XC90 T5 Vs T6 | SwedeSpeed - Volvo Performance Forum

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kailani Hello, I'm looking to replace our V90CC T6 with a new XC90 and I'm debating if I should get a T5 to a T6 model. The car will mostly be used by my wife around town to take the kids to school, etc, and for longer drives on the weekend. Would anyone consider getting an XC90 T5 over a T6? Thank you in advance for your feedback. #1 · Aug 6, 2020 Hello, I'm looking to replace our V90CC T6 with a new XC90 and I'm debating if I should get a T5 to a T6 model. The car will mostly be used by my wife around town to take the kids to school, etc, and for longer drives on the weekend. Would anyone consider getting an XC90 T5 over a T6? Thank you in advance for your feedback. Sort by Oldest first Oldest first Newest first Most reactions #2 · Aug 6, 2020 For regular family transporting, I don't see the difference. This is based on driving around town the few days I have a T5 SPA xc90 loaner, comparing to my T6 SPA xc90 in other occasions. My guess is that it would have been more noticeable in dynamic mode or if you have polestar installed, where the controller will likely make more use of the supercharger in ways that you would feel it. Otherwise, I thought the turbo engine does just fine. Having said that, I haven't tried the T5 under full cargo load (e.g. 7 passengers or with good amount of cargo) or mountain drives. What pushed me to T6 was that at the time of purchase, there were no 3 row options for the T5. That has no longer been the case since early 2018 (possibly still a MY2018). Earlier year T5 models also don't use the larger digital dashboard, if I recall correctly. That may have changed now. The standard seats in the T5 (for the 1st & 2nd rows) are probably synthetic leather instead of actual leather, if that matters. And the combination of features can be different. Since the engine difference would be difficult to examine in a regular test drive (unless the dealer is in a mountainous region), and given your description of intended use, I don't believe it would make a difference. What remains may be going to a dealer and sitting in the interiors of a T5 and T6 to see whether you really miss a particular option/feature. If you have several features you'd like to upgrade (that the T6 has but the T5 doesn't), chances are it can be better to go with the T6 from the get go. #3 · Aug 6, 2020 There is a 66 HP difference between the T5 and T6. Some people notice it, others don't. I compare the T5 to my 3.2L I6 as far as the power is concerned. Okay on flat roads, but struggles with 7 passengers and cargo. Even worse on hilly roads while fully loaded. But you will get there. After my test drive with the T5, I can confirm that they are similar (T5 and 3.2 I6) on how they react in moving this heavy vehicle. It all boils down to the driving experience you prefer/want/need. Because of my experience with my old XC90, I opted for the T6 this time for the extra HP. No regrets. #5 · Aug 6, 2020 Driving around, what would be noticed perhaps more often is off the line if you have a need to accelerate quickly/launch since the T5 only has a TT you may feel some turbo lag where as the T6 fills that lag with the electric supercharger. To put it in perspective, the difference between them is 1.5s to 60mph. You wouldn't notice the difference in 66hp unless at peak power and likely as you approach top speed. The actual power diff mid-range is about 50hp and what you would really notice in every day driving is the torque difference in acceleration while already moving. The mid range torque diff is a difference of about 37N-m in the 1500-4000rpm range. Another time where HP is of value (and even at that it's a difference in HP curves that will matter) is when mountain driving, towing, or off road and you need HP to pull you up a hill or through a rough road, even then it's not a 66hp difference. Sure a XC90 T6 would feel more zippy than a T5, and you could make up for that difference in feel with a Polestar tune where transmission tuning and throttle mapping give you a bigger seat of your pants feel than the small hp and torque improvement.. 0 Reply #4 · Aug 6, 2020 Thank you, ButchIVIX and satrya. You are correct about the T5 coming with none leather seats. You need to have the Multimedia Package option that adds leather, a bigger dashboard, and HK sound systems. I also live on a big hill and will be driving up and down daily. One reason I'm thinking about a T5 is that I found a great deal on a new 2019 xc90 Momentum with an advanced package for 42k at my dealer. I would love a T6 Inscription trim with the better seats, and luxury features, but the cost is much higher. Looks like finding a nicely spec T6 momentum is the way to go. #6 · Aug 6, 2020 The bigger difference is AWD (standard on the T6, optional on the T5) vs. FWD. We had a T5 FWD loaner and the torque steer was quite strong. #7 · Aug 6, 2020 Having said that, and even though 2 of my 3 personal vehicles have AWD, I wouldn't necessarily rule out a T5 FWD. Not having the additional AWD mechanism may make up a little bit of the absence of the supercharger during brisk acceleration, especially if accompanied with p* tune. But that won't help when it comes to pulling cargo / mountain driving. 