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Volvo XC90

18K views 60 replies 22 participants last post by  E92Vancouver 
#1 ·
#2 ·
I feel XC90 is more like a direct competitor to Infiniti QX60?

It has a more comfortable internal with heavier body and slower performance, similar to QX60.

But I do like how Audi picks up latest technology, Audi has been demoing Android Auto for a while already... Acura needs to learn this.. even siri-eyes free is only just happening this year on 16 MDX and doesn't work with Android Google Now.. what the heck..
 
#3 ·
I have been on the fence about a 2016 MDX. Joining this forum has really changed my opinion! from positive to negative.... just the troubles than remain un-fixed (screen problems, rear suspension, fuel pump noise, etc) and every dealer branding problems as Normal! I now(last 2 months) have spent an enormous amount of time reviewing the XC90.... so much so, I will probably be ordering an Inscription in the next couple of days! I don't like buying a 1st year vehicle, but I need a larger SUV than my current GLK for traveling! The bonus is my dealer(promised me) will refund my down payment on the XC90, should I decide that I don't like it on arrival!
The MB ML350 is still in the running, but same old tired dash.... The BMW x5 rear seats don't fold flat:headshake (dog crate needs to be flat, lol!) and Audi is a year away!
 
#8 ·
ML will be replaced end of the year with an all new model called the GLE350 (Benz is renaming all of their SUV's except for the G class).
 
#4 ·
I haven't seen the new XC90 in person yet but from the pictures I'm not a fan at all of the exterior styling of it but maybe it's better in person. I haven't read any reviews regarding its performance yet so I don't know how it compares to the MDX from an acceleration and handling perspective but those are both important attributes to me - as is the styling. I also wonder how the engine will hold up reliability-wise since it's a 4 cylinder turbo'd and supercharged pulling a fair amount of weight.

If this new XC90 was available when I bought the 2014 MDX I would have checked it out but at the time the XC90 was the old (and tired) one that was outdated in all respects and not anywhere close to a contender for the MDX. It makes sense to cross-shop the new XC90 with the new MDX since they're aiming for the same market space.

I'm still happy with my 2014 MDX - which hasn't had any of the issues 'some' people have reported here (which can give readers a skewed perspective).
 
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#5 ·
I'm sure my opinion is somewhat biased as I'm an MDX owner, however I have no doubt in my mind that the Volvo forums will light up with many of their own issues when the new model comes out. Just like BMW, VW, Audi and Mercedes have. They all have their own issues. You gotta figure that with Acura selling over 53K MDX's in 2013 and over 65K MDX's in 2014 (and pushing 15K this year) that even though the vast majority are happy owners, there are going to be some disgruntled owners that got a car built on Friday afternoon before a three day weekend. I am very happy with mine and would do it again if I were doing it all over.
 
#6 ·
I was seriously looking at the xc90 but in the end the MDX won out. It cost thousands less than the base price of the xc90 and has a much better reliability track record than it as well. And certainly didn't want to be the first year guinea pig for a volvo product but I really liked the interior.
 
#7 ·
Having a 2015 MDX Advanced I don't know if I will be purchasing my 3rd one when its time to get rid of this one. I agree with the Fuel Pump noise being a reminder of an annoying problem you have to listen to in a $57,000 SUV. Just about every thing that has been reported on the 2014 MDX on her has showed up in mine with no fix for most of the items in an SUV that has 3000 miles on it. I don't know how Volvo would address the same problems but I would hope better than Acura. It will be interesting to see what people find in the new Volvo and see if our expectations are just higher than they should be or do all new cars just have poor quality control. I'll be looking around in a couple of years if nothing else to get rid of this chirping noise.
 
#12 ·
I also considered XC90 before getting into 4th MDX. I really like the new Volvo, but it has not hit the showrooms yet. Volvo's reliability is not in top 10, so getting a first year model was a risk I did not want to take. I truly hope it succeeds. Will revisit this in 3 years.

Meanwhile, I think MDX continues to be the best bang for the buck in 7-seater cross-over category. With '16 Q7 turned into a station wagon, XC90 may become a worthy competitor. Especially, when T8 comes to US (and costs under 60k after a year or two).
 
