customization options and an available V8 make the BMW X5 one of the best midsize SUVs in the segment, hands down.

2022

Land Rover Defender

($53,650 starting MSRP): Undeniable off-road capability, an available supercharged V8, and a rugged but stylish interior make the Land Rover Defender an excellent option for those looking to hit the trails.

MORE:

8 top Volvo XC90 competitors

How to save on Volvo insurance

While the Volvo XC90 may be an affordable option when it comes to luxury SUVs, it’s often difficult to find affordable options when it comes to luxury SUV insurance. Unless you’re shopping with

Jerry

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