2023 Volvo XC90 Review: Specs and Pricing

2023 Volvo XC90

Image: Edmunds.com

OVERVIEW

The Volvo XC90 is a dignified pick among vehicles in the enormous mid-size luxury SUV class thanks to its style, size, luxurious interiors, and exceptional provision of crucial safety features. The three-row XC90 is Volvo's largest SUV and offers space for up to seven passengers. It competes with other SUVs in its class including the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5, Genesis GV80, and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.

The exquisite interior of the XC90, which is heavily influenced by Swedish design, helps it place among the top vehicles in our rankings. Engines range from a 48-volt mild hybrid system-assisted 247-hp turbocharged inline-four up to the 455-hp turbocharged inline-four plug-in hybrid system seen in the XC90 Recharge. All XC90 powertrains come standard with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC90, which has a preference for luxury, strives to attract upper-class buyers with its premium interior materials and a practical maximum towing capacity of 5000 pounds.

What has Changed for 2023?

The trim levels for the 2023 Volvo XC90 get stylish new names. Momentum and Inscription, the previous two trims, have been replaced by Core, Plus, and Ultimate. Volvo has replaced its gas-only T5 and T6 engines with four-cylinder turbo B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains to completely electrify its lineup. Additionally, Volvo eliminates six previously available paint options in favor of three new metallic exterior colors: Bright Dusk, Platinum Grey, and Silver Dawn. New exterior themes for the XC90 include Bright and Dark, with Dark replacing any chrome or glossy trim with high-gloss black components.

The new Climate package includes a heated steering wheel, heated back seats, and a headlamp cleaning system, which is only available on Core models. The new Lounge kit, available on Ultimate levels, adds massaging front seat backrests and a headliner that looks like Nubuck suede. The head-up display, 20-inch wheels for Core trims, and 21-inch wheels for Plus trims are among the new à la carte options.

2023 XC90: Engine and Performance

Volvo has electrified the available powertrain options for the XC90 to increase the economy. Even the entry-level Core model benefits from a 48-volt electric motor attached to a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine for a combined output of 247 horsepower, even though a completely electric XC90 isn't yet available. The output rises to 295 horsepower when switching to the B6 powerplant, which is standard on Ultimate and available on Plus trim levels.

With an EPA-rated 66 MPGe, the 455-hp T8 plug-in-hybrid XC90 Recharge is not only the most potent vehicle in the group but also its most economical. No of the trim level or engine, every XC90 has an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The T8 Recharge reached 60 mph at our test track in approximately 4.5 seconds.

The Volvo leans slightly around curves, as do many cars in this tallish class, but its steering reactions are precise, and the wheel has a pleasing heft that falls between feather-light and heavyweight. Our test vehicle handled most road conditions well and offered a comfortable, insulated ride thanks to the optional air suspension. One of the few complaints with the otherwise elegant XC90 is that the chassis occasionally clatters over extremely sharp bumps, revealing tiny road flaws.

2023 XC90: Interior and Comfort

The interior of the XC90 is a masterwork of the style. We wish there were more cars like this one, from the appealing design to the high caliber of the materials. Even though the third row has greater legroom than its competitors, adults won't be content in it; nonetheless, preteens might be convinced if the trip is brief. The XC90's wide, boxy appearance aids in moving cargo, but the interior spaces aren't as spacious as those of some rivals.

2023 XC90: Connectivity

All XC90s come equipped with a classy, 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that looks like a tablet. Every model is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot is optional. More redundant hard buttons could be added to the system to make it better.

2023 XC90: Pricing

The 2023 Volvo XC90 is available in six different trims and the pricing ranges from $57,000 to $80,900.

Which one to Purchase?

When it comes to customizing the ideal XC90, Volvo offers a fair amount of flexibility, but if you want to strike a good balance between opulence, cost, and power, we recommend starting with the Plus trim, adding the optional 295-hp B6 powertrain, and sticking with the less expensive seven-passenger bench-seat layout rather than forking over a significant sum for second-row captain's chairs.

The Maroon Brown leather inside with Charcoal accents is available with the Plus trim at no additional cost. The interior also features attractive walnut trim. A 360-degree camera, 20-inch alloys, leather upholstery, and heated rear seats are all included as standard features on the XC90 Plus.