#14 ·
Volvo chinese owned

Don't forget, the Volvo automobile division is now Chinese owned!!! Volvo tractors are still Swedish owned, but this alone is a concern for me personally. Despite the autos still being manufactured in Sweden, Chinese corporate to me is pretty scary. I've throughly enjoyed the '14 X and think it is a great value as compared to like models. Do like the X5, but way too small for cargo I transport (drum sets), and the forthcoming Q7 design is a shame, looking like a Passat wagon!!
 
#16 ·
Don't forget, the Volvo automobile division is now Chinese owned!!! Volvo tractors are still Swedish owned, but this alone is a concern for me personally. Despite the autos still being manufactured in Sweden, Chinese corporate to me is pretty scary. I've throughly enjoyed the '14 X and think it is a great value as compared to like models. Do like the X5, but way too small for cargo I transport (drum sets), and the forthcoming Q7 design is a shame, looking like a Passat wagon!!
Have you looked at who makes the various parts of any of your cars?

While the MDX is US-built, US-designed (I believe), and many parts (~65%) are US-sourced, that doesn't mean that the navigation system is built here.

The Volvo cars are still produced in Europe, although the S60 long-wheelbase will be exported to the USA from China (I believe).

But didn't we all have this dialog back in the 1970s and 1980s with Japan?

And now Japan is outsourcing production to Malaysia, Thailand, China, etc.
 
#22 ·
Explain please about Volvo touchscreen and how it is different than MDX.
Objectively, the XC90 screen at 9" is larger than the MDX one fwiw. And from the Car And Driver review link kindly provided by a poster earlier in this thread -
Yet the smartest aspect of Sensus isn’t the user interface, but the hardware. By providing enough processing power to keep up with your swipes and taps, Volvo excels where several have failed. Pay attention, Cadillac.
...I'm quoting this because on the MDX there have been some complaints about the speed performance of the Nav - like the delay when typing on the keyboard. I haven't played with their screen or even researched it so I don't know which would be better but I don't think the MDX sets the bar very high on this attribute.

But one thing I really like about the MDX design in this area is the placement of the Nav screen. It's up high without 'being in your face high' (like some of the pop-up variety) for less distraction than looking down lower in the stack and taking one's eyes that much more off the road. The XC90 one seems on the low side.

XC90 is not a direct competitor to Acura MDX since the bare bone model starts at $50K while MDX's top model is at $57K.
I think it's a direct competitor due to the type of vehicle it is and since the prices are in the ballpark with the MDX - i.e. within about 10%. Like the MDX, there's no true 'basic' model - even the lowest model is well equipped. I didn't compare all the features for a true apples/apples comparison since I have no plans to buy one but from their website it looks like it's -

* XC90 (AWD)
- Base: $48,900
- R-Design (goofy name): $52,900
- Inscription: $54,500

* MDX (AWD)
- Base: $44,865
- Tech: $49,290
- Advance: $55,080

That's close enough to at least consider it unless one is looking for only the most base model of the MDX. Also, like lindros2 said, these are MSRP prices so the 'out the door' price on both a purchase and a lease adds some variable as does their 'willingness to deal' and margins and holdbacks and incentives, etc.

The above is just based on cost/features - I have no idea how the XC90 would compare when it comes to acceleration and handling.
 
#23 ·
MDX tops out at $57,080

XC90 Trim Levels

T6 AWD Momentum: $60,700
T6 AWD R-Design: $65,200
T6 AWD Inscription: $66,800
T8 PHEV AWD R-Design: $73,400
T8 PHEV AWD Inscription: $75,000

The pricing category for XC90 is above the MDX. The MDX may offer value, but I don't think it is really a direct competitor. And I don't think XC90 is worthy of this price range. If I have to buy something at this price range, I would look elsewhere.

Edit: XC90 listed above is Canadian market. Canadian MDX tops out at $65,000.
 
#36 ·
Well, for me at least, there is just something about saying, "I drive a Volvo" that doesn't give me goosebumps.....Again, it's just me, but I like to think a car is an extension of one's personality and I'm not a Volvo I guess. I conjure images of gramma's old ugly orange boxy sedan and her telling me how safe it is. Or like this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSMCa-Etzmc


That being said, the pics in sgtglok's link are very impressive. A beautiful looking car for sure. But still a Volvo. Again, no attacks please, just my opinion and we all seem to have one on this forum...:D
 
#41 ·
The only thing Acura has the Volvo beat is price. Which other carmaker can offer the acurawatch package (similar safety tech) at $56k (current prices dealers are offering the advanced for)?

