Volvo XC90 Vs. Volvo XC60: Towing Capacity

When you come in to get your Volvo XC90 for sale near Durham at our pristine dealership, there's going to be one piece of information that's vital for you to know: the Volvo XC90 towing capacity. As a matter of fact, it doesn't matter which model you're getting. It's incredibly important for you to know the tow ratings for any of your Volvo vehicles so that you can tow safely with the knowledge and tools that are necessary to do so. Don't trust any other vehicles to get your tow jobs done right. Trust a Volvo vehicle, and trust Volvo Cars in Cary, NC, to walk you through the process.

Volvo XC60 vs. Volvo XC90

The Volvo XC60 and Volvo XC90 are two SUVs that have a lot in common, especially when looking at their towing abilities. Each SUV is fully capable in terms of power, performance, and storage. And, both overlap in certain specs. One area they do differ in, however, is their towing capacities. On the whole, the Volvo XC90 towing capacity is going to be slightly more than the Volvo XC60 towing capacity. This is due in large part to the fact that the Volvo XC90 is simply a larger SUV compared to the compact frame on the Volvo XC60. It isn't always about the size, however. If your needs can be met by a lower towing capacity, your preference may lie with getting the Volvo XC60 for sale near Durham. If you need both the extra towing capacity and a little extra space on the inside, going with the Volvo XC90 is a smart choice.

Which Do I Choose?

If you're struggling to decide which Volvo SUV to get based on their towing capacities alone, we're going to go into a more in-depth explanation of the towing capacities of each of these Volvo vehicle models and touch on model years going back to 2004. Secure your hitch and put 'er in drive, ladies and gentlemen. Let's get to towing.

Different years of the Volvo XC90 and Volvo XC60 have seen massive variations, upgrades, and changes to many different elements of the models. Facelifts are common across the XC lineup history, as are trim updates, engine upgrades, and variations in capability. Towing capacity is one of the specs that has seen a decent amount of variation. If you're coming into our dealership to get one of our Volvo XC90 lease deals near Durham, you'll want to take a look below to see the SUV towing capacity charts for this model, and keep scrolling for information about the Volvo XC60.

As you'll see, slight variation occurred over the lifetime of the Volvo XC90 concerning her towing capacity from 2004 to 2010. These numbers indicate the max tow rating, so keep in mind that FWD models will often be rated to tow up to 1,000 lbs. less than their AWD counterparts.

2021 Volvo XC90 Towing Capacity by Powertrain

For 2021 models, the Volvo XC90 towing capacity comes in at up to 5,000-pounds when properly equipped. While that's consistent with the hefty figure for previous model years, there are other factors to consider when determining the towing capacity of your Volvo XC90 SUV. Namely, FWD vs. AWD and your choice of powertrain will both impact your vehicle's towing capabilities. So, here's how the Volvo XC90 towing capacity varies with available powertrain options:

Volvo XC90 T5 towing capacity:

The T5 powertrain offers up to 250 horsepower generated by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and it comes standard with an FWD layout. This powertrain also has an available AWD system for additional precision and a more robust towing capacity.

With the T5 FWD powertrain, a 2021 Volvo XC90 offers a maximum towing capacity of up to 4,000-pounds when properly equipped.

When you choose the T5 AWD powertrain, your 2021 Volvo XC90 towing capacity will come in at up to 5,000-pounds when properly equipped.

Volvo XC90 T6 towing capacity:

A turbocharger helps increase horsepower and fuel efficiency. Most vehicles are proud to offer a turbocharger, but when you choose the T6 powertrain, your 2021 Volvo XC90 will add a supercharger to the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This combination is a unique offering that's especially powerful, laying down 316 horsepower.

The T6 powertrain comes standard with AWD. In a 2021 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD, you'll find a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000-pounds when properly equipped.

Volvo XC90 Hybrid Towing Capacity

Alongside the T5 and T6 towing capacities, you'll find strong efficiency and a hefty towing capacity with Volvo XC90 Hybrid models. This model, known as the 2021 Volvo XC90 Recharge, offers one powertrain: the T8 eAWD powertrain.

Volvo XC90 T8 towing capacity:

Combining the 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor system, a 2021 Volvo XC90 Hybrid T8 provides a standard AWD layout and a whopping 400 combined horsepower. As a result, the 2021 Volvo XC90 Hybrid towing capacity comes in at up to 5,000-pounds when properly equipped.

As you've noticed, there is only a slight 200-pound increase in the max towing capacity for the Volvo XC60 between the years 2010 and 2016. While the numbers aren't as high as the Volvo XC90 towing capacity, they're still impressive for that of a compact SUV. So, if you're looking for decent towing ability on a smaller SUV, come get our Volvo XC60 lease deals near Durham.

