Transportation

Car Review: 2016 Volvo XC90

Published

11 years ago

June 15, 2015

By Frank S. Washington
NNPA Columnist

SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (NNPA) – Now that Volvo has been left alone by its new Chinese owners, an opposite tack from its former corporate parent, the Swedish automaker can get back to being itself. That was evident here as Volvo unveiled its XC90 three row sport utility.

The 2016 Volvo XC90 is a significant new vehicle on several levels. It signals Volvo’s climb into the ranks of luxury automakers. It also signals technological advancements. And it is the beginning of a product onslaught that will make the 2016 XC90 the oldest vehicle in Volvo’s lineup by 2018.

First up is power. For the U.S. market, the XC will be propelled by 2.0-liter, four cylinder Drive E engines. There will be two versions: one for the 2016 Volvo XC90 T6, the second for the T8. But it is not what you think; both engines are identical technologically advanced 2.0-liter four cylinders.

The T6 engine had a supercharger and turbocharger working together on the 2.0-liter, four cylinder that made 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The T8 XC90 had what Volvo is branding a twin engine. The same four-cylinder power plant, this time rated at 313 horsepower, is combined with an electric motor. Together they make 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. The T8 is a plug-in hybrid; both engines were mated to eight-speed automatic transmissions.

All 2016 XC90s sold here will be all-wheel-drive models. But for fuel economy their AWD system will be front-wheel-drive based capable of sending half of the vehicle’s torque to the rear wheels when needed.

We test drove the T6 and the T8 and found neither lacking in power or agility. Handling was good, especially for a sizable sport utility with three rows of seats. And both of our testers had the top of the line air suspension.

The T6 got 20 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg combined. The T8 got 59 MPG in the city. Highway numbers were not available at the time of the test drive. The T6 could get from, zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds while the T8 could do it in 5.3 seconds and the pair have a top speed of 130 mph. Remember, both were hefty sporty utilities with curb weights of 4,627 pounds for the T6 and 5,059 for the T8. It was the low-end torque that moved them quickly from a standing start.

Still, neither felt overweight and both were fairly agile and they were well balanced as we drove through the mountains and canyons here with their twisting, tightly curved two lane roads. What’s more, the blowers enabled the T6 and the T8 to get up and over and through the mountain roads without the straining that normally comes with four cylinder engines at altitude. In addition, both the T6 and the T8 can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Although an official said Sweden was not considered in the development of the new XC90, we don’t think so. Gasoline costs somewhere in the neighborhood of $8 per gallon in the Scandinavian country as well as the rest of Europe. That had to play a role in the company’s development of high-powered, small displacement fuel efficient Drive E engines.

Blown power for the long hauls that come in the expansive United States combined with the fuel efficiency of small four cylinder engines, makes for a globe-gripping vehicle. The Drive E engine family includes diesels but the oil burners will not be sold in this market; at least, not yet.

However, no doubt Volvo used its American design studio in Camarillo, Calif., to imbue the 2016 XC90 with the sense of American luxury needed for it to take on the German and Japanese luxury competitors in this market.

The interior of the XC was concept car quality. It was airy and loaded with matted walnut wood trim that looked almost natural. There was also a trim level that featured aluminum and chrome appointments. The T8 even featured a handmade crystal shift knob. Plus, the XC90 has a top of the line audio system that features 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power. It includes an air-ventilated system in the wheel well that turns the entire interior into a giant subwoofer.

The seats were exemplary. They had what Volvo called an ergonomic shape that resembled the human spine. The XC90 took four years to develop; the seats took seven. Not only did they look good, like a pillowed new age office chair, they took up less space because they were thinner. Thus, they created more legroom for second and third row passengers.

We didn’t try them, but Volvo said the last row of seats, which folded creating a flat cargo floor, could accommodate someone 5’6” tall. The second row featured three individual seats with an optional child booster seat in the middle. All three could recline as well as slide forward, creating more space for third row passengers. The seats could be outfitted with adjustable side bolsters, seat cushion extensions and they had massage capability.

