The 2026 Volvo XC90 is a midsize luxury SUV with a three-row body style that accommodates six or seven passengers. It competes in the segment with models like the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Audi Q7, which offer comparable size, features, and capabilities for various driving needs. The 2026 model carries over from the 2025 refresh, which brought updates to exterior styling, interior design, and technology interfaces on the existing platform. The base powertrain is the B5 mild-hybrid system with all-wheel drive, consisting of a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine that delivers 247 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The infotainment system uses Volvo's Google built-in platform on an 11.2-inch freestanding center touchscreen, along with a 12.3-inch digital driver display. This setup provides Google Maps for navigation, Google Assistant for voice control, Google Play for apps, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The 2026 XC90 sees no major updates like a full electric powertrain or new advanced driver-assistance features, but retains enhancements from the 2025 refresh, such as an updated interface with customizable screens and improved response speeds. Integration with the Volvo Cars app enables remote operations like locking/unlocking, preconditioning the cabin, and monitoring trips, while over-the-air updates handle software enhancements. Certain connected services require a subscription.
What You're Really Signing Up For
- Data-heavy privacy practices with extensive vehicle tracking.
- Core updates and remote start locked behind subscriptions.
- Infotainment plagued by glitches and touchscreen lag.
- Persistent nags like undeletable start-stop system.
- OTA updates risk sudden issues like brake failures.
Top Reported Issues
The most frequently mentioned problems by owners
Connectivity Data Subscription
Volvo XC90's built-in internet connectivity for infotainment, hotspot, and app features requires a s...
Remote Start Subscription Required
The Volvo XC90's remote start feature, which allows starting the engine via the Volvo app for precon...
Extensive Vehicle Data Collection
Volvo's connected services collect detailed vehicle telemetry including GPS location, speed, acceler...
Infotainment glitches
The Google-integrated infotainment screen freezes with persistent pop-ups, navigation errors, audio ...
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the 2026 Volvo XC90
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