Almost 5,000 lb of Towing Capacity: What the 2026 Volvo XC90 Can Pull

Almost 5,000 lb of Towing Capacity: What the 2026 Volvo XC90 Can Pull

The 2026 Volvo XC90 is rated to tow up to 4,960 lbs (2,250 kg) with a braked trailer. That figure applies to both powertrains in the lineup, the B6 AWD mild hybrid and the T8 AWD plug-in hybrid, so families who need seven seats and a hitch do not have to pick one over the other.

A trailer without its own brakes is capped at 1,653 lbs (750 kg). Below, we break down both ratings, the weight limits that sit alongside them and the XC90 features that help on tow day.

2026 Volvo XC90 Towing at a Glance

Specification

B6 AWD Mild Hybrid

T8 AWD Plug-In Hybrid

Max braked trailer weight

4,960 lbs (2,250 kg)

4,960 lbs (2,250 kg)

Max unbraked trailer weight

1,653 lbs (750 kg)

1,653 lbs (750 kg)

Output

295 hp, 310 lb-ft

455 hp, 523 lb-ft combined

Max total weight

6,151 lbs (2,790 kg)

6,504 lbs (2,950 kg)

Max roof load

220 lbs (100 kg)

220 lbs (100 kg)

Ground clearance

223 mm (8.8 in)

223 mm (8.8 in)

Drive layout

All-wheel drive

All-wheel drive

Two Powertrains, One Towing Rating

Both XC90 powertrains share the same braked and unbraked limits. That keeps the decision simple: choose the powertrain that suits your weekday driving, and the towing rating comes along unchanged.

The B6 AWD uses a 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine that is both supercharged and turbocharged. It makes 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque and pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The T8 AWD plug-in hybrid pairs a 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor. Together they deliver 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of combined torque, and the electric motor alone supplies 228 lb-ft from a standstill. That instant electric torque helps the XC90 roll away smoothly with a loaded trailer behind it.

How to Check Your Trailer Against the Rating

Start with the trailer itself. If it has its own brakes, the XC90’s limit is 4,960 lbs (2,250 kg). If it relies on the tow vehicle alone to stop, the limit drops to 1,653 lbs (750 kg).

Next, add up what the trailer will carry. The trailer’s weight plate gives you its empty weight, and everything you load on top counts toward the total. A quick tally before you leave keeps you within the rating:

  • Empty trailer weight from the plate
  • Gear, fuel and supplies loaded on the trailer
  • Any water or liquids carried in tanks

If that total lands at or below the rating for your trailer type, the XC90 is rated to pull it.

Seven Seats, a Full Cargo Area and a Trailer

The XC90 is a seven-seat SUV, and tow day often means a full cabin. The max total weight covers the vehicle, every passenger and all the gear inside. That limit is 6,151 lbs (2,790 kg) for the B6 AWD and 6,504 lbs (2,950 kg) for the T8 AWD.

With the third row folded and the second row in place, the cargo area holds 980 L in the B6 AWD and 977 L in the T8 AWD, measured to the roof. Fold the second row as well and that grows to 1,950 L and 1,941 L. A roof load of up to 220 lbs (100 kg) adds room for a cargo box or bikes.

Chassis Features That Help on Tow Day

Several XC90 features make towing easier, and most of them come standard on every trim:

  • Trailer lamp control is standard on Core, Plus and Ultra.
  • Hill Start Assist helps hold the XC90 in place while you move from the brake to the accelerator on a slope.
  • Hill Descent Control helps manage speed on steep grades.
  • Comfort chassis with FSD damper technology comes standard on every trim.
  • Active air suspension is available as an option on Ultra.

Ground clearance of 223 mm (8.8 in) on the standard chassis helps at gravel launches and grassy campsites. The XC90 is also rated to wade through water up to 450 mm deep at walking speed.

Which 2026 XC90 Fits Your Towing Plans?

Since both powertrains tow the same weight, the right pick depends on the rest of your week.

Choose the B6 AWD if you tow often over long distances and want a straightforward setup without a charging routine. It is rated at 10.4 L/100 km combined and reaches 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds.

Choose the T8 AWD if your weekdays are mostly short trips you can cover on electricity. It offers up to 53 km of all-electric range, is rated at 8.9 L/100 km combined, and reaches 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds.

Both versions come with all-wheel drive, seven seats and the full set of tow-day features listed above.

Plan Your Next Haul With Volvo Cars Edmonton

Bring your trailer specs to Volvo Cars Edmonton and our team will help you match them to the right 2026 XC90. We will walk you through the B6 AWD and T8 AWD side by side, so you leave with a clear picture of how each one handles your load. Book your test drive at our Edmonton dealership.

2026 VOLVO XC90