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2013 Volvo XC90: What Is It?

XC90 is Volvo’s flagship SUV. A staple in the brand’s lineup for more than a decade, XC90 is a crossover that seats up to 7 passengers.

Competitors to this Swedish-built SUV include the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Buick Enclave, and Infiniti JX.

2013 Volvo XC90: What’s New

According to Volvo, model-year 2013 brings, “the most significantly updated XC90 since its launch a decade ago as one of the first luxury crossover SUVs.” It’s tough to spot the differences at first glance, though. The exterior styling and interior trim see a few tweaks. The drivetrain and model lineup are basically unchanged.

2013 Volvo XC90: Model Lineup, Features, and Options

Returning for 2013 are the base XC90 3.2 and sport-themed 3.2 R-Design. Standard equipment includes dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air conditioning with manual controls, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, leather upholstery, HD Radio receiver, rain-sensing wipers, and heated headlight washers. One of the more unusual standard features is a child booster seat that’s integrated into the 2nd row.

The R-Design model adds specific interior trim, steering-linked bi-xenon headlights, and a load-leveling sport suspension.

Both models offer Premier Plus and Platinum option packages. The former includes a few small detail items on the R-Design, but on the base 3.2 it includes upgraded leather upholstery, wood interior trim, and steering-linked headlights. The Platinum Package adds a navigation system, rearview camera, and an upgraded audio system.

Ordering the Premier Plus or Platinum package opens up access to the Climate Package, which includes heated front seats and an upgraded cabin air filter.

Among the few standalone options are blind-spot alert, dual-screen DVD entertainment, and special paint.

2013 Volvo XC90: Engines, Transmissions, and Drive Wheels

All XC90s come standard with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional.

The sole engine and transmission are a 240-horsepower 3.2-liter inline 6-cylinder engine and 6-speed automatic, respectively.

Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.

2013 Volvo XC90: Fuel Economy

EPA estimated fuel economy for the 2013 Volvo XC90 is 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway, regardless of drive wheels.

In our testing, we hit the EPA city figure right on the nose in a test that was almost exclusively conducted in urban driving conditions.

2013 Volvo XC90: Safety Features

The 2013 Volvo XC90 includes a standard complement of expected and federally mandated safety features. Blind-spot alert is optional on all models.

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