Volvo T5 Vs. T6 Engine: What's The Difference?

What's the difference between the Volvo T5 vs. T6 engines? Quite a bit, actually! Our team tells all on this handy information page. We'll tell you about how these engines are configured, what models and trims you'll see them on, and what that means for you, the driver.

Since both the T5 and T6 engines have been discontinued, we'll also touch on the B5 and B6 engines that replaced them in around 2022. When you want to experience a pre-owned T5 or T6 model, or a new B5 or B6 model, visit our DARCARS Volvo Cars dealership to test-drive our inventory.

What Does Volvo T5 vs. T6 Mean, Anyway?

No matter which engine you look at, it'll be a part of the Volvo Cars Drive-E family of propulsion systems. All Drive-E engines are designed to create the most efficiency for your drive, with the most consideration for the environment. In other words, all engines are optimized for the highest level of performance, with Earth-friendly engineering built in!

Understandably, comparing the Volvo T5 vs. T6 engines can raise more questions about where they fit in the model portfolio. Other engines — including the T4, B5, B6, T8, and P8 — also exist, leaving you to decode something of an alphabet soup. Simply put, the letter indicates the energy source (type of "fuel") and the number indicates available power within the family (the bigger the number, the mightier the power).

Before we dig into the Volvo T5 vs. T6 in terms of power, assembly, and application, let's also clear up a common misconception: the "T" in "T5" and "T6" does not indicate turbocharged. The "T" indicates the fuel used in the engine; in this case, "T" stands for gasoline.

Regarding the replacements for the T5 and T6, the "B" in the "B5" and "B6" engines signifies that each is a gas engine enhanced with an integrated electric motor, or in other words, a mild-hybrid engine. Both the T5 and T6 were replaced by "B" engines to further the fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness of the Volvo vehicle lineup. The T8 plug-in hybrid is still available.

What's the Difference Between T5 and T6 in Terms of Power?

This is likely the most pressing question for most Volvo car enthusiasts. Both of these engines are aluminum and both enjoy forced induction for maximum output. The T5 is a turbocharged four-cylinder that generates 250 horsepower. The T6 engine is also a four-cylinder unit, but it's wrapped by both a turbocharger and a supercharger, resulting in 316 horsepower.

The same power split applies to the B5 and B6 engines that replaced these "T" engines, though their pursuit of efficiency makes them a bit less powerful. The B5 engine, for example, has 247 horsepower vs. the 250-horsepower T5 engine.

What models are these available on?

Before their discontinuation, the Volvo T5 engine and T6 engine were available as an option on nearly all Volvo vehicles. Depending on the model year, both engines could be found in the Volvo XC40, Volvo XC60, Volvo XC90, Volvo S60, Volvo S90, and Volvo V90.

These models stopped using the "T" engine and began offering the "B" equivalents around 2021 and 2022; for example, the T5 engine was standard on the 2022 Volvo XC90, and the T6 was an optional upgrade. Today, the 2025 Volvo XC90 parallels this by coming standard with the B5 engine and offering the B6 engine as an option.

Which of the trims offer AWD?

In short, the Volvo T5 engine allows you to choose between FWD and AWD. Either configuration is mated to the Volvo Geartronic™ eight-speed automatic transmission. The Volvo T6 engine also uses the same transmission, but is permanently fixed to an AWD configuration.

A lot of our customers use the words "trim" and "engine" interchangeably. However, in this case, thinking about the Volvo T5 vs. T6 as trims isn't necessarily the way to go. The badging of T5 or T6 refers only to the engine designation within model trims, rather than being trims themselves. The same story applies to the B5 and B6 engines.

The Flagship Volvo XC90 T5 vs. T6: Up Close and Personal

The Volvo XC90 is the flagship family SUV from Volvo Cars. It offered the T5 and T6 engines until the 2023 model year (when the B5 and B6 took over), with seating for up to seven, standard leather upholstery, standard Volvo ADAS safety, standard keyless entry, and a standard panoramic glass sunroof.

You'll find that even a used 2022 Volvo XC90 is anything but standard. There were (and still are) plug-in hybrid variants available, but you could also have configured your Volvo XC90 with either the T5 or T6 engine, if it was a 2022 model or earlier. Keep in mind that the Volvo XC90 T5 vs. T6 configuration will determine horsepower, but not the level of luxury inside.

The Agile Volvo XC60 T5 vs. T6: For Families on the Go

The Volvo XC60 switched to the B5 and B6 engines for the 2022 model year, one year before the Volvo XC90. If you're thinking about a used Volvo XC60 T5 vs. T6 for your next family vehicle, there's no need to worry about what doesn't come in this SUV because, like the Volvo XC90, so much comes standard.

You'll enjoy adaptive LED headlights, LED DRLs, LED taillights, smart-device connectivity, voice command, leather seating, and so much more. Our model specialists can help you decide which version is right for your family by asking you just a few basic questions. Drop us an email to get started!

We'll Connect the Dots at DARCARS Volvo Cars Near Washington, D.C.

When you've got lots of options, you need expert guides to take you through them. Our sales staff prides itself on the type of product mastery that you can count on. Our staff engages in routine monthly training and always strives for excellence. You deserve to have your new car purchase or lease met with the same level of commitment that you bring to the table. You'll find that at DARCARS Volvo Cars. See you soon!

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