The Volvo XC60 towing capacity has remained steady for the past four years leading up to the 2021 model year, where the max rating is still at 3,500 lbs.

2021 Volvo XC60 Towing Capacity

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offers three powertrains: B5 FWD, B5 AWD, and B6 AWD. They all provide mild-hybrid efficiency and range from 260 to 308 combined horsepower.

That said, all 2021 Volvo XC60 models will provide a maximum towing capacity of 3,500-pounds when properly equipped.

2021 Volvo XC60 Hybrid Towing Capacity

When you buy Volvo XC60 Hybrid models, you'll find that the T8 powertrain offers the same 400 combined horsepower output that you'll get with a Volvo XC90 Hybrid. That said, towing capacity will differ from Volvo XC90 Hybrid models; the 2021 Volvo XC60 Hybrid offers a maximum towing capacity of up to 3,500-pounds when properly equipped.

What Does This Mean?

Because the ratings are different for each vehicle, it's important that you know the weight of whatever it is you're going to want to tow with your new Volvo vehicle. If it's sitting just at or above that 3,500 lbs. mark, it is going to be safer to opt for the Volvo XC90 to get that extra thousand pounds or so of towing capacity. To give you some concrete examples, most ski boats weigh around 3,500 lbs., while a lot of deck boats and pontoon boats are generally going to sit around that 3,100-pound mark. If you don't need to tow something quite as massive as this, say a small trailer with some extra hiking gear or luggage for the trip to grandma's, you'll have no problem working with the Volvo XC60 towing capacity.

Have more questions? Take a look at some of the things that other Volvo SUV fans have been asking.

Volvo XC60 & Volvo XC90 Towing Capacity FAQs

There are a few questions below that you may be able to answer on your own after going through our handy charts above. But, if you want a little bit more detail, peruse these FAQs to your heart's content.

What can a Volvo XC90 tow?

Different trims and powertrains are rated for different amounts when it comes to how much you can tow. Like we mentioned, any trim that comes with a FWD drivetrain is going to be able to tow up to 4,000 lbs., while the other trims can tow up to 5,000, depending on the year you have.

How much can a 2016 Volvo XC90 tow?

As seen in our chart 2016-2018 VOLVO XC90 TOWING CAPACITY above, you'll notice that the 2016 Volvo XC90 towing capacity maxes out at 5,000 lbs.

How much can a 2007 Volvo XC90 tow?

At max, the 2007 Volvo XC90 towing capacity can reach 4,960 lbs. Some trims are only rated for around 3,970 lbs., though. Double-check your owner's manual or call us if you're not sure.

Can a Volvo XC90 tow a boat?

It depends on how heavy that boat is! In most cases, it's a definite YES! Since the majority of Volvo XC90 SUVs are rated to tow up to 5,000 lbs., a simple leisure boat will be no problem for them, as they usually clock in between 3,500 lbs. and 4,000 lbs. So, take your boat to the popular Lake Michie near Durham or drive on an hour or two away to your favorite quiet boating spot because the Volvo XC90 can tow it!

What weight can a Volvo XC60 tow?

The Volvo XC60 can tow up to 3,500 lbs. depending on the model year you get. You'll find that all the newest models from 2015 forward are rated for 3,500 lbs. so long as you're equipped with the right towing gear!

Can a Volvo XC60 tow a horse trailer?

When considering a horse trailer, you also have to take into consideration the weight of the horses you'll be putting inside of it. While an empty horse trailer can be easily towed by the Volvo XC60 (as most will weigh around 2,900 lbs.), a full one will be a different story. The final weight numbers could reach up to 8,000 lbs., which exceeds the max tow rating of the Volvo XC60. However, it can be an ideal SUV to tow things that are on the smaller side, like small campers.

How much can the 2019 Volvo XC60 tow?

The 2019 Volvo XC60 can tow up to 3,500 lbs. no matter what engine option you choose.

Can you put a trailer hitch on a Volvo XC60?

Absolutely! If you're towing a small trailer and want an added sense of security and the ability to allow for more articulation when you're towing, we definitely recommend picking up a trailer hitch.

Tow Wisely. Tow With Volvo Cars of Cary.

There can be some complex mechanisms involved in towing. That's why we've put this page together to take a little bit of the guesswork out of the picture. But, if you still have questions after this, we totally get it. We invite you to give us a call if you need help walking through any of your towing equipment or need to know how to safely set up your boat, trailer, or other gear for towing. Our team is well-versed in the intricacies of towing, so we're ready to help you no matter what questions you have. Happy towing!

Volvo Model Research In Cary, NC