2026 Volvo XC90: A Seven-Seat SUV Built for Ontario Families

The 2026 Volvo XC90 continues its role as Volvo's flagship SUV, offering families in Hamilton and across Ontario a spacious seven-seat layout paired with advanced technology and proven safety systems. This mid-size luxury SUV balances comfort, capability, and efficiency through two distinct powertrain options: the B6 mild hybrid and the T8 plug-in hybrid.

Following updates introduced in late 2024, the XC90 features a refreshed interior with an 11.2-inch central touchscreen, improved suspension tuning, and enhanced cabin storage. These changes address feedback from existing owners while maintaining the design language that has made the XC90 a recognizable presence on Ontario roads.

Powertrain Options: Mild Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid

The 2026 XC90 offers two powertrain configurations, each addressing different driver priorities.

B6 Mild Hybrid

The B6 variant pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. This setup produces 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, delivering power through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels.

The mild hybrid system uses an integrated starter generator that recovers energy during braking and stores it in a 48-volt battery. This stored energy assists the engine during acceleration, reducing fuel consumption by up to 15 percent in real-world driving conditions. Fuel economy ratings stand at 11.5 L/100 km city, 9.0 L/100 km highway, and 10.4 L/100 km combined.

With a 71-litre fuel tank, the B6 provides extended range for longer trips across Ontario without frequent refuelling stops.

T8 Plug-in Hybrid

The T8 configuration adds an electric motor to the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, creating a combined output of 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. The 18.8 kWh battery pack (14.7 kWh usable capacity) enables up to 53 kilometres of electric-only driving range.

This electric range covers many daily commutes in the Hamilton area, allowing drivers to complete short trips without using gasoline. The system automatically switches between electric and hybrid modes based on driving conditions and battery charge level.

Charging the T8 takes approximately 5 hours using a standard 16-amp household outlet, 7 hours at 10 amps, or 12 hours at 6 amps. Fuel consumption in hybrid mode measures 9.1 L/100 km city, 8.6 L/100 km highway, and 8.9 L/100 km combined.

Updated Interior and Technology

The refreshed XC90 interior centres around an 11.2-inch touchscreen display running Google built-in services. This system integrates Google Maps for navigation, Google Assistant for voice commands, and Google Play for accessing compatible apps. The larger screen improves readability and touch responsiveness compared to the previous system.

Interior updates include a redesigned dashboard with a more horizontal profile, new vertical air vents, and decorative panels made from premium recycled materials. Volvo has added extra storage space in the centre console, including an additional cupholder, and repositioned the wireless phone charger behind the central tunnel for easier access.

The panoramic sunroof extends across the first and second rows, allowing natural light throughout the cabin. Standard interior illumination creates ambient lighting that adjusts automatically based on time of day.

Seven-Seat Versatility and Cargo Space

All XC90 models include three rows of seating with space for seven passengers. The second-row seats slide and recline to adjust legroom and comfort. The third row provides seating for two additional passengers, suitable for children or shorter trips.

Cargo capacity varies significantly based on seating configuration:

• Third row up: 302 litres (7-seat) or 356 litres (6-seat)
• Third row folded: 680 litres (7-seat) or 640 litres (6-seat with T8)
• All seats folded: 1,856 litres (7-seat) or 1,816 litres (6-seat with T8)

The power tailgate includes programmable height adjustment, useful when parking in garages with limited overhead clearance. Sensors around the tailgate opening detect obstacles during closing, and integrated lighting illuminates the cargo area for easier loading after dark.

Suspension and Ride Quality

The 2026 XC90 includes updated suspension tuning as standard. Each damper now adapts mechanically to current road conditions, adjusting compression and rebound rates to balance comfort and stability. This frequency selective damping system responds to road inputs without electronic intervention, maintaining consistent performance across different driving situations.

