Regarding the engines it's completely the other way around. T5 is much more reliable than the T6.

 

Its my firm belief the newer the vehicle is the more restricted is the service life to within the goodwill of the manufacturer. Just as has been with IT software and hardware for the last 15 years, once the product reaches end of life, it really is end of life and the AAOS vehicles will fall victim for this relationship in far greater extent than Sensus.

 

Appreciate the perspective. This would be a point towards a 2022 model - which luckily for me are the vast majority of the more affordable options in my area.

 

I think they both have pluses and minuses.

The AAOS is more capable than the Sensus system for sure, but because it is always on the internet and is in constant development it can become unstable, the Sensus system is completely stable but is not always connected. The AAOS mostly negates the need for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

Up here we don't get the 5s in the XC90 (the T5 yes, but we took the odd unit begrudgingly because they were a tough sell). The Drive-E engine itself is very reliable, in my opinion the B6 will end up more durable long term because of the electric versus mechanical supercharger, and the ISG is going to end up being better than the alternator and starter system on the Ts.

Personally I'd go with the more modern tech, especially because we live in a world where it is evolving over time.

 

I'll continue to praise Sensus over the current iteration of AAOS, but bear in mind that Volvo announced they would be doing a pretty substantial overhaul to all AAOS cars in the near future to bring in the interface more akin to EX90/XC90 2025.5. So if you're someone who wants to "future proof" that might be a better choice as Volvo seems pretty invested in updating AAOS as time goes by. While Sensus works well for my current needs and is quite stable, it is trapped in time.

I wouldn't worry too much about comparing the nuances of powertrains from a reliability standpoint - just get a decent warranty assuming you're not hours away from a dealership. To me that decision is more about driver feel. A B6/T6 offer better power in a vehicle of this size vs B5/T5. If you're interested in the Polestar upgrade, that gives you more hp/tq plust better shifting on the T6 but only impacts shifting behavior on the B6.

 

I believe I heard in a review that AAOS is about to get the same software as an EX90. Maybe somebody else could confirm this.

I own a 2019 XC90, tried the 2023 loaner Recharge for a day which drove like a completely different vehicle with the added torque.

I would pick a Recharge over B6 if that’s an option for you within the budget

 

I believe I heard in a review that AAOS is about to get the same software as an EX90. Maybe somebody else could confirm this.

I own a 2019 XC90, tried the 2023 loaner Recharge for a day which drove like a completely different vehicle with the added torque.

I would pick a Recharge over B6 if that’s an option for you within the budget

It's true. The software will be tailored to model though as different vehicles can have some different stuff in them. But the basic UX will be the same.

 

I've driven a few XC90 B6 with AAOS - very smooth from a stop with the ISG so that would be my choice. I also like the shifter mechanism more than the older style but that's just personal preference.

As to Sensus vs. AAOS, I have a car with the former and it's fine and I've been perfectly happy with AAOS in the loaner cars I've driven - not a big tech person.

 

Be careful. Volvo totally screwed up the naming conventions. The T5s that seem to get a lot of hate for low energy piston rings are literally 5 cylinder turbos. Genrally, the last generation, on the P3 XC60.

For SPA platform (2018-on), B5 basically equals T5 plus mild hybrid, and B6 equals T6 plus mild hybrid. So: most reliable to least, I'd say T5, T6, B5, B6

And I hate what I've seen of AAOS, even more than the final Sensus. And I don't hate Carplay in my GM product.

 

T8 if you can get the pzev warranty. it'll have the longest remaining factory warranty of any variant (read the fine print), and it won't cost much more used

 

Sensus is fine. I do like the AAOS system and think that it will age fine given how widely Google is utilized, although I suppose CarPlay will always be an option as well.

Definitely think the B powertrains are far more refined than T. As others have mentioned, the 48V Mild Hybrid ISG system is silky smooth and probably will prove to be the more reliable solution especially on the B6 powertrain with the supercharger (compared to the T6). The only thing I miss about my T6 Drive-E is the supercharger whine.

 

I slightly prefer Sensus over AAOS, but both have their plus points. I prefer the menu structure and stability of Sensus, but it wouldn't be a dealbreaker for me to get a car with AAOS.

The T5 and B5 are both 'enough', but most buyers like the added power (especially towing, or at highway speeds) in the T6 and B6. The XC90 T6 does seem to run a slightly-higher risk of supercharger issues past 100,000 miles, but I've primarily seen this on older (2018/17/16 examples). There are some who say the newer T6 engines are not at risk for such issues. The B5 and B6 cars occasionally have issues with water pumps failing at low mileage, but warranty should cover this issue (or it should have already happened, on a car that's a few years old). If you can, try out as many different variations as you can. Try a T car vs a B car, a 5 vs a 6, and a Sensus car vs an AAOS car. It could be hard to get the exact perfect combo for your preferences, but you can get a feel for what you're looking at. The fundamentals of the car are very much the same until the recent (late 2024, marketed as 2025.5) update.

