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Overview

Looking for something to break out of the cookie-cutter SUV mold but still need space for family and cargo?

I suggest the 2021 Volvo V90: It's beautiful, practical, fuel efficient, and luxurious—it really is the whole package.

Buyers can choose either a 250-hp turbocharged four-cylinder with front-wheel drive or a 316-hp turbo- and supercharged four-cylinder with all-wheel drive.

Are driver-assistance features interesting to you?

The V90 has them all, and what's more, they're standard across the lineup. If the idea of bailing on an SUV is still too much, consider the lifted and ruggedized V90 Cross Country (reviewed separately).

What's New for 2021?

Volvo's 90-series vehicles—the S90 sedan, V90 and V90 Cross Country wagons, and XC90 SUV—all receive a visual freshening for 2021, but the effect is subtle.

I 'am fine with that, since these Swedish fish are among the most beautiful vehicles in their classes.

Volvo is likely to continue offering two power-trains in the V90 wagon when it goes on sale this summer: I expect to see the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (called T5) and the turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (called T6) return.

An upgraded Bowers & Wilkins stereo system will be optional as well as a more effective cabin filtration system.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Although the fancier Inscription trim looks the most upscale, I prefer the R-Design's racier bodywork.

When it comes to the V90, most of the desirable features—a digital gauge display, panoramic sunroof, in-dash navigation, four-zone automatic climate control, and even a semi-autonomous driving mode—are standard.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Volvo offers two different versions of a four-cylinder engine in the 2020 V90.

The T5 is boosted by a turbocharger, makes 250 horsepower, and powers the front wheels.

The higher-powered T6 model comes with both a turbocharger and a supercharger, makes a potent 316 horsepower, and comes standard with all-wheel drive.

The V90 T6 Inscription needs 5.6 seconds to reach 60 mph; that's 0.2 second quicker than the V90 Cross Country with the same power-train but 0.8 second slower than the Mercedes-Benz E450 wagon.

Thanks to its lower ride height, the V90 is slightly more engaging to drive than the Cross Country.

However, there's a tradeoff to the additional sportiness: The V90's ride suffers compared with the lifted Volvo's, and it's nowhere near as creamy as that of the Benz.

Cornering capability is high, Braking, too, is confidence-inspiring: The V90 R-Design hauls itself down from 70 mph in a short 157 feet.

Fuel Economy

Front-wheel-drive T5 models are among the most efficient in the class, earning a 35-mpg highway figure from the EPA.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The vehicles in Volvo's lineup have some of the nicest interiors available, and the V90's is no different.

Supportive seats wrapped in leather (or a mix of leather and faux suede) offer plenty of adjustments.

The contemporary dashboard design looks rich with open-pore wood, real metal trim, and soft-touch padding.

2021 Volvo V90

All models come with a large panoramic sunroof, making the already spacious cabin feels even more so.

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Overall, the V90 has more than adequate interior room, although it can't match the Subaru Outback in that regard.

2021 Volvo V90

The V90 holds the same number of carry-on suitcases as the V90 Cross Country: eight behind the rear seats and 21 with them down.

2021 Volvo V90

The V90 benefits from added small-item storage beneath the cargo floor, but cubby space elsewhere in the cabin is merely average for the class.

2021 Volvo V90

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Sensus Connect infotainment system, although slow to boot up when you start the car, is an intuitive and simple interface.

It's displayed on a 9.0-inch vertically oriented touchscreen in all V90 models. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, in-dash navigation, and in-car Wi-Fi are all standard fare.

Volvo also provides all trims with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster that can be reconfigured to display a variety of information, including navigation.

2021 Volvo V90

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have crash-tested the V90(At the time of writing this post), but Volvo offers a significant amount of driver-assistance technology and passive safety features as standard equipment.

2021 Volvo V90

Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
Standard adaptive cruise control with a semi-autonomous driving mode
2021 Volvo V90

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Volvo offers completely average warranty coverage on the V90. It does, however, provide three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, which helps the V90 stand out in its small crowd of rivals. Only the Jaguar XF Sportbrake offers a better maintenance program.

Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
Power-train warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles.
2021 Volvo V90

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Saturday, September 26, 2020

2021 BMW X5 Review

Overview

In my eyes, a mid-size luxury SUV is at its best when it so effortlessly blends on-road driving satisfaction with modern technology and a posh cabin—and the 2021 BMW X5 does just that.

Three different power-trains are offered—including a plug-in hybrid model and a high-performance twin-turbo V-8—and the X5's road manners are decidedly athletic.