It was a digital interior. The 2016 XC90 had no knobs, save one, or buttons anywhere. There were steering wheel controls and what Volvo called the portrait screen. That screen controlled everything: climate, seats, media, navigation, phone – everything. Even the rear seat climate controls were digital. And the screen was based on infrared, thus, it detected what icon we were going to push when our finger got one milometer away. That means, Volvo said, that it could be operated while wearing gloves. To say that the premium audio system really thumped out sound is an understatement. It was something special.

Safety has long been Volvo’s hallmark. Those same spine-hugging seats had energy absorbing features to help prevent spine injuries if the XC90 runs off the road during an accident and experiences a hard landing. The sport utility will automatically brake at intersections when it detects an oncoming vehicle while making a left turn. And the XC90 will automatically brake when it encounters cyclists or pedestrians in front it.

Its adaptive cruise control will automatically follow the vehicle ahead in stop and go traffic. Acceleration, braking and steering are controlled automatically. The XC90 can park itself vertically or perpendicularly and four cameras will project a 360-degree view of the vehicle that includes elevation (you have to see it). The XC90 even has a rear collision warning system, in case somebody is going to hit you.

About the only quibble we’ve got is that Volvo says the control system is intuitive. We don’t know, there’s an awful lot to learn. Some sort of instructive software might not be a bad idea. All that new technology is wrapped in appealing sheet metal. Volvo’s grille has been returned to align the iconic arrow with the diagonal slash across the taller grille.

The DRLs form a “T” shape dubbed ‘Thor’s Hammer” that split the headlights. The XC90 has a clam shaped high hood. The beltline and shoulders were sharper and ran down the side connecting to more distinctive taillights. It was an understated elegance.

The XC90 signals that Volvo is back with a vision and the product to match it. What’s more, or worse for competitors, is that the Swedish automaker says it has more of the same type ground breaking products in the pipeline.

A special edition, 1,927 copies, signifying the year the company was founded is being delivered in June. The T6 goes on sale in July; the T8 follows in October. There are three trim lines for each model: Momentum, Inscription and R-Design. Base prices range from $48,900 to $71,600; neither includes a $995 freight charge.

Quality, safety and technology is what you expect from Volvo. It has been a long wait for the automaker to start funneling new products to market but we don’t think anyone is going to be disappointed. The challenge now is will Volvo put forth the marketing muscle, meaning money, to reclaim its niche in American car the market.

Frank S. Washington is editor of AboutThatCar.com.

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Business

Starting This Summer, California Car Buyers Can Get an Instant $3500 Off the Cost of Electric Vehicles

OAKLAND POST — Beginning later this summer, eligible Californians can receive a $3,500 rebate on new zero-emission vehicles with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of up to $50,000. Buyers purchasing qualifying used electric vehicles priced at up to $25,000 can receive a $1,750 rebate. The rebate will be applied directly at participating dealerships, allowing buyers to receive the discount immediately instead of waiting for reimbursement.

Published

3 weeks ago

July 26, 2026

bpusa-syndication

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

California residents purchasing their first zero-emission vehicle will soon be eligible for an instant rebate of up to $3,500 under a new state program aimed at making electric vehicles more affordable.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 168 on July 16, creating the MyFirstEV program as part of California’s 2026-27 state budget. The initiative dedicates $135.5 million in state funding for point-of-sale rebates, which participating automakers will match dollar for dollar. State officials said the combined investment will provide $270 million in savings for first-time electric vehicle buyers.

Beginning later this summer, eligible Californians can receive a $3,500 rebate on new zero-emission vehicles with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of up to $50,000. Buyers purchasing qualifying used electric vehicles priced at up to $25,000 can receive a $1,750 rebate. The rebate will be applied directly at participating dealerships, allowing buyers to receive the discount immediately instead of waiting for reimbursement.

“With our new instant rebate program for electric vehicles, we’re making it easier for families to drive clean, breathe clean, and keep more money in their pockets,” Newsom said in a statement.

