The Volvo That Changed The Game | 2020 Volvo XC90 T8 

Finally a reviewer that doesn’t just get in the car, slap it into sport mode and rip it to the red line. In other words....an adult

Alex: Just a note of appreciation for the thoroughness and professionalism of your car reviews. You do a wonderful job.

It’s amazing to see a 5-year model still fresh and elegant. Feels it’s never going to be ‘old’ and ‘outdated’, both interior and exterior.

I agree bring back the amber turn signals. We love my wife’s XC90. Usually I get antsy to replace our cars every 3 years, but not with the XC90. It is an amazing vehicle.

Still in love with my xc90 and still can't believe the whole design language is 5+ years old (if you count the entire design phase)

The U.S. needs to just mandate amber turn signals moving forward. The red turn signals are just awful.

I'm going with Amber; ditch the red light, it makes it distinguish if they are breaking or they are signalling

I appreciate how you included the Toyota Highlander, Lincoln Aviator, and Mazda CX-9 in the Vehicle Size comparisons. Since I don't get into the luxury brands that much, having those mass-market and premium vehicles is very helpful to understand the comparative sizes. I've tested a Highlander and CX-9, so I now have a better frame of reference. Please continue this in your other luxury vehicle reviews.

I have an XC90 T6 AWD and absolutely love it. It’s a smooth ride and has plenty of power.

Alex your reviews are best in the class!

I love every time Alex calls out Audi on their fake exhausts

American here. Red. Excellent work Alex. Love that you do noise rating with decibels! That’s very important to me to buy a quite vehicle. Thanks!

Still so beautiful and fresh looking. Amazing design and overall quality! Do wish it had a 6 cylinder option though.

Just bought the XC90 T8. Super excited. It's absolutely beautiful. Drove all comparable vehicles and it was the winner. Great Review Liked the BMW X5 BUT run-flat tires getting only 15,000 miles on them was a big negative.

I can imagine how I drive in to “that country club” on my toyota corolla. Nobody shake my hand 😅😂🤣

Amazing quality of a review, a pleasure to watch that!

We just got this vehicle for my wife the T8, I have to admit him sort of crushing on it, its elegance and sophistication and I drive a King Ranch so that's pretty good compliment.

Most thorough review I’ve found so far. Thank you!

Those days when Volvo pretty much used to make boxes on wheels are gone as now a days they make some of the nicest looking cars on the market and the XC90 is definitely one of them

I have found you only lately, but you grow on me. Good work.

Volvo XC 90 all the way. It is by far the best looking SUV out there. I do admit that the new Genesis GV80 is really intriguing assuming you don't have a need for a hybrid drive train.

Alex, you are very awesome. So gifted.

Utterly excellent review - thanks!

WOW! I have never really watched your reviews, I've seen you on Redline, but I'm definitely tuning in! Hooked. Excellent informative, I'm a lifetime Volvo XC90 Acura RDX /MDX owner. Love it! Keep it up the great work!

This is the first vehicle we purchased in this class, R-Design and enhanced audio (B&W) and I couldn't be happier with the decision at 22K miles. I am 6'1" and am very comfortable. I recommend the air suspension although I am disappointed that the dealer lots only have the air suspension option on the highest of highest specked out model. The 2019 model we have air suspension really does improve the ride. My only complaint is the 4 cyl. turbo and supercharged is great but takes longer to spool up then I would wish if I try to hammer it in certain situations. While I read about quality control issues thankfully I haven't really encountered anything except one fuse issue with the air suspension which was a known issue and fixed under warranty at no cost. It is the most evocative interior I have sat it that was't pretentious and actually relaxing and the Bowers and Wilkins is second to none. The emergency braking is also excellent with pre-tensioning. Recommend 100%.

Must I be that "guy"? OK then..I warned you... I LOVE how Alex finds the time to set any radio station or album cover appropriate and/or very witty and humorous to the theme of the particular vehicle on review! Thanks Alex..I appreciate your sense of humor and/or wit.

