Peter Palmer: Volvo XC90 T5 is U.S. Bound & Starts at $44,945

Late last year, Volvo officials suggested that a base XC90 model would eventually accompany the more powerful T6 and T8 models in the United States. Now, Volvo executives have confirmed that a base XC90 in the T5 trim will indeed arrive on U.S. shores.

The base Volvo XC90 T5 is powered by a 2.0 L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which produces a respectable 250 horsepower and 258 lb.ft. torque. The engine is exclusively back by an eight-speed automatic transmission. Power is sent to the front wheels as standard and optionally to all four wheels.

All XC90 T5 models will feature seating for five occupants while the more powerful XC90 T6 and T8 models can accommodate up to seven people.

The base, front-wheel-drive Volvo XC90 T5 starts at $44,945. The optional all-wheel-drive system adds another $2,000 to the base price. Compared to the XC90 T6, the front-wheel-drive, base XC90 T5 is $3,850 cheaper. However, the top-of-the-range Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid is $22,150 more expensive than the base, front-wheel-drive XC90 T5.

EPA rates the new XC90 T5 FWD at 22/26 city/highway while the AWD models are rated at 22/25 city/highway. The mid-range XC90 T6 with its turbo and supercharged 310 horsepower four-cylinder engine and AWD is rated at 20/25 city/highway. The 400 horsepower XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid is the most efficient model in the range and earns a rating of 24/27 city/highway.

The 2016 Volvo XC90 T5 might be the “base” model but that does not mean it is bare bones. Standard equipment for the XC90 T5 includes 18-in alloy wheels, 10-way power adjustable front seats, back up camera, rear parking sensors, a 12.3 inch digital instrument panel, navigation, Bluetooth, cruise control, engine stop/start, Drive mode selector, lane departure warning, hands-free opening tailgate, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, keyless entry/start, and a panoramic roof.

Optional features on the Volvo XC90 T5 include active bending LED headlights, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, a 360 degree camera, heated front and rear seats, blind spot warning, adaptive cruise control with park assist, and a heated steering wheel.

What do you think of the XC90?

*Rahul Raman is the Founder of CARS 360 Mke, an automotive news outlet. He is a regular contributor to Automoblog.net and the author of our First Look series.