The MyFirstEV program is part of a broader $600 million investment in California’s clean transportation economy included in the state budget. The funding package also provides $150 million for the Community Air Protection Program, $19.8 million for the Clean Cars 4 All program for lower-income residents, $35 million for clean off-road equipment through the Air Quality Improvement Program, $135.5 million for the Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project, and $130 million for the Carl Moyer Program to replace older heavy-duty engines with cleaner alternatives.

According to the governor’s office, the transportation investments are funded through Cap-and-Invest revenue and smog-abatement fees while maintaining a balanced state budget.

California continues to expand its zero-emission transportation network. The state surpassed 2.5 million cumulative zero-emission vehicle sales earlier this year, exceeding its original goal of 1.5 million sales by 2025. Officials also reported that California has more than 200,000 public and shared electric vehicle charging plugs statewide, in addition to an estimated 800,000 home charging stations.

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Featured

What Are the Five Pillars of Road Safety?

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — What makes road safety crucial in 2026? Investigate the pivotal measures communities are adopting to ensure public safety on roads. Get insights now!

Published

4 weeks ago

July 18, 2026

bpusa-syndication

Road safety is becoming one of today’s biggest public priorities

Road safety is becoming a growing public priority as communities invest in safer infrastructure, advanced vehicle technology, public education, and smarter enforcement to help reduce crashes and protect everyone who uses the road.

Every day, millions of Americans travel by car, walk through neighborhoods, ride bicycles, or use public transportation. Whether someone is driving, cycling, walking, or taking a bus, everyone shares a responsibility for making roads safer.

Although fatalities have continued to decline from recent highs, thousands of lives are still lost each year, keeping traffic safety firmly in the public spotlight. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that about 39,000 people died in traffic crashes in 2024.

Communities are responding with greater awareness, safer road designs, and renewed attention to everyday driving habits that reduce the risk of serious crashes.

What Are the Five Pillars of Road Safety?

Road safety doesn’t depend on one solution. Experts generally agree that reducing crashes requires improvements across several areas, from better road design to safer driving habits.

The five pillars focus on:

Road safety management
Safer roads and infrastructure
Safer vehicles
Safer road users
Effective post-crash response

Together, these areas provide a practical framework for:

Reducing crashes
Preventing serious injuries
Making travel safer for everyone

Communities Are Investing in Safer Roads and Transportation Infrastructure

The way streets, intersections, and crossings are designed influences how safely drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians move through an area. That’s why many communities continue to invest in projects that make everyday travel safer.

Common improvements include:

Better marked crosswalks
Traffic calming measures
Protected bike lanes
Improved street lighting
Upgraded traffic signals
Safer intersections
More visible road signs

These projects can be found on neighborhood streets as well as major roads. While they take time to complete, each improvement helps create a safer environment for everyone who travels:

By car
By bicycle
By public transportation
On foot

School Zones Continue To Receive Greater Safety Attention

School zones remain a major focus of road safety efforts because they bring together young pedestrians, school buses, cyclists, and heavy traffic at the busiest times of the day.

Many communities are lowering speed limits during school hours, improving crosswalk visibility, upgrading sidewalks, and adding flashing signs or crossing guards where needed. These measures encourage drivers to slow down and stay alert where children are most likely to be present.

Creating safer routes to and from school continues to be an important part of protecting children and improving everyday road safety.

Advanced Vehicle Safety Technology Is Becoming More Common

Modern vehicles include more safety features than ever before. While no technology can prevent every crash, many systems help drivers recognize hazards sooner or reduce the severity of a collision.

The common safety technologies being built into cars are:

Automatic emergency braking
Blind spot monitoring
Lane departure warnings
Adaptive cruise control
Rear cross traffic alerts
Driver attention monitoring
Parking and surround view cameras

Automotive safety features work best alongside responsible driving habits, providing an extra layer of protection when unexpected situations arise on the road.

Traffic Enforcement Is Becoming More Data-Driven

Communities are using crash data to better understand where collisions happen most often and where additional safety measures may be needed.

The findings can shape decisions about:

Speed enforcement
Traffic signal timing
School zones
Pedestrian crossings

Rather than taking the same approach everywhere, attention can be focused on locations with the greatest need.