Alex always does a great, consistent review. 1) AMBER now AMBER forever-red means stop, amber means turn. 2) as an XC 60 owner, I think this design language is the most beautiful of any crossover on the road today 3) the infotainment system’s improved processing speed is an essential improvement 4) I almost bought a Tesla Y a week ago today, but those seats can’t touch Volvo’s comfort and interior materials, fit n finish feel like an air cooled VW compared to Volvo. The Tesla may still be the best operating auto-motion system available now, but let’s get some interior/exterior sophistication. CARS ARE FASCINATING

Amber, great reviews!

I'm with you on your assessment regarding looks & performance... 😎👍

The best car reveiws hands down.

That color is so nice!

What a BEAUTIFUL car 😍 it looks timeless!! 👍 And I have a Model S and Lexus LS500.... two other nice cars.

Excellent review. I have an older model ('08) and am planning to upgrade in the next few months. Was on the fence between Volvo XC90 nad BMW X5. Just love the look!

Another great review Alex. I love the additional context and insights you provide over and above the basic car features and drive-ability. That really helps potential buyers in their shortlisting and decision making. Thanks! Still leaning towards a GV80 however, once pricing is announced down under in Australia. No hybrid option like the Volvo but that would add a 10yr payback window for my driving habits anyway.. I’d rather get more ‘day 1’ bang for buck in terms of technology and luxury features.

We traded in our 2019 XC90 T6 for a new 2021 XC90 T8. All of your comments are spot on! We also have a brand new MB GLS 450 and although the infotainment is MUCH better in the MB the fit and finish of the overall build is better in the Volvo (in the hood and lift-gate areas). To us - The most noticeable difference between the T6 & T8 is the feeling of great adhesion to the road on curvy roads and the luxurious (quiet) experience when driving on electric only. Our MB has air suspension and a very solid & competent feel but the Volvo is comparable (and faster by 1 second 0-60). The T6 was great but the solid, heavier (but fast) feel of the T8 is very similar to the MB.

Yesssssssss Alex you are the very first person that I have heard say that I am an amber turn signal fan I think it help more with visibility from the real and makes it more elegant than the red turn signals matching the brake lights

Ambers are amazing! Differentiation!!

Great review, Alex. Can you put your queue cards a smidge higher? Thanks!

We don't have a 90, we have a 60, but yes, fantastic SUV.

i like your detailed review

Alex it feels awkward to me, yesterday the G90 made me think about my S-Class, now this, the other car that occupies my driveway, XC90 T8 R-design. Well, if you see a red XC90 T8 or a matte silver S class in Los Gatos (both are rare colors), say Hi.

Hey team AOA. Another great review. Have you had an opportunity to see and use the wool interior option on the XC90? It looks very nice, but I'm not sure I'd be happy with giving up the ventilated Nappa leather. What are your thoughts on this and do you think the smaller models will eventually have it as an option? Cheers!

Great review, thanks Alex. Just a couple of quick queries - any similar model that we can adjust the headrest to get maximum head and neck support? Are they better than Lexus Hybrid and Range Rover Velar?

Amber fan here! Thought the Volvo would be on top of this for safety, but as others have commented, the amber color for turn signals distinguishes from the red color for brakes. I believe they're safer as Alex suggests. Great review, as always Alex

Between this and genesis gv80 for me. Both very impressive crossovers.

V40 - going to pick you up on a minor technicality Alex, but it’s okay, you’ve never had the 2012 onward V40 in the USA so will let you off! It wasn’t the XC90, it was the Volvo V40 that was always the modern design language and they always knew at 6 years old it’d be the oldest model in the line up after the XC90, XC60 and XC40 which you have! I owned a 2013 UK V40 R-Design in Rebel Blue...Merc & BMW we’re left behind! Volvo should be the car of choice for anybody with a family, quality product. Cheers

Volvo should give you proper accreditation, you’re gold standard in the automative video review for Volvo. I own both, XC60 & V40, I got more info from your video on technicality & practicality than Volvo itself.

For whatever reason, I don't like the arm rest for 2nd row caption chairs. One major advantage of 2nd row captain chairs to me is that, it leaves a wide center passage for adults and older kids to get back to 3rd row without constantly folding the 2nd row, just like the minivans (although minivans do have those but they typically have wider interior too)

I was thinking on the Mitsubishi outlander Phev (Toyota RAV4 Prime is going to be really hard to find until 2022)now this one enters the game.