Its styling is attractive without being overly flashy, and the interior treats occupants with quality materials, comfortable seats, and a plethora of convenience and luxury features.

It faces heady competition from the likes of the 2021 Audi Q7, the 2021 Porsche Cayenne, and the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-class, but the X5 is a richly outfitted package well-equipped for the task at hand.

What's New for 2021?

For 2021, the X5's xDrive50i model has been replaced by the plug-in hybrid xDrive45e.

The new plug-in hybrid power-train consists of a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and an electric motor for a total output of 389 horsepower.

A 24.0-kWh battery pack is said to provide up to 30 miles of electric-only driving range. The regular 40i models also receive some light electrification in the form of a 48-volt hybrid system.

Otherwise, the X5 receives only minimal changes, such as now coming standard with SiriusXM satellite radio; the racier M50i model gains remote start and ventilated front seats.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

I love saving money almost as much as I love great performance, and that's why I think the xDrive40i is the X5 to buy.

With a zero-to-60-mph time of 4.8 seconds, it's got sports-sedan acceleration, comes with all-wheel drive, and is a relative bargain in this price class.

I'd recommend adding the Premium package for its head-up display, four-zone automatic climate control, remote engine-start capability, Harman/Kardon stereo system, wireless phone charging, and Wi-Fi hotspot.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

For 2021 there are now three distinct power-trains, each associated with a different X5 model. X5s wearing the sDrive40i or xDrive40i badge are powered by a 335-hp turbocharged inline-six.

The plug-in hybrid xDrive45e comes with a turbocharged inline-six and an electric motor that combine for 389 horsepower. The 40i manages a quick 4.8-seconds 0 to 60 mph.

Last but not least, the M50i's 523-hp twin-turbo V-8 enables it to rush to 60 mph in less than four seconds.

All three power-trains are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and none of them will leave drivers wanting for power in virtually any driving situation.

The X5's refined ride and stable handling are a big improvement compared with the previous-generation model, as is its steering, which feels more connected and direct but still not exactly what I'd consider sporting.

The Q7 still has the X5 beat in this area, but it's a close match. Pitch the X5 into a fast corner, and it holds on reliably and rewards the driver with a predictability that's missing from the GLE-class.

And if you need to tow, know that the X5's maximum towing capacity is a stout 7200 pounds no matter which engine it has.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The xDrive45e model comes standard with a 24.0-kWh battery pack that BMW claims is good enough for up to 30 miles of electric-only driving.

The X5 can use the battery to travel up to 84 mph without tapping the gasoline engine. The battery pack can be charged at home on 110-volt or 220-volt outlets or at public charging stations.

Fuel Economy

With the inline-six, the X5 is as fuel-efficient as the four-cylinder-powered version of the GLE-class and a tad more fuel-stingy than the four-cylinder Q7, according to the EPA.

With the V-8, its EPA ratings drop dramatically but still match the supercharged V-6 variant of the Land Rover Discovery.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Interior space is generous for adults in both the first and second row, but the X5's optional third row is for kids only.

Once settled inside, occupants are treated to a cabin lined with high-quality materials, plenty of charging points for devices, and—depending on the options chosen—myriad luxury features.

Power-adjustable front seats with memory for the driver are standard.

All models come with a power-adjustable steering column, heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power rear lift-gate, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and customizable ambient lighting.

Massaging seats, remote start, soft-close doors, acoustic glass, a leather dashboard, and heated front armrests and steering wheel can make the X5 feel like a high-end luxury SUV but add a lot of dough to the bottom line.

Speaking of expensive options, buyers can add a Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound audio system that features diamond-domed tweeters. The X5 offers plentiful cargo space.

With the rear seats in use, It manages to fit 11 carry-on suitcases behind the second row of seats.

With the rear seats folded—an operation that can be done from either the side or the rear of the SUV—It found room for 26 cases.

The Mercedes GLE matched the X5's result, case for case, but its rear seats aren't as easy to stow.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Twin 12.3-inch displays add a contemporary look to the otherwise restrained cockpit.

One serves as a digital gauge display—a feature that's becoming increasingly common among luxury automakers—and the other provides access to the infotainment system, which runs the latest version of BMW's iDrive software.

Users can control the system using a variety of methods, including gesture controls, which are less intuitive than just touching the screen or using the center-console-mounted rotary knob. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard.

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Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The BMW X5 earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) highest honor—Top Safety Pick+—but only received four stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

BMW offers basic driver-assistance features as standard, including automated emergency braking, but more advanced features such as a semi-autonomous driving mode are optional.

Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Standard lane-departure warning
Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
2021 BMW X5

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

BMW matches its main rivals Mercedes-Benz and Audi with similar warranty coverage but offers three years or 36,000 miles worth of complimentary scheduled maintenance to sweeten the deal.

Volvo buyers also get such a benefit, while the Buick Enclave offers longer power-train coverage.

Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
Power-train warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles.
2021 BMW X5

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Friday, September 25, 2020

2021 Lexus GX Review

Overview

Lexus's GX SUV has been around for a very long time, and although it doesn't follow the same formula as most modern luxury crossovers—it's built on a separate frame, like old-style, pickup truck-based SUVs—its charms lie in its off-road capability and quiet cabin.

Speaking of its cabin, the GX offers space for up to seven thanks to three rows of seats, so families can explore nature or take road trips in relative comfort.

A 4.6-liter V-8 is the only engine choice and, while it isn't particularly fuel efficient, it makes 301-hp and drives all four-wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Where the GX shows its age the most is in its available technology features.

An 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard, but the software interface isn't as up-to-date as in more modern Lexus models such as the LS and ES sedans or the UX subcompact SUV; it even lacks common connectivity features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

But aside from the Land Rover Defender, the GX is one of few options remaining in the mid-size luxury SUV segment that can legitimately be used off-road.

What's New for 2021?

Lexus has made few changes to its aging GX SUV for 2021, but it has added a Premium Plus trim between the mid-range Premium and top-spec Luxury models.

It comes standard with a power-operated third-row of seats and a Mark Levinson premium stereo system. The GX's infotainment system now offers Amazon Alexa compatibility. A heated wood-and-leather steering wheel is now optional on the Premium and Premium Plus models.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The base-model 2021 Lexus GX460 comes with enough standard features to please most buyers in this segment.

This SUV rolls on standard 18-inch wheels, and all models are equipped with exterior amenities such as automatic LED headlights, daytime running lights, illuminated running boards, and heated power-adjustable side mirrors with integrated turn signals.

Ten-way power-adjustable front seats and a power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering column are on hand to help you find an ideal position behind the wheel.

The cabin is also home to standard features such as keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, faux-leather upholstery, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

All GX SUVs comes with driver-assistance amenities such as blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assistance.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2021 Lexus GX continues to offer just one engine: a 4.6-liter V-8 that generates 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque. This power-plant is teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Lexus's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System is standard, and this setup aims to boost traction during off-road adventures. The GX cruises from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds.

However. An 2021 Audi Q7 with the available V-6 does the sprint in 6.1 seconds, and a BMW X5 xDrive50i covers the same distance in a scant 4.2 seconds. The GX exhibits relatively smooth handling on paved streets, but it is in its element when taken off-road.

Its sturdy underpinnings and 8.1 inches of ground clearance make this SUV an excellent choice for buyers who need a vehicle that's at home in the great outdoors. A 6500-pound towing capacity bolsters its versatility.

Fuel Economy

The GX won't win any awards for fuel economy. According to the EPA, this all-wheel-drive SUV achieves mileage of just 15/19 mpg city/highway. That puts it well behind rival luxury SUVs such as the Lincoln Aviator, which gets 17/24 mpg when equipped with all-wheel drive.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Lexus gave the GX its last full redesign all the way back in 2010, and this is perhaps my reason for the somewhat dated appearance of its cabin.

The interior is home to wood and leather that looks appropriately deluxe, but there are also some hard plastics that seem out of place in a vehicle in this price range.

Front-row passengers enjoy pleasant accommodations and a lofty seating position, but the second-row seats are surprisingly flat and hard, and the third row is a cramped space best left for kids.

To its credit, the GX does a great job of keeping road noise out of the cabin, and the interior remains tranquil even when the vehicle is being driven at high speeds.

This Lexus provides 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and 46.7 cubic feet behind the second. With the second and third rows folded, cargo space jumps to 64.7 cubic feet.

This is less room than you'll get in rival models such as the Audi Q7 (14.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 35.7 cubic feet behind the second, and 69.6 cubic feet behind the first).

Infotainment and Connectivity

The GX offers an appealing range of tech amenities. Base models come with a nine-speaker audio setup and an infotainment system governed by an 8.0-inch touchscreen.

Standard Bluetooth connectivity facilitates hands-free phone calls, and all models come with SiriusXM satellite radio.

The selection of available tech features includes a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system and integrated navigation.

The options list also includes a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.