Broadly, the 2017+ XC90 is very reliable, and has improved with age. They need sunroof drain cleanings every couple years, or they run the risk of water intrusion and electrical damage. (An issue sadly endemic to many vehicles with panoramic sunroofs.) But I would have no reservations buying one that's just a few years old. I've driven the gamut of $85,000 new T8 hybrids to 150k-mile beater examples, and they've all been solid. Take care of the car, and it will take care of you. And once it's a little older... save yourself some money, and use a qualified independent mechanic, if you can. Dealerships are just so damned expensive.

 

We currently have both Sensus and AAOS. So it’s a day to day comparison. I can only compare T6 to a B6 though. T6 is smoother, coasts smoother, and brakes smoother. The B6 was jumpier in acceleration and braking and shifting until 3.3.16 came along. It got a lot better.

Sensus:
-overall more stable and is simpler. I don’t have to dig into multiple screens for what I’m looking for. Swipe and click. That’s it.
-adjusting the interior lighting is on an intuitive wheel, not buried into the screen
-faster response to touch currently
-I can see the media in the center instrument cluster (crazy concept)

AAOS:
-full screen apple CarPlay or google maps
-the hard reboot for AAOS and the TCAM has helped correct most gremlins (not available on Sensus)
-after 3.3.16, the touch screen response is noticeably delayed. It’s slower than Sensus now 🤷‍♂️
-as I’m driving into a tight space, the 360 camera automatically comes up most of the time. This is a nice feature
-automatic reverse braking needs a “permanent off” button. Screw this stupid feature.
-perpetual logging out of profiles seems to have stopped. But that was super annoying.
-AAOS cars didn’t come with three keys. It was missing a sport key. Volvo exploited the chip shortage to their benefit to save pennies. I use the sport key exclusively.

 

If you hate auto start/stop, ‘19-22 sensus is better bc can be shut off

if you like auto start stop, ‘23+ has much better implementation

if you want to configure car simply (drive modes, gauge cluster dimming, etc) sensus cars better

if you don’t mind digging thru menus to change anything, AAOS is manageable

later cars have been decontented a bit (less nappa leather on interior surfaces, etc) I think starting in 2022

And if you’re undecided, my recommendation would be to go with the car that most closely matches the optional equipment you desire. Our loaded 2019 (air susp, b&w, lounge, etc) feels like a much nicer vehicle than newer loaners we’ve had with less equipment.

 

Forgive me for cheating a bit since I have a T8, but. . . .

AAOS on the XC90 is total garbage. I can't speak to Sensus, but AAOS on the 2023 XC90 is a hot mess. It's evident that the hardware used to power the software is vastly underpowered. Switching profiles takes approximately forever. God help you if you want to use voice command for something. It's unfortunate because I think with faster hardware, this could be a good system, but it's borderline unusable in my vehicle at least.

Using Carplay solves some problems, but of course Carplay doesn't integrate with the rest of the system - hello, idiot voice command! - and it's overall very suboptimal.

 

Forgive me for cheating a bit since I have a T8, but. . . .

AAOS on the XC90 is total garbage. I can't speak to Sensus, but AAOS on the 2023 XC90 is a hot mess. It's evident that the hardware used to power the software is vastly underpowered. Switching profiles takes approximately forever. God help you if you want to use voice command for something. It's unfortunate because I think with faster hardware, this could be a good system, but it's borderline unusable in my vehicle at least.

Using Carplay solves some problems, but of course Carplay doesn't integrate with the rest of the system - hello, idiot voice command! - and it's overall very suboptimal.

sad to hear about the software disappointment. The electric range, torque and HP for the Recharge are exceptional

 

Lol was trying not to be biased, but I too hated the AAOS in the last b6 inscription loaner we had. Car itself was quieter, more powerful, and used noticeably less fuel. But inability to turn off auto SS (which was smooth but would cook us in 90+ degree weather by shutting off engine & AC), regular leather or vinyl armrests (the Nappa leather in our ‘19 t6 just feels so much nicer against the skin), and most irritatingly, the inability to dim the instrument cluster at night without digging through menus on that godawful interface had both me and my wife longing for our car back.

Biased opinion based on my preferences…get the most recent in-service date cpo 21-22 t6 inscription with as much optional equipment as possible and slap a 10 yr platinum warranty extension on it. Also recommend ppd maintenance from steingold. Then drive the wheels off it until warranty expires around 2031-2032 and trade it for a good burrito

 

To be fair, my only experience with any of your options is my current 2021 XC90 T6 with Sensus but I will say I think I got a winner.

I keep the Sensus maps up to date and the directions are pretty reliable but it doesn’t like recalculating the route sometimes (always trying to get me to do U-turns) and it doesn’t give options for different routes. I do not use CarPlay at all.

And I was a little concerned about getting a T6 due to it being a 4 cylinder with super/turbo boost pushing a brick of a car but it has actually been very smooth and responsive. The low end boost from the supercharger doesn’t throw you into your seat like my old Mini Cooper S did and the transition to turbo on the higher end is unnoticeable. I also purchased the 10 year unlimited mileage CPO warranty for more piece of mind.