The 2016 Volvo XC90 T6 is a stunning new crossover with groundbreaking design inside and out. But the question that Nathan and Roman answer in this TFLcar off-road review is, “how does it handle the Colorado snow and mountains?”
The second generation Volvo XC90 is all-new from bumper to bumper and has elevated the Swedish carmaker to super SUV status. The 2016 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD has three available trims, all of which are powered by a 2.0-liter, 2.0-liter, DOHC, 16-valve supercharged and turbocharged in-line four-cylinder engine. This sophisticated powerplant makes 316 horsepower at 5,700 rpm while developing 295 pound feet of torque in a range from 2,200 to 4,500 rpm. The transversely mounted front engine is paired to an eight-speed Geartronic automatic transmission that meters motive energy to all four wheels. The turbocharging is constant, with supercharging automatically activated as needed.
Exterior design of the XC90 is exceptional and unique. It’s described to be a “blend of rich Scandinavian design elements,” not just on the outside but as well as in the inside.
The interior is the most lavish to date for any Volvo, featuring a tablet-like touch screen control console that serves as the nerve center of an all-new in-car control system called SENSUS. The digital craftsmanship and layout of the new infotainment system may best be described as a stack of flexible ‘tiles’, each displaying a key functionality. Information, navigation and media are high up and easy to check, while phone controls, application icons and climate controls are positioned low, easy to reach and touch.
Born in a region where snow and ice are daily rigors in a long winter season, one might guess that the Volvo’s AWD system would be smart enough to take on whatever Colorado can dish out. Check out this video to see if the all-new XC90 can conquer Gold Mine Hill on the Switzerland Trail.
