The Volvo XC90 was introduced into Volvo’s lineup as a compact crossover SUV in 2012 and remains popular today. Volvo vehicles are known for their unique styling and for having the features consumers expect from today’s SUVs, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a 2023 Volvo XC90?
The 2023 Volvo XC90 has a towing capacity of 4,000 to 5,000 pounds depending on the engine type.
There’s a bit more to know about Volvo XC90 towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2023 Volvo XC90 Towing Capacity
As we covered earlier, the current 2024 Volvo XC90 can tow a maximum of 5,000 lbs.
A 2023 Volvo XC90 Core can pull 4,000 to 5,000 pounds.
A 2023 Volvo XC90 Plus can pull 4,000 to 5,000 pounds.
A 2023 Volvo XC90 Ultimate can pull 5,000 pounds.
| 2023 XC90 Trim Level | Max Towing Capacity |
| Core | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) |
| Plus | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) |
| Ultra | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) |
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
2023 Volvo XC90 Engine Specs
There are three engine options for the 2023 Volvo XC90:
B5 Engine
- Type: 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 247 hp
- Torque: 258 lb-ft
- Towing Capacity: 4,000 pounds
- Available in Trims: Core and Plus
B6 Engine
- Type: 2.0L supercharged and turbocharged 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 295 hp
- Torque: 310 lb-ft
- Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds
- Available in Trims: Core, Plus, Ultimate
T8 Plug-In Hybrid
- Type: Combines a turbocharged and supercharged engine with an electric motor
- Horsepower: 455 hp (combined)
- Torque: 523 lb-ft (combined)
- Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds
- Available in Trim: Ultimate
2023 Volvo XC90 Tow Package Info
Does The Volvo XC90 Have A Tow Package?
Volvo offers a factory-installed XC90 trailer hitch.
The Volvo XC90 tow package includes the following:
- Forward-Collision Warning: Alerts the driver of an impending collision.
- Automatic Emergency Braking: Engages brakes automatically if a collision is imminent.
- Oncoming Lane Mitigation: Helps prevent collisions with oncoming traffic by steering the vehicle back into its lane.
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS): Monitors blind spots and warns drivers of vehicles in adjacent lanes, crucial when changing lanes while towing.
- Cross Traffic Alert: Alerts drivers to approaching traffic from the sides when reversing, enhancing safety while maneuvering with a trailer.
- Lane Keeping Aid: Assists in keeping the vehicle centered in its lane, reducing the risk of drifting, especially important during towing.
- 360-Degree Camera: Provides a bird’s-eye view around the vehicle, aiding in parking and maneuvering, particularly when hitching up a trailer.
- Trailer Stability Assist: This feature helps maintain stability while towing by detecting trailer sway and applying brakes to individual wheels as needed.
- Park Assist: Front and rear park assist features help with parking maneuvers by providing audio and visual alerts to obstacles around the vehicle.
- Driver Attention Alert: Monitors driver behavior for signs of fatigue or distraction and provides warnings to encourage safe driving practices.
- Hill Descent Control: Assists in controlling speed while descending steep grades, which can be particularly beneficial when towing heavy loads downhill.
- Additional Safety Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a set speed and distance from vehicles ahead, useful for long-distance towing.
- Road Sign Information: Displays relevant road signs on the dashboard, helping drivers stay aware of speed limits and other important information.
- Emergency Braking Preparation: Prepares the braking system for maximum effectiveness in emergency situations.
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a 2023 Volvo XC90?
If you plan on towing anything with your Volvo XC90, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.
Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.
Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.