1 Reply #8 · Aug 6, 2020 T5 is underpowered for a large SUV. For perspective, the same engine is in a compact SUV (XC40). I drove a T5 XC90 for almost a week when my vehicle was being repaired and it's a lumbering pig. :p #10 · Aug 6, 2020 (Edited) Even our 2010 XC90 with 232HP isn't a lumbering pig. Perhaps if the comparison is XC40 T5... that's like a T8 in S60 - WOW and then of course the XC90 T8 may be the lumbering pig. When I've had a T5 loaner it felt fine around town; as ordinary as a T6 and definitely nothing like a T8 which was to be expected. Show more replies 0 Reply #13 · Aug 7, 2020 I didn't listen when people told me to get the Q7 3.0...I was out of my Q7 2.0 in less than 2 years. Convinced myself the smaller 2.0 engine would perform on a high level not to mention the difference in price. I live in a major US city and the majority of the time the smaller engine is fine. But the first time the engine does not get the car up to a safe merging speed is the same day I start looking at a replacement. Just remember we are talking about a large SUV, with meaningful weight, often with other people and stuff in the car. Be safe and enjoy the car you drive. and this from the post above..."the Q7 which felt like a lumbering pig" #14 · Aug 7, 2020 If you are towing a trailer or loading the car to capacity, you will probably notice a difference. Otherwise, the T5 has plenty of power. I grew up in mountains and I enjoy driving quickly on mountain roads, and my T5 has all the power and speed that I want. It goes uphill really, really well-- I am rarely passed on the four-lane stretch going up the hill, and never by another SUV. Another acid test is driving up the Grapevine out of California's Central Valley. The initial couple of miles is as steep as any major road I know, and again my T5 flies up it. Even if I get behind a slower car and lose all momentum, it picks up speed again very quickly and off I go. People who claim it is underpowered simply don't know what they are talking about. It won't win a drag race with its supercharged cousin, but it has more than enough power and speed for any reasonable person. It certainly isn't a lumbering pig. :rolleyes: #15 · Aug 7, 2020 (Edited)
badcyclist said: If you are towing a trailer or loading the car to capacity, you will probably notice a difference. Otherwise, the T5 has plenty of power. I grew up in mountains and I enjoy driving quickly on mountain roads, and my T5 has all the power and speed that I want. It goes uphill really, really well-- I am rarely passed on the four-lane stretch going up the hill, and never by another SUV. Click to expand...
That's how I feel about it also. Our T5 has AWD, so a bit power loss there, but always more than enough power. The gearbox is also good, I assume that it may shift to a gear lower than in a T6 under demanding conditions. If I compare the graphs of the T5 and the T6, than the same amount of power is delivered at a higher RPM until in the highest regions where the T6 leaves the T5 behind. I posted a jpg of the graphs in the topic about XC90 or Q7, but For a more detailed look, perhaps the pdf is better.

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  • Volvo XC90 2017 Technical Specifications.pdf 415.1 KB Views: 216
Show more replies 0 Reply #18 · Aug 8, 2020 The T5 is perfectly fine. I have never owned a T5 or T6. I did own a D5 and then a T8. And, thanks to Volvo's reliability, I spent months in loaners, including T5s and T6s. I have arrived to the following conclusions: - The one that makes most sense, for me, is the D5. I did not like the way the T8 behaved in cold climates (Buffalo, NY). The D5 was a lot more planted on snow, plus less torque under-steer... and a lot lighter vehicle. Ultimately, despite the additional HPs, the T8 feels less nimble. - The T5 is a perfectly adequate engine. I actually like the sound and output curve a lot better than the T6. It's hard to pinpoint... but the T6 is a bit too "rattly" for my taste. Go figure. - On long trips, I got better fuel mileage from T5 than T8. I never took long trips with the T6. - If I were to buy another Volvo in the USA, I would go with a T5. On long, straight roads, full of potholes, with 70-75 mph speed limits... who cares about power? In the rest of the world, with civilized roads, I might make a different choice. #19 · Aug 12, 2020 If you are looking for the performance boost with the T6, think about the T5 with Polestar upgrade. I loved my first T6 Inscription's performance. I wanted to try something more sporty so my next XC90 was a loaded R-Design T5 with Polestar. It was great! Plus, a little better gas milage with the FWD. If you are looking for a performance boost and want to save money, consider the T5 with Polestar. Sure, if I were looking for a hot-rod I would probably consider another brand. But that loaded R-Design with Polestar and 22" wheels was enough for me. #20 · Aug 12, 2020 I agree with Jowillie. While I have a V90 vs an XC90 I think the same principles apply. I drove both a T6 and a T5 several times and in the end preferred and bought a T5 with Polestar. Somehow the T6 is cruder and certainly noisier (supercharger whine) and somehow the T5/P* is more cohesive. Try this combo vs a T6. Also, seems that there is the possibility that the T5 would be more reliable without a supercharger and a turbo 0 Reply Insert Quotes Post Reply
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