Volvo XC90 Towing Capacity Guide

Why Clear Lake and Friendswood Drivers Choose the Volvo XC90

Volvo XC90 towing capacity is surprisingly robust. So many people fall in love with this midsize three-row SUV for its built-in Google support and wireless smartphone charging, but their weekend getaway dreams really come to life once they realize they can use the Volvo XC90 as a tow car. If a luxurious road-trip companion is a must-have for your family, the 5,000-pound Volvo XC90 tow capacity¹ might be the icing on the cake.

The Secret Behind Such a High Volvo XC90 Towing Capacity

Now we know the answer to "What is the towing capacity of a Volvo XC90?" but how is this number so high compared to many of its rivals? The Mazda CX-90 and Honda Pilot can only tow a maximum of 3,500 pounds in certain trim levels or when built with FWD, and the Acura MDX needs a fuel-guzzling V-6 engine to match Volvo XC90 towing.

Consistent 5,000-pound towing with Volvo XC90 trims is made possible by a smart balance of horsepower, torque, drivetrain, frame, and suspension design. While some three-row SUVs treat tow ratings as afterthoughts, the Volvo XC90 was designed as a family travel machine that was always meant to pull a trailer. Here's a look at the Volvo XC90 engineering that makes its 5,000-pound towing capacity¹ possible.

Volvo XC90 Powertrain Specs for Towing

• Horsepower: 247, 295, or 455
• Torque: 266, 310, or 523 pound-feet
• Drivetrain: Standard AWD for premium traction
• Frame: Hot-formed boron steel for exceptional strength
• Suspension: Optional air suspension that's ideal for trailers

How the Volvo XC90 Frame Helps With Towing

Using hot-formed boron steel to build the Volvo XC90 frame isn't new in the auto industry, but it shows how seriously Volvo engineers take their work. Boron steel has an incredibly high strength-to-weight ratio, which offers immense structural integrity. Other popular SUVs that use hot-formed boron steel in their vehicle designs are the rugged Ford Bronco and Ford Bronco Sport; that should clue you in on just how tough the Volvo XC90 can be.

What You Need To Tow at Full Capacity

Like most midsize three-row crossovers, the Volvo XC90 does not come with a factory-installed tow hitch, hitch ball, or ball mount, which means you will want to purchase those genuine Volvo tow hitch accessories from our dealership before attempting to couple a trailer.

You'll also want to buy a trailer that suits your towing needs. In the "Volvo XC90 Towing Capacity at a Glance" section at the top of this page, we mentioned that the SUV's braked and unbraked tow strengths are different, which means that a trailer with integrated braking is the option you want to reach the full Volvo XC90 towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.¹

Why Doesn't the Volvo XC90 Come With a Trailer Hitch?

Tow hitches, hitch balls, and ball mounts are available as add-on Volvo XC90 purchases, and for good reason. First, there is no "standard" ball size. Trailer couplers come in different sizes depending on your trailer's weight, and they are not interchangeable. If Volvo factories pre-installed a specific ball size that didn't match your needs, your trailer connection could be unsafe.

Secondly, trailer heights, also called drop distances, can also vary. Vehicles and trailers often sit at different ground heights, but to tow safely, your trailer cannot tilt as it meets your SUV's hitch – it has to remain perfectly level. Rather than equipping the Volvo XC90 with just any ball mount, you can purchase one that is tailored to your specific trailer.

Which Volvo XC90 Powertrain Tows Best?

Now that you're armed with the most critical towing information, it's time to decide which Volvo XC90 powertrain would best suit your needs. The Volvo XC90 can be leased or financed with one of three powertrains on board, and while all three can tow up to 5,000 pounds,¹ your experience behind the wheel can differ. Here's a closer look:

• Volvo XC90 B5: This 2.0-liter four-cylinder mild-hybrid setup is completely capable of reaching maximum Volvo XC90 towing capacity, but it's best used on flat highways. Climbing steep hills with a trailer attached will put significant stress on the B5 engine and push it into high RPMs.
• Volvo XC90 B6: This 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is both turbo- and supercharged, which means higher horsepower and torque for slightly better towing on hills and faster stopping on city streets. However, like the B5, the B6 is still best suited for flat highways.
• Volvo XC90 T8: The Volvo T8 engine is a plug-in hybrid configuration that is only available in the Volvo XC90 PHEV. Its 455-horsepower output makes it the best option for towing, giving you an effortless, confident, and smooth driving experience.

Not sure which model fits you best? Shop our new Volvo XC90 inventory online to make your choice!

Can the Volvo XC90 Tow a Boat on Clear Lake or Galveston Bay?

Maybe you're a Friendswood, TX, local who is scouting the Volvo XC90 because you're craving summer weekends on Clear Lake. You can almost feel the sun on your skin, and an appetizer or two from Opus Ocean Grill sounds just right – but can your Volvo XC90 get your boat there to complete the picture? Absolutely! All new Volvo XC90 models and trim levels can tow a boat to Clear Lake, Galveston Bay, or any other boating hub in the Friendswood area.

Volvo XC90 Travel Accessories for Towing and So Much More

Did you know the Volvo XC90 not only tows boats, small campers, ATVs, motorcycles, and most other recreational equipment, but it can also expand your storage options with its available accessories? You can ask our dealership team to add any of the following items to your Volvo XC90 order:

• Bike rack for one or four bikes
• Travel Active 500 roof box
• Kayak holder
• Roof basket
• Roof tent
• Hitch cargo box

Tour the Tow-Ready Volvo XC90 at our Friendswood, TX, Dealership

The Volvo XC90 truly is a whole-package SUV. Its interior is luxe, its technology is on point, and towing is a breeze. All you need now is some free time and a packed bag to start your first of many road trips. Visit us in Friendswood, TX, to see which Volvo XC90 model you like best, then work with our Volvo Cars Clear Lake finance experts to secure an affordable monthly payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Volvo XC90 come with a factory tow hitch?

No, the Volvo XC90 does not come with a factory tow hitch because tow hitches, hitch balls, and ball mounts do not have standard sizing or drop heights. You can, however, purchase towing accessories that can safely couple your Volvo XC90 with your trailer at our Clear Lakes dealership.

Can the Volvo XC90 tow a boat?

Yes, this SUV can tow a boat. Because the Volvo XC90 towing capacity is a maximum of 5,000 pounds in every trim level,¹ you should have more than enough strength to tow most boats that measure up to 21 feet long.

Is the Volvo XC90 or Volvo XC60 better for towing?

The Volvo XC90, with its 5,000-pound capacity¹ is better for towing than the Volvo XC60 and its 3,500-pound tow strength.¹ Of course, if you only wish to tow lighter-weight items, either SUV could get the job done.

¹When properly equipped.