Is the Volvo XC90's Air Suspension Worth the Added Cost?
CARS.COM — Finding a 2016 Volvo XC90 with the optional air suspension wasn’t easy when we went shopping for our long-term test car in December. Only a handful of models had the suspension upgrade and none were in the Momentum trim we wanted. At the time, our editors thought the air suspension was a must-have after driving an XC90 with the base suspension, so we ponied up for one: a more-expensive Inscription trim with the $1,800 air suspension and prerequisite $1,800 Convenience package. After 18,000 miles riding on air, was the hassle of finding this unicorn and its extra cost worth it?
Related: We Bought A 2016 Volvo XC90
Yes. The optional air suspension replaces the standard fixed-firmness dampers and fixed-ride height springs with an adaptive suspension capable of changing ride firmness and ride height in the various modes. Sport mode’s lower ride height and firmer shock absorbers make the SUV more responsive in cornering. Off-Road mode increases the ground clearance to avoid obstacles. There’s also an “easy entry” setting in the touch-screen that lowers the car 1.6 inches for easy passenger access and a rear cargo area load button that lowers the SUV a full 2 inches. Cars.com editors agree — the upgrade is worth it:
Joe Wiesenfelder, executive editor: It’s not merely worth it, it’s a necessity. And I say that almost entirely because the coil suspension is too firm — definitely not because it provides a useful range of settings, because the dynamic mode is unsatisfying and I’m not wild about the load level because it dips only the rear end. I suppose, in some ways, this would be helpful for loading because of the resulting attitude of the cargo floor, but if they’d done all four corners, it would double as a cabin-access aid. It’s worth $1,800 for the ride comfort, which is very good, not just necessary.
William Jackson, assistant managing editor: I like air suspensions and, in particular, their ability to lower the car so they are easier to get into. Overall, it’s worth it for that and for its ability to turn a long, bumpy drive to Cincinnati into a more pleasant trip than it otherwise would be.
Mike Hanley, senior editor: The XC90’s available air suspension gives it the same kind of on-road poise that we’ve long appreciated in the Land Rover Range Rover, which has a standard air suspension. Ride quality is on the firm side, but the XC90 cruises comfortably on the highway. I also like how the air suspension lets you adjust the XC90’s ride height, making it easier to both get in the SUV and load luggage.
Kelsey Mays, senior consumer affairs editor: I’ve driven the coil suspension and the air suspension is worth it. It struggles to contain body movement over rapid elevation changes, but overall damping is exquisite. Really a plush, measured reaction to expansion joints, potholes and the like, especially given the wheels it pairs with. By contrast, the coil suspension is much firmer. Whether it’s a difference of layout or tuning, the XC90 is not the same without those air springs. Bottom line: If you can afford it, spring for the air suspension.