Alex, an excellent review as always. Would you be able to do a comparo between XC90 and Teluride. I feel for most shoppers the Volvo is an overkill and Teluride will suit just fine.

Really nice interior and exterior

I want one so badly. Such a wonderfully executed car. Volvo for Life.

I've leased the 2020 XC-90 in the basic trim with the base engine to replace my 2017 MDX. I am quite pleased with my choice. The seats are leatheret but heated and I have the upgraded electronics with adaptive cruise control, self parking and heads up display. I find the handling and response of the 250 HP turbocharged 4 to be fine for most of my driving and better than that of the MDX. My only fault with the Volvo is the lack of rear USB charging ports. I test drove the Audi Q7 and found the ride quality to rougher than that of the XC-90. I am more interested in performance and feel of a vehicle than if it is luxury brand or not. Considering what the Volvo offers, it is a bargain compared with other 3 row crossovers.

Amber fan. Love the yellow on my Jeep XJ. Nice red, amber, white mix.

Perfect vehicle, wish i could afford it as a second hand in a few years XD

saw the new vw atlas on the road today, hopefully AoA will get that to review soon.

Thanks for another insightful review! As an owner of a 2016 XC90 T6 Momentum, I wonder what the take rate is on the XC90 configurations. Also, a comparison between the Momentum XC90 and the upper ends of the Highlander and Pilot lineups would be helpful. I’m obviously bias as a longtime Volvo guy but I very much like the serenity and solid feel of even the lowly Momentum trim. And thanks for mentioning the real world crash data and it’s influence on Volvo’s design.

5:40 Turbocharged, supercharged, and plug in hybrid?! Brilliant! I reckon that motor will live as long as her majesty - Land Rover Das very gut! - Mercedes Benz Mamma Mia ! Magnifico! - Fiat

I made a comment bout brand perception on your review of the Genesis G90. Had to change my acct name cause some dude sent me a rude message on facebook for sayin it. Thanks for the review tho.

Did he not mention the Large animal detection safety feature only Volvo has implemented? It's the main reason I'm looking for new Volvo reviews! Very important to have for Canadian drivers.

Can you give an update on any new info on the 2021 XC40? I'm in the market to buy a subcompact suv and can't decide between the XC40 or the X1. Or should I wait to see what the Genesis GV70 will be like.

19:23 ahh the Volvo 240 font, yeessss!

Turbo charged, supercharged, petrol electrified.... a tuners and mechanic's dream! Cant wait for volvo to throw in a diesel, jet, hydrogen, propane, coal and steam systems

This car so luxurious and high quality, and 439 horsepower with a 0-100 of 5,0 seconds. And it’s so relatable, much better then my BMW and Mercedes

Alex, you are the BEST. RE: amber turn signals. The ding dong Feds should make it a requirement that all cars have amber in the rear. They are required in the front and signaling from the rear is more critical than from the front so it is a no-brainer they should be amber in the rear. The rear turn signals in Europe, UK, Asia and other countries have been amber for at least 50 years. The other trend that has been going on for about 20 years and that Volvo has adopted, are useless "bumpers". At any speed above 3 miles/hour if the front or rear are impacted you are looking at thousands of repair cost. Anything above 10 mph the whole front or rear will just blow apart. The third row is for the kiddies. Great review.

Alex, I prefer the 240 wagon.

I honestly don't understand why the US doesn't mandate all cars should have amber turn signals. they are proven safer than brake-share/red turn signals

love from Punjab bai 🙏

The steering columns in Volvos are manual as a safety precaution. They don't want drivers to find themselves in an accident with no battery power and not be able to move the column out of the way.

I like amber rear turn signals. Looks colorful and it's safer. I watch your video just to learn the color of rear turn signals. Keep commenting on the color in your reviews. Thank you.

Whoa black betty! Amber Lamps!

Alex, re the cabin noise, in 2017 MDX, hybrid and non hybrid you reported 69 dB, how is this noisier than 71 db in Volvo????? I value your reviews for consistency, dont lose it.

Hi Alex, could you review of the MY 2022.5 XC90 which has a larger battery pack and a more powerful electric motor?

So Alex, do you think that we’ll see a redesign XC90 In 20221? If so, then I think I’ll wait instead of pulling the trigger now.

