2023 Volvo XC90 | Review & Road Test
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Published 2023-07-31
www.kbb.com/volvo/xc90-recharge/
If you’re not quite ready to jump full on into the EV market then a plug-in hybrid is a great tweener solution. The Volvo XC90 Recharge is one such example. Let’s dive in.
The three-row XC90 is available as a pure gas-powered SUV also, but for our purposes we’re going to focus on the Hybrid model, makes 455 hp and 523 lb ft of torque. By comparison, the gas-powered version makes a max 295 horsepower, so you can see why I wanted to just review this one.
The powertrain combines a direct injection turbocharged 4-cylinder with an electric motor and a 14.9 kWh battery). How does the acceleration feel? Rocket like?
Then throw it into Power mode and the XC90 truly takes off. Again, doesn’t feel like you’re hauling around a family hauler. There are other modes like Pure, which goes pure EV mode, and for the record the transitions between hybrid and gas are seamless. There’s even an off-road mode or you can go full-time AWD.
If you’re interested in fuel economy numbers they’re worth looking at. (Pure EV Range: 35 miles; 58 MPGe; 26 MPG). Even using the engine only if you’re on a longer road trip that MPG number isn’t horrifying.
The XC90 Recharge is going up against players like the Land Rover Range Rover and Range Rover Sport PHEV, Audi Q5 PHEV. BMW X5 gets a plug-in option so does the , Porsche Cayenne, Lincoln Aviator PHEV,
There are three trim levels of the XC90 Recharge eAWD starting with the Core with a base price of just around $73,000. That’s more than just a little lose change.
Your hard-earned cash includes a portable charger, a moonroof, Google Assistant built in, which is great because it will help you find a charging station if you’re in need. It also gets an air purifier, AC for the third row, a 12-inch instrument panel and 9-inch display that’s Apple CarPlay compatible as well as heated power seats, and advanced driver safety functions including lane keeping assist, cross traffic alerts, Pilot Assist, which is a dynamic stop and go cruise control and emergency braking.
The Plus only adds $1,700 to the bottom line and adds a heated steering wheel, 360-degree cameras, fancy interior ambient lights, rain sensing wipers, and heated rear seats among other things. That seems like a lot of extras for less than two grand. If you’re going there, I say pony up the extra 2 and get all the things.
On the Ultimate trim you do get even more like an upgraded sound system, head up display, ventilated front seats and heated steering wheel, but you’re paying another $7500 on top of that extra $1700, so I say stick with the Plus and that’s a sweet spot with lots of goodies.
Incidentally, if you’re the kind of person who likes to go places, you can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the XC90 Recharge.
When it comes to exterior styling, I’ve always been a fan of Volvos. I think this one is reminiscent of their wagons, which I think are next level. They have great proportions, the grille isn’t massive, but understatedly European. The wheel options are cool, but never overdone and Volvo has a knack for great paint color.
When it comes to the interior, it’s definitely a reflection of the restraint shown on the outside. The less is more approach is appreciated and you’ll find great color and materials like wood and leather. Not a lot of shiny chrome to distract. Even the shifter is sculptural.
Plug-in hybrids are a great transitional vehicle to the EV world or perfect if you are someone who drives lots of miles a day and isn’t able to charge between trips. The Volvo XC90 Recharge eAWD helps you do all that driving stylishly and safely.
00:00 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge
0:50 Powertrain
2:05 Driving Impressions
4:20 Competitors
4:36 Trims and Pricing
6:12 Exterior
6:37 Interior
All Comments (21)
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It’s aged incredibly well. I’d recommend this in the segment
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I love that she was honest about how she felt about them seats. That’s what we need when you all review these vehicles. The hood and the bad. Definitely appreciated ✊🏾
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This vehicle hasn’t been redesigned since 2015 and yet it still looks modern
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I’ve owned a first year 2016 Inscription. Great SUV. Friend of mine had one with 170k miles before he sold it. Another friend has one with over 220k miles
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Gotta love the XC90's timeless exterior design. Well done Volvo!
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Great review. Love the Fortress of Solitude reference. I'm glad you mentioned the seats. I went for a long drive in a Subaru Cross Trek and my back was in agony afterwards.
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Actually the seats are extremely comfortable. Tons of seat adjustments. That one has the inscription/ultimate seats with extra bolsters etc. Base model one has less bolstered seats and good for short people
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Fantastic review Lyn!
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this car looks fire. amazing.
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Love this powertrain in my 23 S60
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The Volvo XC90 is an outstanding SUV. Classically refined looks and outstanding performance. You can take it to the opera or take it to the mountains to go skiing. And the history behind Volvos is outstanding. Volvo has been engineering cars and trucks for many many years. Also engineer and build Marine Engines, Construction Equipment, Over the Road Trucks, etc. Great legacy and years of strong performance.
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My Mom has a 2021 XC90 T6 Inscription with the same time and same color (denim blue), except her’s has a white interior, a leather shift knob, and no 2nd row middle seat.
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I guess the seats are basically Rdesign ones with a different textile material. I previously owned a 2022 Volvo XC 60 r-design model, and the seats were not comfortable for long journeys, as you have mentioned. But I recently traded in for a Volvo XC 90 with Nappa leather seats, which are more comfortable than the R-design ones. I have driven both cars quite a bit and will definitely recommend the Nappa leather seats!
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Do you have to have the valves cleaned often? Is there an advantage to direct injection.
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The seats look great, but I thought I was the only person who was extremely uncomfortable in the seats with the pressure points behind the legs. It has actually been the only reason I considered trading Volvo for a different brand. Long trips require me to stop often once or twice per hour for leg relief other than that I love the vehicle.
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When these first came out, Jeff Glucker's review was one of the first I saw. His enthusiasm was so palpable, I was sold! Took me 3 years to pull the trigger, but my 2019 Magic Blue and Amber nappa T6 Inscription has been perfect for me and my 2 Giant Schnauzers. I know time marches on. Sorry Lyn was not as impressed. I know several agree with her about the wool seats. Maybe an ultimate trim with leather would be more comfortable. Or even better, a V90! 🌞 🇸🇪 🐾 ✨️ 💜
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It’s beautiful
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this is kinda ironic because the 2024s are already being sold
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I tried to do my car value on KBB its say $2000--2500 but when i look on the market the same car is about $6k why ?
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They really haven’t changed these at all since the launch. Interior still looks fairly fresh but exterior is needing a bit of work. I remember test driving the regular gas version way back and wasn’t impressed with the 2.0L hopefully it’s better now
