Volvo makes a number of minor changes to the 2021 XC90 lineup. Every model now comes standard with front parking sensors, LED headlights that turn with the steering wheel, high-pressure headlight washers, wireless charging, two USB-C ports on the back of the center console, and the company's Care Key, which allows an owner to set limitations on the vehicle's top speed. The plug-in-hybrid T8 is now branded with the Recharge moniker..
Pros Stunning styling inside and out, impressive list of features, quick plug-in hybrid.
Cons Coarse-sounding gas engines, harsh ride on rough roads, plug-in hybrid isn't as efficient as rivals.
Low-key luxury lies in the 2021 Volvo XC90’s serene cockpit, in its strong acceleration, and in its gray-wool confines.
Pros Proudly Scandinavian, inside and out Simple and sophisticated interior Tablet-like touchscreen Lots of models and trims Great safety record and standard active tech
Cons Base powertrain lacks potency Some flimsy materials in the cabin Not a performance SUV
T8 plug-in hybrid model now known as Recharge.Minor changes to standard feature availability.
PROS Elegant interior and exterior styling Spacious second- and third-row seating Hybrid powertrain provides strong acceleration and high fuel economy Many standard safety tech features
CONS Some touchscreen controls can be hard to use Voice controls don't recognize natural speech very well
The hydrogen-fueled Nexo is Hyundai’s eco-friendly flagship, packed with state-of-the-art tech. Its 95-kW fuel cell and 40-kW battery power an electric motor that makes 291 lb-ft of torque. Although the crossover is slow (a claimed zero to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds), its estimated range is an impressive 370 miles. However, the Nexo will be sold only in California when it launches in late 2018. High-tech features include advanced blind-spot monitoring, semi-autonomous assists, and remote parking.
Pros Quiet operation, usable range, but . . .
Cons . . . nowhere to go because there is no hydrogen refueling infrastructure in the U.S., still expensive technology.
All-new five-passenger hydrogen fuel cell SUV.The 2019 Hyundai Nexo is a five-passenger SUV that uses a hydrogen fuel cell to charge a 135 kW series of lithium-ion polymer batteries. These batteries power a single electric motor (161 horsepower, 291 pound-feet of torque) that drives the front wheels.
Pros Promises 350-plus miles of range from a five-minute hydrogen fill-up Smooth, silent and torquey drive qualities of an electric vehicle SUV-like body style
Cons Only available in select areas of California Hydrogen availability is limited
