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

Volvo Engine Comparison

What's the difference between the Volvo T5 vs. T6 engines? How about the newer versions, the B5 and B6? Our team has compiled this handy guide that discusses 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 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 For Used Shoppers?

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 digging into the Volvo T5 vs. T6 in terms of power, assembly, and application, let's first 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. For example, a 2015 used Volvo S60 will never be a hybrid model, instead using a highly-efficient gas engine to power your ride.

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 engines are aluminum and feature forced induction for maximum output. When it comes to power, the T5 is a turbocharged four-cylinder that generates between 240 and 250 horsepower. The T6 engine is also a four-cylinder unit, but it's wrapped by both a turbocharger and a supercharger, resulting in a much higher range of 302 to 325 horsepower.

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 used Volvo XC40, Volvo XC60, Volvo XC90, Volvo S60, Volvo S90, and Volvo V90.

Depending on the model year, you might not find both engines on all used versions of your chosen car or SUV. For example, the 2016 Volvo XC40 only came with the T5 powertrain. Most models, like a 2016 used Volvo XC60, allowed you choose between either powertrain.

Which of the Trims Have 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 see it. 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.

Should New Volvo Shoppers Choose the Volvo B5 vs. B6?

Nowadays, you'll rarely – if ever – see the T5 and T6 in a new Volvo showroom. These engines have been phased out and replaced with the B5 and B6 mainly because while the T5 and T6 were built on efficiency, they could struggle to maintain their fuel economy advantage in the modern marketplace. Instead, the B5 and B6 add hardware and software to further upgrade the eco-friendly nature of Volvo sedans and SUVs.

The "B" in the "B5" and "B6" engines signifies that each is a gas engine that's enhanced with an integrated electric motor. In other words, it's a mild-hybrid engine. This provides a small amount of extra electrical power to support your powertrain, boosting your fuel economy and delivering a big boost in efficiency during start-and-stop traffic. The T8 plug-in hybrid is still available.

How Do the B5 vs. B6 Engines Differ in Power?

The "T" engines have a fairly distinct split in horsepower and torque, with the T5 being slightly weaker than the T6. The same power split applies to the B5 and B6 engines that replaced the "T" engines, though their pursuit of efficiency makes them a bit less powerful.

Look at the new Volvo XC90, for example. The B5 engine, for example, has 247 horsepower, compared to 250 horsepower in some T5 engines. The B6 is also just under the range of the T6: at 295 horsepower, it is snappy and responsive, but it's a bit under the 300 horsepower minimum of the T6.

Which Models Use the B5 and B6 Engines?

The T5 and T6 engines were used across the Volvo lineup, such as with the Volvo S60, Volvo XC60, and Volvo XC90. These models stopped using the "T" engine and rolled out "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 Volvo XC90 parallels this by standardizing the B5 engine and offering the B6 as an option.

In some cases, such as with the new Volvo XC40, you only access the B5 AWD powertrain.

Which of the B5 or B6 Trims Offer AWD?

To clarify once more, the B5 and B6 engines are not exactly trims. While some Volvo models only allow for the B5 or B6 engines on specific trim levels, the engines themselves are often interchangeable on models. In many cases, such as with the new Volvo XC60, the B5 is exclusively AWD. The Volvo XC90 is a similar story, with its B5 and B6 engines using AWD.

However, in rare cases, the B5 might come with FWD. That's the case for the newest Volvo S60 vehicles found in our inventory. Occasionally, Volvo XC40 models come with a FWD option that vastly improves your drive's efficiency – at the cost of handling.

T5 vs. T6 vs. B5 vs. B6 Comparison Chart

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). It comes 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 Volvo XC90 from 2022 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 were a 2022 model or earlier. Keep in mind that the Volvo XC90 T5 vs. T6 configuration will only determine the horsepower, but not the level of luxury found in the cabin.

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 team 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 you bring to the table. You'll find that at DARCARS Volvo Cars. See you soon!

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