The goal is simple: reduce crashes before they happen by directing resources where they can have the greatest impact.

Public Education Campaigns Are Promoting Safer Road Behavior

Public education campaigns encourage people to make better decisions every time they travel, whether they’re driving, cycling, or walking. Many campaigns focus on simple reminders such as:

Avoiding distracted driving
Wearing seat belts
Following speed limits
Watching for pedestrians and cyclists
Driving sober

Small changes in everyday behavior can make a meaningful difference over time. When more people understand the risks and develop safer habits, everyone benefits from a safer transportation system.

Knowing Your Rights Matters After a Serious Road Accident

Even with safer roads, improved vehicle technology, and greater public awareness, serious crashes can still happen. When they do, knowing what steps to take next becomes just as important as understanding how to stay safe.

Seeking medical attention, documenting the scene when possible, and understanding your legal rights can help people make informed decisions during a stressful time.

Individuals with questions about injuries caused by another person’s negligence may also choose to speak with Shull + Klenda personal injury lawyers to better understand the options available to them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Are Road Traffic Accidents Still So Common?

Road accidents happen for many reasons, including:

Speeding
Distracted driving
Impaired driving
Poor weather
Driver fatigue

Even small mistakes can have serious consequences, making safer travel an ongoing public priority.

Who Are the Most Vulnerable Road Users?

Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and children are among the most vulnerable because they have less physical protection than people inside vehicles. Many safety improvements are designed with these road users in mind.

How Can Communities Make Residential Streets Safer?

Better lighting, clearly marked crosswalks, lower speed limits where appropriate, traffic calming measures, and school zone improvements can all make residential streets safer. Community feedback also helps identify areas where additional improvements may be needed.

Why Is Defensive Driving Important?

Defensive driving encourages motorists to stay alert, anticipate potential hazards, and leave enough space to react when unexpected situations arise. These habits can reduce the likelihood of collisions even when other road users make mistakes.

What Should You Do If You’re Injured in a Road Accident?

Your priority should always be getting medical attention. It’s also important to document the incident when possible, report the accident if required, and understand your legal rights before making decisions about the next steps.

Road Safety Remains a Shared Responsibility

Road safety banks on more than traffic laws or new technology. Thoughtful planning, responsible driving, and informed decisions all play a role in protecting drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians every day.

Discover more local stories, transportation updates, and public safety news on our site.

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Alameda County

Ferry Fares to Increase July 1 as Ridership Hits Record Highs

The Oakland and Alameda routes will increase from $4.90 to $5.10, the South San Francisco route will go up from $7.40 to $7.60, and the Vallejo route will increase from $9.90 to $10.

Published

2 months ago

June 24, 2026

Oakland Post

Courtesy photo.

By Mike Aldax, The Richmond Standard

Starting July 1, the standard adult fare for the San Francisco Bay Ferry route between Richmond and San Francisco will increase to $5.20, up from the current $4.90.

Discounted fares for eligible passengers, including youth, seniors, people with disabilities, and Clipper START users, will rise to $2.60 from the current $2.40. Children under 5 will continue to ride for free.

The Oakland and Alameda routes will increase from $4.90 to $5.10, the South San Francisco route will go up from $7.40 to $7.60, and the Vallejo route will increase from $9.90 to $10.

The adjustments are part of a systemwide fare update approved by the agency’s Board of Directors, which is moving away from a flat 3% annual increase to route-specific pricing for the 2027 and 2028 fiscal years.

This fare update arrives as San Francisco Bay Ferry celebrates a historic May, transporting 301,270 passengers. The record-breaking figure represents an 8% increase over May 2025 and marks the third consecutive month of record-setting ridership.

Furthermore, it is the sixth month in a row that passenger numbers have exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Weekend travel has been a primary driver of this growth, with average weekend ridership seeing a 56% increase compared to pre-pandemic trends.

The agency states that the fare adjustments are necessary to ensure the long-term fiscal sustainability of public ferry services. By shifting to route-specific adjustments, the agency aims to offset rising operating costs while maintaining the high levels of service frequency and reliability.