The **Volvo EX90** isn’t just a quiet, seven-seat family hauler. Underneath the Scandi decor and Bowers & Wilkins speakers is a serious electric workhorse with a **4,850 lb towing capacity** and up to **310 miles of EPA-estimated range** when it’s not hitched to anything. If you’re wondering how far it will really go with a camper, boat, or pair of jet skis in tow, this guide walks you through the numbers, and the tradeoffs.
At a glance
Volvo EX90 towing capacity overview
Volvo EX90 towing & payload basics (U.S. models)
Key factory ratings that matter when you put a trailer behind your EX90.
| Specification | Twin Motor | Twin Motor Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing capacity (braked) | 4,850 lb | 4,850 lb |
| Max tongue weight (typical) | ~10% of tow rating (~485 lb)* | ~10% of tow rating (~485 lb)* |
| Roof load rating | 220 lb | 220 lb |
| Curb weight (approx.) | 5,928 lb | 6,048 lb |
| Battery (gross/usable) | 111 / 107 kWh | 111 / 107 kWh |
| Drive | Dual-motor AWD | Dual-motor AWD |
Always confirm exact ratings on your door jamb label and in your owner’s manual before towing.
Check your specific car
The **4,850 lb** rating puts the EX90 squarely in the EV middle class for towing. It won’t drag a three-horse trailer or a 30-foot Airstream, but it will happily pull: - A 17–20 ft fiberglass fishing boat on a steel trailer - A lightweight 18–22 ft travel trailer - A double-axle utility trailer full of lumber or home‑renovation debris Because the EX90 is heavy, over 6,000 lb in Performance trim, it feels planted when towing. The flip side is physics: weight plus aerodynamic drag will chew through range faster than you’re used to in a gasoline XC90.
Volvo EX90 range estimates by trim and wheels
Before we talk about hitching anything up, you need a baseline for the **Volvo EX90’s range without a trailer**. U.S. models use a big 111 kWh (107 kWh usable) battery and dual motors in both trims.
EPA-estimated Volvo EX90 range (no trailer)
Factory figures for U.S. models, assuming ideal conditions and a healthy battery.
| Trim & wheels | EPA-est. range | MPGe (city/highway/combined) |
|---|---|---|
| Twin Motor, 21" wheels | Up to 310 miles | 86 / 82 / 84 |
| Twin Motor, 20" or 22" wheels | Up to 300 miles | 83 / 78 / 81 |
| Twin Motor Performance (all wheels) | Volvo quotes up to 300–310 miles; expect slightly less than base Twin in practice | Similar MPGe, slightly higher consumption at speed |
Real-world range will depend on temperature, speed, elevation, and how you load the car.
WLTP vs. EPA vs. reality
Battery & charging quick facts
How towing affects Volvo EX90 range in the real world
EVs *excel* at moving weight off the line. The EX90’s dual motors deliver instant torque, so even a 4,000 lb trailer doesn’t feel abusive. But air resistance is a silent tax collector, and it gets worse with speed and frontal area. Put a tall, square trailer behind a tall, square SUV and your **effective range can drop by 40–60%** at highway speeds.
Light trailer: 1,500–2,000 lb
Think small utility trailer, pair of dirt bikes, or lightweight aluminum boat.
- Typical hit: ~25–35% range reduction
- Plan on: 170–210 miles between fast charges in good weather
- Best at: 55–65 mph, gentle terrain
Heavier trailer: 3,500–4,850 lb
Small bunkhouse camper, fiberglass fishing boat, or loaded enclosed trailer.
- Typical hit: ~45–60% range reduction
- Plan on: 120–160 miles between fast charges in good weather
- Cold temps or big hills: It can drop under 120 miles
Cold weather hurts twice
If you’re coming from a gas SUV, that sounds dire. In practice, towing with an EX90 just means **planning your stops**. A day’s drive becomes a rhythm of 120–150 mile stints with 25–40 minute fast‑charge breaks, roughly every two hours. Families with kids and dogs often discover that’s how they were already traveling, they just hadn’t optimized the infrastructure yet.
Matching your trailer to the EX90’s 4,850 lb rating
Common trailer types within EX90 limits
What works well, and what to think twice about.
Boats & water toys
Good match: 17–20 ft fiberglass boats, PWC double trailers.
- Keep total weight under ~4,000 lb loaded.
- Lower profile than a camper means better range.
- Watch slippery ramps, regen braking feels different.
Small travel trailers
Good with discipline: Aero‑shaped 18–22 ft campers, single or light double axle.
- Look for GVWR under 4,500 lb.
- Aerodynamics matter more than brochure weight.
- Expect highway range closer to 120–150 miles.
Utility & cargo trailers
Great for weekend projects: Landscaping trailers, U‑Haul style 5x8s, small enclosed cargo.
- Load bias forward but stay under tongue limit.
- Enclosed boxes add aero drag; open trailers don’t.
- Secure loads carefully, instant torque is no joke.
Don’t live at the limit
Tongue weight is the other silent killer. Most conventional hitches want **10–15% of trailer weight on the ball**. That counts against the EX90’s payload and rear axle rating. A 4,000 lb trailer can easily put **400–500 lb** on the hitch before you load a single duffel bag in the cargo area. If you routinely carry a full crew, consider a lighter trailer or rethink what “must‑bring” actually means.
