Too Old for Skinny Jeans and LEDs
The biggest change for the 2013 XC90 is the application of more paint. Specifically, most everything that was previously black plastic on the exterior—the lower bumper trim, rocker panels, and fender flares—is now painted body color. Volvo also threw some LED daytime running lights at the XC90’s front end and added LED taillights, but the effect is about as successful as your dad squeezing into a pair of skinny jeans. Just as he’s probably not going to be mistaken for Justin Bieber, the LEDs do little to bring Volvo’s large SUV into this decade. Non-R-Design XC90 3.2 models also get some new silver and chrome exterior trim.
Last year’s 3.2 and R-Design models carry over for 2013. Each can be had in base, Premier Plus, and Platinum trim levels. The entry-level XC90 3.2 gets aluminum interior trim standard, and Premier Plus and Platinum 3.2s get standard “Sovereign” leather seating and wood interior trim standard; a wood-trimmed steering wheel is optional. The R-Design continues to offer XC90 buyers a sportier option, with a unique grille, wheels, steering wheel, gauges, and an “R” logo embossed on the seats. All 2013s now come standard with rain-sensing windshield wipers and headlight washers. Both the 3.2 and R-Design are powered by the same 240-hp, 3.2-liter inline-six, and both come standard with front-wheel drive; a Haldex all-wheel-drive system is optional. Sadly, the XC90’s neat Yamaha-designed V-8 engine was discontinued for 2012.
Big Money
Despite only changing a few things, Volvo has increased prices for all XC90 models for 2013. A base, front-wheel-drive 3.2 will cost $40,395, or $1120 more than last year. Premier Plus and Platinum 3.2 models get a $2420 price bump to $42,895 and $45,595, respectively. The R-Design’s three trim levels, in order, now command $43,195, $43,595, and $46,295; all three prices represent $1120 increases. All-wheel drive will set you back $2000 on all XC90s. The 2013 XC90 is available now.