2023 Volvo XC90 Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Volvo XC90 uses a Class 3 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Class II) 2023 Volvo XC90 trailer hitch:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 6,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 900 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
- FULLY TESTED. Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
- RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT. This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
- EASY TO INSTALL. This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the Volvo XC90
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your XC90:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. Rated to tow 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offers dependability for your towing setup (weight capacity may change if trailer ball is removed)
- VERSATILE USE. This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 1-1/4-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch receiver. The ball mount has a 3-1/4-inch drop, 2-inch diameter ball, 1/2-inch hitch pin hole and 7-1/4-inch overall length
- READY TO TOW. Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-attached tow ball for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting use, this ball hitch is protected with a durable black powder coat finish, and the trailer ball has a polished chrome plating. These finishes resist damage from rain, dirt, road salt and other corrosive threats
- EASY TO INSTALL. To install the trailer hitch ball mount on your vehicle, simply insert the shank into your vehicle's 1-1/4-inch hitch receiver. The rounded shank makes installation easy
2023 Volvo XC90 Trailer Hitch Installation
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your XC90, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Volvo XC90 trailer hitch installation:
How Do I Know If My 2023 Volvo XC90 Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your XC90 to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.
That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your XC90.
Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.
Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your vehicle has any towing packages or features installed on it.
What Can You Tow With the 2023 Volvo XC90?
The 2023 Volvo XC90 is a luxury SUV with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, making it a great choice for towing various types of trailers, campers, and equipment.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can tow with your 2023 XC-90:
1. Small Travel Trailers
The XC90 is well-suited for towing compact travel trailers, such as:
- Teardrop trailers
- Pop-up campers
- Lightweight single-axle travel trailers
Examples:
- Airstream Basecamp: ~3,500 pounds
- Forest River R-Pod: ~2,500–4,000 pounds
2. Utility Trailers
Great for transporting tools, materials, or small equipment, the XC90 can tow:
- 6’x12′ utility trailers
- Small enclosed cargo trailers
Examples:
- 6’x12′ open utility trailer: ~1,200 pounds (empty)
- Enclosed cargo trailer: ~2,000 pounds (empty)
3. Small Boats and Watercraft
Perfect for water enthusiasts, the XC90 can handle:
- Small fishing boats
- Personal watercraft (PWCs) like Jet Skis
- Kayaks or canoes on a trailer
Examples:
- Fishing boat and trailer: ~3,000–4,000 pounds
- Jet Ski with trailer: ~1,200 pounds
4. ATVs and Dirt Bikes
For off-road adventures, the XC90 can easily tow:
- ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles)
- Dirt bikes on a lightweight trailer
Examples:
- ATV on a trailer: ~2,000 pounds
- Two dirt bikes with trailer: ~1,500 pounds
5. Small Horse Trailers
Equestrian enthusiasts will appreciate the XC90’s ability to tow:
- Single-horse trailers
- Lightweight two-horse trailers
Examples:
- Single-horse trailer: ~3,000–4,000 pounds
2023 Volvo XC90 Payload Capacity
The payload capacity of the 2023 Volvo XC90 is 1,370 to 1,562 pounds.
Note that the max payload capacity of your 2023 XC90 will vary based on factors like the engine type, drivetrain, and trim level of your specific vehicle.
You can always contact your local dealership for extra details if you’re unsure of your vehicle’s payload capability.
2023 Volvo XC90 Towing Capacity Vs Competitors
The 2023 XC90 has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, which makes it capable of light-duty and medium-duty trailer towing.
This number is a little less than the XC90’s main competitors which are the 2023 RAV4 and the 2023 Sportage.
Here are some similar vehicles to the 2023 Nissan Rogue and their towing capacities below:
| Vehicle | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| 2023 Toyota Sequoia | 9,520 lbs |
| 2023 GMC Yukon | 8,400 lbs |
| 2023 Land Rover Range Rover | 8,200 lbs |
| 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L | 7,200 lbs |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 | 7,700 lbs |
| 2023 Volvo XC90 | 5,000 lbs |
2023 Volvo Models Towing Capacity Chart
| Model | Towing Capacity |
| XC90 | 5,000 lbs |
| XC60 | 3,500 lbs |
| XC40 | 3,500 lbs |
| XC40 Recharge | 2,000 lbs |
| S60 | 4,409 lbs |
Data Accuracy
We’ve gathered all data represented here from the official 2023 Volvo XC90 Owner’s Manual on Volvo’s site and have checked all data thoroughly for accuracy.