Charging and route planning while towing
The Volvo EX90 supports DC fast charging up to **around 250 kW** on current models, with Volvo talking about faster 800‑volt hardware for future years. In the real world today, you should think in terms of **10–80% in 30–35 minutes** when you hit a capable charger and the battery is warm.
- Use apps that let you filter for **pull‑through or trailer‑friendly chargers** (or zoom in on satellite view to check maneuvering room).
- Plan legs of **100–140 miles** when towing; build in extra buffer for headwinds, grades, or traffic.
- Whenever possible, **arrive at fast chargers around 10–20% state of charge**, that’s where charging speeds are highest.
- Precondition the battery en route using the built‑in route planner so you’re not wasting the first 10 minutes at slow speeds.
- On longer trips, consider **dropping the trailer at a campground** and exploring the area trailer‑free to recoup range and sanity.
Let the car do the math
Volvo EX90 vs. other electric SUV towers
Towing is becoming the new arms race in electric SUVs. The EX90 doesn’t win on headline numbers, that honor goes to brutes like the Rivian R1S, but it combines **usable range, real towing ability, and family-friendly comfort** in a way that’s more everyday‑livable than some heroes on off‑road tires.
How the EX90 stacks up against other electric SUV towers
Approximate U.S. ratings for popular three-row or adventure-focused electric SUVs.
| Model | Max tow rating | Battery (usable) | Best-case EPA range (no tow) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volvo EX90 Twin Motor | 4,850 lb | ~107 kWh | Up to 310 mi |
| Volvo EX90 Twin Motor Performance | 4,850 lb | ~107 kWh | Up to ~300 mi |
| Rivian R1S Dual Motor Large Pack | 7,700 lb | ~128–135 kWh | Up to ~390 mi |
| Tesla Model X Dual Motor | 5,000 lb | ~95–100 kWh | Up to ~335 mi |
| Kia EV9 AWD | 5,000 lb | ~95 kWh | Up to ~280–304 mi |
Specs are manufacturer estimates or latest published data; always verify for your model year.
Where the EX90 shines
Battery health, range, and shopping used EX90s
Range numbers are only as good as the **battery behind them**. The EX90 uses a large NMC pack from CATL and, like most modern EVs, has robust thermal management. Still, hard use, fast charging, frequent high‑speed towing, hot climates, can nibble away at usable capacity over time.
What affects EX90 battery health
- Frequent 0–100% fast charges instead of 10–80% top‑ups.
- Living in extreme heat without garage parking.
- Sustained high‑speed driving and towing at or near max rated weight.
- Long storage periods at very high or very low state of charge.
What usually doesn’t kill it
- Weekend towing a light boat or camper within a few hours of home.
- Regular Level 2 home charging to 70–90%.
- Occasional DC fast charging on road trips.
- Normal family use with mixed city and highway miles.
How Recharged helps with used EX90s
Because towing amplifies range loss, a used EX90 that’s already down, say, 8–10% from its original capacity will feel that deficit more acutely with a trailer. When you’re evaluating candidates, ask specifically about **previous towing use**, how the car was typically charged, and whether it lived in a very hot or very cold climate.
Checklist: Towing safely with an EX90
Pre-trip checklist for Volvo EX90 owners
1. Confirm weights and ratings
Check the EX90’s door jamb labels, owner’s manual, and the trailer’s VIN/weight sticker. Make sure loaded trailer weight is at least 10–15% **below** the 4,850 lb rating, and tongue weight stays within limits.
2. Balance cargo between car and trailer
Avoid piling all heavy gear behind the rear axle. Spread weight between the EX90’s cabin, cargo area, and trailer for stable handling and to protect the rear suspension and tires.
3. Dial in your hitch setup
Use the correct ball mount height so the trailer sits level, and torque everything to spec. For heavier trailers near the limit, consider weight‑distribution and anti‑sway hardware if compatible.
4. Set realistic range expectations
For a 3,500–4,000 lb trailer, plan on **120–150 miles between fast charges** in decent weather. In winter or strong headwinds, shrink legs further and keep a generous buffer.
5. Precondition before you leave
While the EX90 is plugged into Level 2, precondition the cabin and battery via the app. That way, you leave with a warm pack and don’t waste early miles on heat and conditioning.
6. Monitor temps and consumption
Use the energy screen to watch **Wh/mi** and adjust your speed. If you see sustained high consumption and rising battery temps, back off a bit and shorten your leg to the next charger.
7. Practice braking feel
Regenerative braking with a trailer feels different. Before you’re on a mountain pass, do a few low-speed test stops to get a sense of how the EX90 blends regen and friction brakes under load.
Watch your brakes on long descents
Volvo EX90 towing & range FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Volvo EX90 towing
Bottom line: Is the Volvo EX90 good for towing?
If your mental image of towing is a 30‑foot fifth‑wheel grinding up the Rockies, the **Volvo EX90** isn’t that movie. What it *is*, is a remarkably polished electric family SUV that happens to tow a real‑world **4,000 lb trailer** with calm authority, so long as you respect the limits and plan your charging like an adult.
Used thoughtfully, the EX90’s **4,850 lb rating**, big battery, and robust fast‑charging make it a terrific tool for regional adventures: boats to the lake, campers to the state park, utility trailer to the home store. Pair it with honest expectations about **towing range**, a solid pre‑trip checklist, and, if you’re shopping used, a verified battery‑health report from a marketplace like Recharged, and you end up with something rare: an EV that can handle both the school run and the summer road trip without feeling like a science experiment.
