The current car-market trends are turned toward more flexible and utility designs and buyers also love the higher, commanding driving position. The SUVs fit perfectly to this profile and the sells and demand for this kind of vehicle is in the constant growth. However, buyers are also, increasingly buying pickup trucks and they are buying performance versions, high-luxury variants and other varieties. This growing market attracts new brands and many new models entered or will enter the market.
Volvo has gained the great reputation with its luxury SUVs and the number of them is growing. Swedish brand brings to the buyers most of the comfort and modern features plus scores with the highly efficient and powerful powertrains. But, after Mercedes entered the pickup segment and several new models are waiting for the launch the question emerges could Volvo decide to offer this kind of vehicle. Volvo is already successful in producing commercial trucks but what are the chances to see Volvo’s pickup truck version. Well, very slim of course.
However, since Volvo’s biggest SUV model, the XC90, arrived all-new for the 2016 model year rumors continue circulating that Volvo could decide to offer the Volvo XC90 Pickup Truck version. No, proofs so far or comments from Volvo regarding this possibility and this will likely stay the matter of speculation. However, we already see some ideas about the possible design of Volvo’s XC90-based pickup truck.
Volvo XC90 Pickup Truck: Possible Design
Constructing the pickup truck from the ground up is the expensive and time-consuming process and even Mercedes made its first pickup truck as the joint venture with Nissan. The platform is the biggest concern and Mercedes uses the global Nissan Navara underpinning. If Volvo would be finishing the pickup truck versions it would definitely be easiest to build the truck based on the three-row XC90.
With SUVs underpinning, the Volvo XC90 Pickup Truck would be another unibody design alongside the Honda Ridgeline and announced Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Styling:
The Volvo XC90 Pickup Truck would likely have very similar styling elements as brand’s newest SUVs. The front section will be identified by Volvo’s signature grille and “Thor’s Hammer” headlights. The rear section would adopt the mid-size bed while door panels and fenders would feature similar lines as the largest Volvo SUV. The tailgate couldn’t, however, fit the current full-pillar taillights style so Volvo would have to go with the new design.
Interior:
Interior would, of course, mimic the design of the latest SUVs as it is the case with Pilot SUV-based pickup truck. There would be Volvo’s signature high-quality materials and textures. The truck versions would also include brand’s newest infotainment features and the safety equipment would also be in the line with the SUV models.
Volvo XC90 Pickup Truck: Powertrains
The powertrains from the capable XC90 SUV would easily fit to the Volvo XC90 Pickup Truck. The T5 powertrain with the 2.0-liter turbocharged-4 engine would be more than enough to power the truck version. This engine makes 250 horsepower in the combination with the 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
The Swedish three-row SUV also exploits the T6 supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and number of ponies with this power mill jump to 316 hp.
However, the XC90 Pickup Truck could also adopt the T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain. Other brands also boosting the electrification of all kind of vehicles. Volvo already has done a great job in that regard.