5:05 Oh Alex...😂 you sounded so triggered when you said that.

About the country club..... being an XC90 driver I’ll tell you we want to stand out from the German crowd. We are ok with the way they perceive us. Ultimately and secretively we feel we have made the the more intelligent and elegant choose in cars.

I'd be interested in how you think the Volvo stacks up to the Lexus RX 450h in reliability. I have a 450h and have had zero issues with it. It's a 2011 model year (I purchased it CPO in 2015) and it has never let me down. I live in Hawaii so we do get a lot of rain and have bad roads. Stiffer vehicles make for unpleasant long drives (I live on the Big Island so my trips can easily top 200 miles in a day). Thanks for your in-depth reviews. I really do learn much about your reviewed vehicles I didn't know.

No one will mention this? Ok then, I will - Alex flexing that “Safety dance” on the infotainment system! Nice attention to detail! 👍

Swedish-American amber turning light fan. :)

Love this car, but I am concerned about the radar system being so close to the driver. The amount of energy/radiation/frequency they put out are exponentially higher than that of a cell phone, which the debate is still out on for exposure effects. Are you able to speak to this in any way? I also hear the 2022 will be using Lidar and not Radar, but of course who really knows if that is true or not. Thanks for the great video and breakdown of this incredible car, the XC90's truly are one of the most beautiful and safe SUV's on the road today in my opinion.

Amber fan!!!!

You think it could tow a little 5x8 enclosed trailer?

I like how the headrests look “thin”. So many automakers make the headrests huge and deep and they look ugly.

Yep still the one to beat, and no other manufacturer has touched it yet!

Surprised to see Alex open this video talking about brand perception LOL. I always thought he was the one who cared more about value and the car itself...but great review nonetheless.

Great review as always Alex…first, turn signal colors? I couldn’t care less. If I can’t see it when I’m not in the car or while I’m driving, who cares. As long as they work. Wish it had a bigger battery/more range for the extra cost of the PHEV…bummer. Otherwise, great vehicle. I get the torque steer and oversteer in my RAV4 Prime for the same reason…not a great feeling…wish more power went to the rear…I prefer the manual steering wheel. I think it’s a safety issue too. I can easily move it out of the way to get in and out of the car if I’m in a closer driving position, which I do use do to my shorter legs and arms. With electronic adjusters, I either need to move the seats back (slow), or move the steering wheel electronically (also slow)….In a crash, I’m guessing having the manual ability to move the steering wheel helps with extrication. Not to make a blanket statement, but I find older folks and women with children (probably the larger category likely to buy this), would likely sit closer to the steering wheel (and of course me with my short legs and arms!…LOVE IT!

I'm an amber fan!

I read about a study that said that the effect that amber signals over red signals has was similar to the effect of adding the third brake light.

Alex, please review 2021 BMW X5 45e, similar performance but V6 and larger battery !

amber fan here, just checked my truck and it gots red turny blinkies. hmm but i do like the wY that looks

Alex, a question at 10:17 Doesn't a seat massage make the driver sleepy? Thank you for your review 🌻🌼🌷

Alex what do you drive?

Red turn signal makes people following behind you to second guess whether you are braking or turning. It’s odd that safety prioritized company took design over safety.

amber fan!!!

This thing saves your life, don't take it for granted;)

Amber lamps for sure. I feel red are not prominent when brake is pushed while signaling, especially the thin or small red signals. I would also go out to say red signals are hazard and should be not legal.

lol, this is a 200 k+ car in Denmark :) But it´s a great car, and when it get the google infortainment, it will be even more fantastic :)

Hi Alex. I actually leased a T8 XC60 back in 2018 based on your review. I've really fallen in love with the car in terms of both build quality and refinement. Only downside is that it didn't fully meet my electric power needs. Based on your new review, I feel like the new battery setup might do well. With my lease coming up in 2021, would you recommend getting another T8, or perhaps look into a Tesla model Y?

Why do i like cars that i can't buy??

What is wrong with me that I still like the previous generation? I know the tech is old but it seems like a solid car. I mean we owned one but it was totaled. I am considering a replacement but am still drawn to the old model with low miles. Any comments as to why someone should steer clear other than old and or lack of tech?