The 2020 Volvo XC90 Hybrid comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed automatic.Lightly refreshed exterior design.Six-seat option available for T6 and T8 Momentum and Inscription models.Digital driver display and road sign identification now standard.Expected increase in EV range for T8 plug-in hybrid.
Pros Elegant interior and exterior styling Precise handling that inspires confidence Spacious second- and third-row seating for a midsize SUV Many standard safety technology features Available as a plug-in hybrid
Cons Overly busy ride quality for a vehicle in its class Comes up short in performance and real-world fuel economy Some touchscreen controls can be hard to use
The XC90 receives a visual freshening for 2020 by way of a new grille and front bumper; Volvo also has restyled the XC90's wheels. Base Momentum models now come with low-profile roof rails and integrated tailpipes while sporty R-Design models swap matte silver exterior trim for gloss black. All XC90 models now come standard with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, R-Design and Inscription trims gain front parking sensors as standard, and Volvo has tweaked the operation of both the rear cross-traffic alert feature and added active-steering support for the City Safety driver-assistance feature.
Pros Sleek exterior, chic cabin, a plethora of standard driver-assistance features.
Cons Unrefined engine sounds, flinty ride, laggy infotainment response upon startup.
The 2020 Volvo XC90's #11 ranking is based on its score within the Luxury Midsize SUVs category. Currently the Volvo XC90 has a score of 7.6 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 39 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros First-rate cabin materials Spacious seating and cargo areas Many standard tech and safety features Good fuel economy
Cons Poor predicted reliability rating Tepid performance from base engine Jittery ride when equipped with larger wheels
The 2018 Nissan Rogue may not be very exciting, but it checks all the right boxes—and then some—for most family needs.
Pros Lots of standard safety tech Can drive itself, at least a little Great interior space utilization Rides well Optional hybrid
Cons Light on power Transmission drones on and on Hardly fun to drive Base model looks very basic Hybrid’s not that thrifty
The 2018 Nissan Rogue ranked #10 in Compact SUVs. Currently the Nissan Rogue has a score of 8.1 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 44 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Upscale interior Spacious, versatile cargo area Top-tier gas mileage Lots of advanced safety features, even in base model
Cons Underpowered engine Noisy transmission
For most uses — commuter, family and recreational — we'd recommend the SV trim with the optional Premium package. The latter adds useful features such as a surround-view camera system, navigation and a power liftgate. You also get some of the SL trim's more desirable items without the larger wheels that can detract from the ride quality.
PROS Front seats are comfortable on long drives Ride quality remains comfortable over varying terrain Tech options and features are user-friendly Cargo space is vast and versatile
CONS Outward visibility is poor Transmission responds slowly and with an annoying "surge" feeling Acceleration is weak and listless
