u/walnutmonk

Looking at 2026 XC 90 PHEV's and debating the different compromises. The exact spec pool is smaller because we want captains chairs.

The debate is this - Nordico seats in the Plus ** vs ** the Nappa ventilated seats in the Ultra. I prefer a light color interior so the trade off may come there. Black Nappa or light Nordico. So the question is which compromise do I want to make.

I've read as much as I can find on the forums but still don't feel like I have a good handle on how they compare from a comfort standpoint. And if the Nordico is sweatier on a long drive than the leather.

I welcome all insights, thank you.

Was pretty set on a Grand Highlander Hybrid Limited which out the door around $64,000+ here in Northern California but seeing these CX 90 PHEV deals for 0% APR I'm intrigued.

My perception is that a couple years ago these were everywhere and now I feel like I hardly see them. What's going on? I know the basics of some early model year issues so should I be scared off from owning one of these?

I've read a few of the threads from people trying to decide between these two but hopefully I'm asking a slightly different question.

I'm trying to decide between the GHH Hybrid Limited vs Highlander Hybrid Platinum - practically the same price car. Captains chairs either way.

Coming from a Rav 4 Prime but want more room with a baby. The GHH is bigger than we *need* - and both cars do alot of good things it seems - but here's a few things from each that I'm wondering "what will annoy me less?"

Highlander Hybrid

- Brand new car and doesn't have new safety sense 3.0 with possibility of OTT updates. This is my biggest gripe.

Grand Highlander Hybrid

- Concerned I wont adapt to the size of it but have been told from other parents "you'll never regret too much space" - I'm sure the handful of times someone is sitting in the 3rd row I'll agree but otherwise I'm not so sure.

- Seems like a hollow, plastic box - the doors feel flimsy (would add sound dampening) and it seems like it has more flimsy plastic in the driver's area than the Highlander.

- I've read some people experiencing bluetooth issues with GHH. Now listen, I hate carplay but at least it works... if it doesn't work every single time then woof.

Both

- JBL system seems like it kinda sucks for a $60,000 car.

I'm reading and watching videos but having a hard time understanding what the practical differences between Safety Sense 2.5+ and 3.0 are. In my experience with 2.5+ Safety Sense is more annoying than useful. Especially the occasional "BRAKE" alert which 100% of the time hurts the situation more than helps. Lane tracing unusable in 2.5+ imo.

Appreciate any insights and feedback!

Has anyone successfully upgraded the speakers from the 11 speaker JBL system.

I would take it to an audio pro for the work but from the little info I’ve been able to find it appears like it might be a pretty complicated job for reasons beyond my limited understanding.

Pardon my ignorance - I test drove a Model Y yesterday and with the exception of one small weird routing decision found FSD amazing (duh). As I'm car shopping right now I find it really hard to justify some other cars based on the feeling that many are selling you their tech from a decade ago (or so).

I notice that so many - it feels like the majority - of Tesla's i see on the road have their phone mounted and often appear to be using navigation through it.

Part of the appeal of the car to me is that maps, music, podcasts etc is all in the screen (I despise car play) and the phone stays down on the charger bc I dont need it.

What am I missing?

EDIT to add: after a few answers I realize the real question I'm asking is - Is Tesla's navigation and live traffic less reliable than my phones? I don't love the idea of buying an amazing computer on wheels only to be back on my phone using maps just like I do in a 2006 Accord.

Have been to a couple Volvo dealerships, one with large CPO selection of recent years XC90 Recharge and another with only a handful and most weren't CPO.

Sales guy says the following:

1. CPO costs money and that gets passed to you so its better to have a non-CPO and then pay for the VIP 10 year.
2. I'm going to give the VIP to you for $4500 instead of $6-$7,000 because I look out for the customer.

I had to respect the creativity but man that first one sounded like a load and the 2nd one (thanks to this forum) I knew was.

What do you all think of the 1st CPO point? I had to chuckle at the creativity but then also was like "damn, not the worst logic."

My follow up question was - are the non-CPO's inspected? He says "oh yea they're inspected, the CPO process only adds a few small checks"

Did I walk right then? No. Not until I saw a couple of the cars... and they needed a vacuum. Not what I'd expect from a Volvo dealership. But I've only been to two lol.

Shopping 2024 HW4 Model Y’s.

I have a buddy who has a 2020 MY and says by the time they got to the 2024 MY most of the issues that you’d need basic warranty for were figured out and that I shouldn’t be scared off by high mileage - say 70k.

Of course 70,000 miles on a 3-4 year old car is insane annual mileage but nonetheless the question remains.

Thank you in advance for your insights.

I’m shopping a few options since Option 1 - Toyota Highlander Hybrid is scarce and more expensive than I’m generally comfortable with a Toyota being. But hey reliability and residual value ain’t nothing so still may go that route.

Drove some XC 90’s today and as expected really loved alot of about the car. As my wife and I discuss I keep getting hung up on software.

My question is - how much over the air improvement should I expect if any if I own the car? I’m not expecting big Tesla-style feature pushes but am curious if bugs get fixed quickly and any features get added or if what I saw is what I’m getting.

I’ve driven Rivian and Tesla and while they both also use the center screen for everything they felt much more fluid to use than the operation of the XC 90 but nothing is perfect.