2023 Volvo XC90

Review, Pricing & Specs

Overview
Style, size, luxury appointments, and a stellar offering of important safety features make
the Volvo XC90 a stately choice among vehicles in the huge mid-size luxury SUV
segment. Available with seating for up to seven passengers, the three-row XC90 is
Volvo's biggest SUV, and it competes with class rivals such as the Porsche
Cayenne, BMW X5, Genesis GV80, and Mercedes-Benz GLE-class. The XC90
finishes among the best in our rankings in part thanks to an elegant interior rife with
Swedish design influence. Engines range from a 247-hp turbocharged inline-four
assisted by a 48-volt mild hybrid system up to the XC90 Recharge's turbocharged
inline-four plug-in hybrid setup with a total of 455 horsepower. All XC90 powertrains
are fitted with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. With a bias toward luxury,
the XC90 aims to win over the upper-class buyers with high-quality interior materials
and a practical max towing capacity of 5000 pounds.
What's New for 2023?
The 2023 Volvo XC90 has fancy new names for its trim levels. What was formerly two
trims—Momentum and Inscription—are now three: Core, Plus, and Ultimate. In an
effort to transform its entire lineup into an electrified one, Volvo has eliminated its gas-
only T5 and T6 engines, replacing them with four-cylinder-turbo B5 and B6 mild-hybrid
powertrains. Additionally, Volvo adds three new metallic exterior colors, Bright Dusk,
Platinum Grey, and Silver Dawn, while removing six previously optional paint choices.
The XC90 gets new Bright and Dark exterior themes, the latter replacing any chrome or
shiny trim pieces with high-gloss black parts. A new Climate package, available on Core
trims only, adds a heated steering wheel, rear seats, and a headlight cleaning system. A
new Lounge package, available on Ultimate trims, adds front seat backrest massaging
and a Nubuck suede-like headliner. New à la carte options include a Harman Kardon
audio sound system, head-up display, 20-inch wheels for Core, and 21-inch wheels for
Plus trims.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Volvo allows for a decent amount of configurability when it comes to building the
perfect XC90, but to find a good balance of opulence, price, and power we'd suggest
starting with the Plus trim, adding the optional 295-hp B6 powertrain, and sticking with
the cheaper seven-passenger bench-seat layout instead of paying the hefty price for
second-row captain's chairs. At no additional cost, the Plus trim allows for the Maroon
Brown leather-and-Charcoal interior, which comes with stylish walnut trim. Standard
equipment on XC90 Plus includes a 360-degree camera, 20-inch wheels, leather
upholstery, and heated rear seats.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
In an effort to boost efficiency, Volvo has electrified the XC90's powertrain offerings.
Although a fully-electric XC90 doesn't exist yet, even the Core base model receives
help from a 48-volt electric motor bolted to a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine for 247
horsepower of combined output. Moving up to the B6 powertrain, available on Plus and
standard on Ultimate trim levels, increases output to 295 horsepower. The 455-hp T8
plug-in-hybrid XC90 Recharge is not only the most powerful of the group but also the
most efficient with an EPA-rated 66 MPGe. All-wheel drive and an eight-speed
automatic transmission come with every XC90, no matter the trim level or powertrain.
The T8 Recharge shot to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds at our test track. As with many
vehicles in this tallish class, the Volvo leans noticeably around curves, but its steering
responses are accurate and the wheel has a pleasing heft that splits the difference
between feather-light and heavyweight. Our test car had the optional air suspension and
provided a pleasant, insulated ride, and it handled most road situations well. Some
clattering from the chassis over particularly sharp bumps betrays minor road
imperfections, one of only a few grievances with the otherwise graceful XC90.