Volvo builds some of the most desirable and technologically advanced SUVs in the industry. Swedish company prioritizes the interior comfort and finish but also puts focus on the safety equipment. Volvo’s models also come with the advanced powertrains options and Volvo promised to offer an electrified version of each model. The brand is also expanding the lineup and the XC40 is the recent addition to Volvo’s range. However, the question that started to appear after brand’s largest SUV the XC90 arrived redesigned for the 2016 model year is could Volvo decide to enter the growing pickup segment.
Well, we know that many brands considering that option and new names will continue appearing on the market. Hyundai’s unibody design is confirmed for the production, Tesla is bringing the all-electric pickup, the Jeep Scrambler is behind the corner. VW might also make the Atlas-based pickup for the US market. But Volvo hasn’t given any hint yet that it is considering the pickup version. Rumors, on the other hand, suggesting that three-row XC90 would be great to get the pickup version. Some renderings already appeared showing the potential design of the Volvo XC90 Pickup Truck but this will likely stay the matter of speculation only.
Volvo XC90 Pickup Truck: Design
Building the pickup truck is the expensive undertaking and even Mercedes borrowed many components from the Navara global model. The platform needs the most time and money to be developed and easier for the carmakers is to do it as the joint venture or use platform from the available models.
If Volvo is hypothetically to launch the pickup truck, it would likely use the XC90 large SUV as the base and that would be another unibody pickup on the market alongside the Honda Ridgeline. Hyundai’s Santa Cruz pickup will also use the SUV platform as the base.
On the other hand, the styling of the Volvo Pickup Truck is shown with the styling elements of the XC90 and behind the middle pillar of the XC90 SUV is the small cargo bed. The body lines, grille design, “thor hammer” headlights, etc. are all from brand’s largest SUV.
However, if on some occasions Volvo would launch the truck version of its SUV it would surely use stretched wheelbase in order to accommodate larger, mid-size cargo bed.
Interior, Equipment:
As for the interior design, the Volvo pickup would be another luxury appointed version alongside the Mercedes X-Class. The truck would adopt similar dash design. It would probably offer similarly sized center screen and infotainment features like the largest SUV model.
Volvo is also one of the leading brands regarding the safety technologies and the pickup version would also be equipped with the latest technologies in that aspect.
Volvo XC90 Pickup Truck: Powertrains
When it comes to the power options, Volvo’s largest SUV uses a trio of turbocharged engines including the plug-in hybrid version. A 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine that makes 250 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque would fit nice to the Volvo XC90 Pickup Truck. Volvo would also use the 8-speed automatic transmission. The XC90 equipped with this engine can tow up to 5, 200 pounds. The Pilot SUV-based Honda Ridgeline allows up to 5,000 pounds.
Volvo’s supercharged and turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the XC90 produces 316 hp and torque of 295 lb-ft. The plug-in hybrid T8 powertrain is also an option for the XC90.
Volvo XC90 Pickup Truck: Production?
Volvo actually had the pickup version in the 1940s. When we are speaking about the production probability of the Volvo XC90 Pickup Truck version, the chances are very slim. Volvo hasn’t said anything that may hint it is considering the pickup version.