Volvo recommends using premium 91 unleaded octane or higher to get the maximum performance from the Volvo XC90.
The recommendation is 91 unleaded octane or higher, but you can use regular 87 unleaded octane on T5 or lower models. However, if you have a T6 engine, then it is important to use premium fuel that is 91 unleaded octane or higher. Volvo service stations usually assist you in choosing the best fuel for your car.
Volvo XC90 basics
The XC90 is a 7-seater Volvo SUV. It is a big SUV with a large engine that requires high-quality fuel. The car is built on a big SPA platform, which gives it a good balance and fuel efficiency. The engine is also designed for premium gas. There used to be a diesel option, but it was discontinued for environmental reasons.
XC90 trim levels
The XC90 comes in three trim levels: T5, T6, and T8 twin engines. The T5 trim level has a 71-liter (18.8 US gallons) fuel capacity. It has an In-line straight engine with 4 cylinders. Every cylinder has 4 valves. The engine is a 2.0L Turbo Petrol-based engine, which gives an outcome of 245 PS. It gives a fuel economy of almost 7.7 L/100 km.
The T6 model also has an inline straight engine with 4 cylinders, each with 4 valves. The fuel capacity is also the same as T5, with a 71-liter tank. However, things start to differ in the engine powertrain.
The T6 has a 2.0L Turbocharged & Supercharged “twincharged” petrol that gives an outcome of 320 PS. This powerful, yet fuel-efficient engine gives 8.1 L/100 km. The powerful turbo engine in the T6 makes it necessary to use premium quality fuel.
The final model, the T8, is a plug-in hybrid. It requires premium-grade oil for its 2.0L Turbo Petrol with Supercharger and Electric motor (Twin Engine) which gives an outcome of 408 PS. This model has a smaller fuel capacity of 50 liters, but it has an additional 11.6 kWh lithium-ion battery.
Safety features
We can’t really talk about Volvo cars without discussing their safety features. The XC90 safety features, as with all the other Volvo models, are the best. Volvo has placed all the safety features in this premium car. The car has around eight airbags, better visibility with Active Bending Lights, and other driver-assist features like:
- Blind spot detection
- City safety
- Pilot assist
- Lane-keeping aid
- Road sign information
- Rear Collision Warning
- Driver alert control
Other features
The XC90 is the most luxurious and comfortable car Volvo makes. It has attracted many people due to its looks, luxury interior, and top-notch safety features. There is a second-generation now, but even the first generation had better safety features than some newer cars.
The interior of the XC90 showcases the Swedish minimalistic style. The cabin is spacious enough with good storage space around the driver. The armrest has a big space with USB ports. The second row is big enough for three people and offers good leg and headroom. All the seats in the second row can be adjusted, which is a good feature.
The XC90 comes with a third row, which can be pretty useful. The third row is big enough for children or shorter adults. Even with the third row up, the trunk space is adequate. Each corner of the car is a complete luxury. The car has a big 9-inch vertically-placed infotainment system which is standard in all models.
FAQ
What are the types of gasoline?
There are many cars available in the market nowadays which require high-quality fuel. The high-quality fuels are those with higher octane grades. There is also a price difference in these fuel types. There are three types of gasoline available:
1. Regular – this is the lowest-grade octane fuel with 87
2. Midgrade – this is the middle-grade octane fuel with 89 to 90
3. Premium – this is the highest-grade octane fuel with 91 to 94
The premium gas has a higher-octane number. There is a process called knocking, which is when engine combustion occurs at the wrong time, that can be resisted through higher octane numbers. This knocking refers to the pre-ignition. The octane rating determines the knocking or pre-ignition process. The higher the octane level, the lower the chance of knocking.
Car knocking is not harmful if it is infrequent, but it can be harmful to the engine if it is a regular occurrence. Cars with premium gas recommendations run better on higher octane gas. However, if the engine runs normally on regular fuel, then it is very unlikely that premium gas will enhance its performance.
The additives and detergents that premium fuel contain can help clean the fuel injectors. It can also remove carbon accumulated inside engines. Other than that, it just helps with knocking problems. You should look for the user manual and see what fuel your car company recommends for your particular car model.
First, look at your user manual or ask any mechanic for the best fuel for your car. Not every car needs premium gas. If it says 87-octane or regular, then that’s what you should use. Technically, higher octane fuel has lower energy than lower octane fuel. This can even make your car slow down.
However, if your car manufacturer recommends using premium fuel, then you should do that. This is because the high-octane fuel is compressed in the engine and heated without self-igniting. This will give you high performance. If you use regular fuel occasionally, it probably wouldn’t hurt your engine. The premium gas can, however, increase your acceleration.
Some cars have high-strung engines which aim for high performance. Users choose these types of engines for high-speed and sporty cars. These engines need high octane levels to function properly. Turbocharged engines also require premium fuel, which functions with high tolerances. However, it is wise to just follow the user’s manual and use whatever gas they recommend.