BMW comparably equipped: 66k
Infiniti comparably equipped: 57k
Volvo comparably equipped: 58k

Lexus: Has no direct competitor. RX is a 5 passenger vehicle.
MB has no direct competitor as the ML/GLE only has 5 seats and GL has 7 but is a larger vehicle in both physical specifications and $$$$.
Audi doesn't offer anything as their products are influx new generation and the current one has nothing in line with safety tech minus a adaptive cruise and bsm.

BTW the ML is going through it's mid cycle refresh and new moniker but same ole product.

Infotainment systems currently in use by Honda products are garbage. Excellent idea terrible execution. Will it get better? For sure the sheer amount of outrage this gen of Honda/Acura owners has probably got the ball rolling in the next wave of products.

The German automakers are the standard for infotainment currently. Previously it was Honda and Toyota who had good systems and the Europeans were terrible. But the tides have turned.

BMW IDrive: Very snappy, Ultra high res display (at least for a car display). Handwriting recognition, 4G LTE, both phone based and car based voice recognition work.

MB Command: Very old, outdated in the ML. The new S, C have a very advanced system, with almost the same useability as the Idrive unit. Only problems that I can knock it with is thats it not offered in too many vehicles.

Audi MMI: The q7 screen is old. The next gen moves to touchpad and knob but its on a whole new level. The system takes the instrument cluster and MMI screen and integrates that into two physical seperate but UI connected. Again I would have loved a bigger screen for the MMI, but since they make the instrument cluster an additional screen for only the driver cannot complain. Google Earth was already a feature with this system from the start so makes it even more amazing now. Plus for all those in the know, this one utilizes Nvidia hardware guts so it can really pack a punch.

The basics of infotainment systems is objectified by the phrase "it just works". If your system doesn't make 90% of users say that after using it, its crap.

With the Acura system, the hardware is slow.
-I mean iPhone 3G after iOS 4 was installed. It needs more compute power.
-Next off the interface needs to be standardized. It makes no sense to have 2 separate displays. Keep one large one and be done. Touchscreen and knob.
-Next update the screen to have at least iPhone 4 ppi.
-Get a higher density maps db.
-Integrate CarPlay and Android Car from the get.

With the Volvo system its a ground up interface.
-Tablet screen with a home button. One click and your back at the most important functions of the system
-Dedicated ribbon for climate
-Snappy response due to hardware and also IR scanners that "sense" where your finger is and what the system is displaying at any moment
-Gestures on the screen mimic a common tablet (so theyre playing on familiarity most drivers have nowdays)
-The Instrument cluster is no longer analog. Its also a screen that can display the most pertinent information that you need along a journey like maps etc.
-Glove compatible.

The Materials that have been previewed are far more premium. Leather wrapped dash, crystal gear shift level, the texturing on the leather. Again these are all materials and design that are necessary for a premium CUV.

The engines also produce 315 HP and 290 Lbs from a 4 cylinder with DI/FI. Due note the DI "ticking" sound that everyone has posted here is also there. However since the XC90 is a modern design the interior NVH is far more refined and thus you cant hear it. 8 speed is I believe from Asin (not sure on that).

Driving experiences most reviewers are in the same spot. Compliant ride but wont win over an X5, Cayenne. However I think that could change with the adaptive suspension they are planning to offer.

Driver safety tech is bar none. Its a volvo lol
 
#44 ·
-True that FI/DI is complex, but all "real" modern engines are going this method. The MDXs current engine is technically still an older engine with the added benefit of DI. Currently all DI engines face the issue of carbon buildup due to higher heat cycling. Now in the old days with MPI, one run of some detergents like PEA would cure that. But since DI is placed further in the cylinder carbon buildup cannot be easily removed. So reliability with DI is not really something which is bulletproof. The only real solution that automakers have come with is something like Toyota's D4S where they use Port and Direct injection. Plus with a brand like Toyota who was notoriously late to the FI game joining the ranks, I don`t see Honda holding out with their engine development. Next generation MDX will have a turbo.
 
#43 ·
Most of the MDX buyers are looking for value and reliability. Price is one of their reason they bought the MDX, if not the main reason.

The only comparable you SUVs you mentioned is the Qx60 at the same price point. But early CVT issues drove people away from it. But it is still selling well and I see alot of them here in Socal. I had a friend who had the whole transmission replaced after driving the car for a week after buying it.

