Momentum vs. Inscription

Buyers of late-model Volvo cars and SUVs have two fundamental decisions to make. First, do they want the base T5 engine configuration or the more powerful T6? Either is fine; it depends on how much off-the-line and passing acceleration is important to you. Second, do they want the base Momentum trim level or the more luxurious Inscription trim?

This week, I had the best opportunity to compare Momentum and Inscription trim levels since I was shopping for my 2019 XC90 nearly two years ago. My SUV was due for its second routine maintenance visit, and the dealer dropped off a 2019 XC90 T6 Momentum as a loaner while giving my vehicle an oil change and general going over.

While I’ve always liked the Momentum models—especially the softer front seats with less aggressive side bolsters—I was surprised by how much the difference in interior leather registered with me. Momentum models get a grainer, more textured leather while Inscription models like mine get a softer, smoother Nappa leather. From 2019 onward, Inscription models also received as standard equipment a leather-covered dash. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with the Momentum leather, it’s just a noticeable difference once you’ve become accustomed to the Nappa leather. The plastic dash also was surprisingly noticeable, although I doubt one would pay much attention, if any, to this if one were driving a Momentum on a daily basis.

Still, the difference that stood out most for me was how much bigger this particular Momentum model looked from the outside. I suspect two factors were at play. First, when I ordered my Inscription, I stuck with the standard 19” wheels knowing that they would provide a somewhat softer ride. By contrast, most XC90s shipped to dealers these days come with optional 20” or 21” wheels. The loaner I received was outfitted with 21” wheels. As a consequence, I suspect it sits a little higher than my Inscription model for that reason alone. (Even if the sidewalls of the 21” tires are shrunk enough so that the vehicle doesn’t actually sit higher, the wheels certainly give the impression that it does.)

When I ordered my XC90, however, I also ordered the four-corner air suspension, which allows you to have the car lower itself by 1.6” when you turn off the ignition, if you like. I do, as it makes it noticeably easier for my 5’2” wife to get in and out. But the consequence is that when sitting still, my Momentum loaner is now something like 2” higher in total than my Inscription. That’s a very noticeable difference.

Did I like the more aggressive look of the bigger Momentum? Well, yeah. But I don’t have to lower mine with the air suspension if I don’t want to, and I do like the softer ride that the 19” wheel/tire combo provides. Bottom line, I still feel like I made the right choice for me by going with the Inscription trim.

2019 Volvo XC90 T6 Momentum with 21” Wheels