Optional air suspension adds electronic control and variable ride height. The system monitors vehicle, road, and driver inputs 500 times per second, adjusting damping and spring rates continuously. The air suspension can lower the vehicle by 20 mm for easier entry and improved aerodynamics at highway speeds, or raise it by 40 mm for additional ground clearance on rough surfaces.

Volvo has added extra sound insulation in select areas, reducing wind noise and road noise that reaches the cabin.

Safety Systems and Driver Assistance

The XC90 maintains Volvo's focus on occupant protection through both structural design and active safety features.

Collision Avoidance

The forward collision warning system uses radar and camera sensors to detect vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals ahead of the XC90. The system provides visual and audible warnings when it detects a potential collision, and applies automatic emergency braking if the driver does not respond.

This system operates during day and night conditions, adapting detection algorithms based on ambient lighting and object movement patterns.

Lane Keeping and Steering Assist

When the XC90 begins drifting from its lane without signalling, the lane keeping aid detects this movement and provides steering corrections to guide the vehicle back toward the centre of the lane. This system helps prevent unintended lane departures that could lead to collisions with oncoming traffic or roadside obstacles.

The blind spot information system (BLIS) monitors adjacent lanes for vehicles in the XC90's blind spots. If the driver activates the turn signal when another vehicle occupies the blind spot, BLIS provides subtle steering corrections to help maintain safe positioning.

Additional Safety Features

• Cross traffic alert detects vehicles approaching from either side when reversing, useful in parking lots where visibility is limited
• Oncoming lane mitigation prevents the vehicle from crossing into the path of oncoming traffic
• Run-off road mitigation uses steering corrections to help keep the vehicle on paved surfaces
• Pilot Assist provides adaptive cruise control with steering assistance on well-marked highways

Audio System Options

Three audio configurations are available:

High Performance Audio System

• 10 speakers
• 6 channels
• 220W output

Harman Kardon Premium Sound

• 14 speakers
• 12 channels
• 600W output
• Air-ventilated subwoofer

Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity Audio System

• 15 hi-fi speakers
• 15 channels
• 1,410W output
• Fresh air subwoofer
• Room transformation technology with four listening modes: Studio, Individual Stage, Concert Hall, and Jazz Club

The Bowers & Wilkins system uses advanced digital signal processing to recreate specific acoustic environments, allowing listeners to select the sound profile that matches their preferences.

Package Levels

Volvo structures the XC90 across three package levels, each building on the features of the previous tier.

Core

The entry package includes:

• Panoramic sunroof
• Google built-in services with 4 years of included data
• 12.3-inch digital driver display
• Leather upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Power driver and passenger seats
• Two-zone climate control
• BLIS and cross traffic alert
• High Performance audio system

Plus

Adds to Core features:

• Interior illumination, high level
• Air purifier with remote cabin pre-cleaning
• 360-degree camera system
• Harman Kardon Premium Sound (or upgrade to Bowers & Wilkins)
• Four-zone climate control

Ultra

Adds to Plus features:

• Ventilated Nappa leather front seats with massage function
• Head-up display
• Crystal gear shifter by Orrefors
• Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity audio system
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated rear seats

Dimensions and Specifications

The 2026 XC90 measures 4,953 mm in length, 1,923 mm in width (excluding mirrors), and 1,771 mm in height for the B6 (1,767 mm for the T8). The 2,984 mm wheelbase provides substantial interior space across all three rows.

Ground clearance measures 223 mm with standard suspension, or ranges from 212 mm to 252 mm with the optional air suspension system. Maximum towing capacity reaches 900 kg for both B6 and T8 variants when properly equipped.

The XC90 seats up to seven passengers with a total vehicle weight rating of 2,790 kg for the B6 and 2,950 kg for the T8.

Experience the XC90 at Volvo Cars Hamilton

The 2026 Volvo XC90 addresses the needs of families in Ontario who require seven-seat capacity, advanced safety features, and the flexibility to choose between conventional hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Visit our team at Volvo Cars Hamilton to explore the XC90's interior space, test the updated suspension, and learn which powertrain configuration suits your driving patterns.