Of course, you want better tech, better pay for it.

For me, the infotainment screen is serving its purpose.





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#45 ·
Most of the MDX buyers are looking for value and reliability. Price is one of their reason they bought the MDX, if not the main reason.

The only comparable you SUVs you mentioned is the Qx60 at the same price point. But early CVT issues drove people away from it. But it is still selling well and I see alot of them here in Socal. I had a friend who had the whole transmission replaced after driving the car for a week after buying it.

Of course, you want better tech, better pay for it.

For me, the infotainment screen is serving its purpose.



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Not gonna like when I heard infiniti was making a MDX competitor I jumped for joy. However when I heard their sport CUV would have a CVT, I was put off. Thank god, the CVT horror stories are plentiful. Plus the infotainment system, although very simple to use and works well, is getting old in the tooth.

Well to be honest a volvo isnt that far off in terms of $$$ to an advanced sticker price. Plus you can pick it up in gothernsburg for an European Delivery. However when all is said, sticker prices are for suckers so lol
 
#46 ·
I'm an IT guy, but I guess I'm old school. I don't care for latest mobile gadgetry in my TV, in my phone, or in my car. I never cared for real wood, leather stitching, LED lighting -- all those "must-haves" of a premium SUV. While I do appreciate them all (more or less) when offered at no extra cost, I refuse to pay a dime extra to get them, especially when bundled with other "luxury must-haves" I care even less for. It's why MDX, year after year, wins me over. I took a brake for 3 years and got RX, and after 6 months I was done and ready to move on. It's a dull driving, "high quality" appliance, no matter how many spindles Lexus adds to it. Even if it offers a 3rd row in the next generation. I was ready to give Q7 a chance, even with much dated tech, but it surprised me (less usable interior space, less leg room in second row, harder to get into 3rd row, harsher ride, tiny storage compartment). X5 was a close call, but with 3rd baby on the way, the 3rd row is no longer an extra, it's a must have, and X5's expensive add-on was not justifiable for a permanent use.

Too bad Volvo XC90 did not arrive sooner. I was very interested in at least giving it a chance before jumping into another MDX. But I'm also skeptical about twin turbo 4-banger and want it to proof itself in US. I figured 3 years is enough time to let the 1st gen pioneers do the testing. I truly hope it succeeds. When 4 years ago Infinity announced JX35, I was waiting with excitement... and CVT on wheels came out. If only they made it drive like FX.
 
#47 ·
True the Lexus pre-l-finnese was a nice appliance. However if you have a chance try it out the new NX F-Sport. Very competent ride for an SUV gunning for the X3. Again no DHP (adaptive suspension) and RWD but sure does make you believe in the brand again. Materials are quite expensive, both visually and physically. Wish they didnt handicap the options list (Cannucks get adaptive suspension as an options but not the US??). Lexus sure knows what alot of people are after in the CUV market, visual flair, driving experience that you can carve canyons, and a price that wont make you cry

The RX350 2016 is launching with a more powerful engine and adaptive suspension for the F-sport. Competition in the 2 row segment is surely heating up.

The infiniti brand is lost without De Nyschen (former audi). It needs to figure out whether they want to be performance oriented or not.
 
#49 ·
This forum could use a couple active mods.

Keeping on topic. Pending a test drive and all that - if the xc90 was out already; I probably would've got it instead of the 16 MDX. The three row SUV market is pretty crappy IMO.

The infinitis are ugly as hell. How much chrome colored plastic can you slap on a car? How bubbly and bulbous can one go? The there's the part that it's made by Nissan.... :28::28:

The Lexus GX, and the LX for that matter hasn't had any update aside from styling refreshing in forever. :28:, which sucks because I personally love the Lexus product. As a vehicle and thier customer experience.

The Q7 is in the same boat as the Lexus products. :28:

I do like the MB GL, but I'm not willing to pay the premium for the options packages on that ride.

Then you're left with the Americans.... In which the Durango is the best choice IMO. Even if you don't like it, it knows it's place... Unlike the GMC/Chev three rows who want 60-70k when you start adding options.
 
#51 ·
It's funny how all things I see on the Internet about Lexus recent redesigns are negative - but their public sales figures are really high and the dealership local to me is crammed with people. When I bought my Lexus last week there were easily 25 others taking delivery in and outside of thier delivery garage.
 
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