One set of towing figures covers the whole 2027 Volvo XC90 lineup. When the SUV is properly equipped, braked trailers can weigh up to 5,000 lbs and tongue load maxes out at 500 lbs, while the limit for a trailer without its own brakes is 1,650 lbs. Both US owner's manuals print those numbers, one for the mild-hybrid XC90 and one for the T8 plug-in hybrid.

For hitching up, Volvo offers a retractable trailer hitch as a dealer accessory. The manual notes that a hitch added after purchase may need a software update from a Volvo retailer before the towing features work. Preparation starts with the tires, which Volvo wants at the full-load pressure. With a trailer attached, stay off inclines steeper than 12%.

• Rated to pull 5,000 lbs braked when properly equipped
• 500-lb maximum tongue load
• Unbraked trailer limit of 1,650 lbs
• Same rating for B5, B6 and T8 powertrains
• Retractable trailer hitch offered as a dealer accessory
• Full-load tire pressure before any trailer trip

How much cargo space the 2027 Volvo XC90 offers depends on how many rows stay upright. According to Volvo, a B5 with all three rows in place has 8.7 cubic feet behind the third row, and 23.0 cubic feet behind the second row once the third is folded. Loaded to the roof, those spaces hold 10.6 and 34.6 cubic feet. In a six-seat T8 plug-in hybrid, the same spaces measure 8.6 and 22.9 cubic feet, or 10.5 and 34.5 cubic feet loaded to the roof. A seven-seat T8 lists 23.0 cubic feet behind the second row.

Lowering a third-row backrest also folds its headrest automatically, so each seat goes down in a single action. The load floor measures 46.9 inches across and 80.3 inches long once the rear seats are folded. Weight limits matter as much as volume: both 2027 manuals give a 1,160-lb load capacity covering passengers and cargo, including tongue weight when towing, plus a 220-lb maximum roof load.

• 8.7 cubic feet behind the third row (B5)
• Behind the second row: 23.0 cubic feet (B5)
• Six-seat T8 plug-in hybrid: 8.6 and 22.9 cubic feet
• Load floor of 80.3 inches with rear seats folded
• 1,160-lb load capacity, tongue weight included
• Power tailgate on every 2027 XC90

Output differs across the three 2027 Volvo XC90 powertrains, beginning with 247 hp in the B5. The B6 raises that to 295 hp and 310 lb-ft from a 2.0-liter engine fitted with both a turbocharger and a supercharger. A rear electric motor joins the turbocharged four-cylinder in the T8 plug-in hybrid, for a combined 401 hp and 494 lb-ft. Each powertrain shifts through an 8-speed Geartronic automatic, and all-wheel drive is standard on all three. On the T8, Volvo recommends selecting the All-wheel drive mode for towing and for slippery conditions.

Standard Hill Descent Control steadies descents between 5 and 25 mph. Its smooth accelerator characteristics also make it easier to drive off with a heavy trailer or pull a boat up a ramp, Volvo notes. Trailer light check lets you verify the trailer lights before you leave and hands rear fog light duty to the trailer. On Plus and Ultra, the 360-degree camera can zoom its rear view in close to the car for hitching. If the XC90 has the available Active air suspension, select the firm suspension setting at every new drive cycle when towing.

• Outputs of 247, 295 or 401 hp by powertrain
• All-wheel drive mode recommended for T8 towing
• Hill Descent Control from 5 to 25 mph
• Trailer light check comes standard
• Zoomed rear camera view for hitching on Plus and Ultra
• Hill Start Assist on every trim