Overview
The second-generation Volvo XC90 continues to age gracefully. Despite entering its ninth model year, the 2024 XC90 remains one of the sharpest-looking mid-size luxury SUVs on the market.
The same applies to the XC90’s cabin, which benefits from a simple but modern interior design that’s complemented by rich material choices. Cushy seats and plentiful space make the Volvo a fine place to while away miles. That said, the third row is on the tighter side—full-size passengers will want to sit elsewhere. Three powertrains are available, as well, and power ranges from as little as 247 horses in entry-level B5 form, to as much as 455 ponies in plug-in hybrid Recharge guise. The latter is also capable of driving up to 36 miles on battery-power alone. Of course, the XC90 has its flaws, and both its small dashboard display screen and cumbersome touchscreen infotainment controls may leave some buyers wanting. For the most part, though, this Swedish SUV’s strengths outweigh its weaknesses. The 2024 Volvo XC90 may not be the best vehicle in the segment—which includes heavy hitters such as the Porsche Cayenne, the BMW X5, the Genesis GV80, and the Mercedes-Benz GLE-class—but it is good enough to warrant a spot on your mid-size luxury SUV shortlist.
What’s New for 2024?
The 2024 Volvo XC90 is a largely carryover model. That said, Volvo makes a handful of small changes to the SUV’s features and options menus, the most notable of which is the demise of the Dark theme and its black exterior trim pieces. The Bright theme and its chrome bits live on, though. Other updates include the likes of standard laminated side windows on the top-spec Ultimate trim and a newly available 22-inch wheel and tire package for the turbocharged and supercharged XC90 B6 Ultimate.
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 for second-row captain’s chairs.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Even the B5 and B6 powertrains receive help from a 48-volt electric motor. B5 models feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine good for 247 horsepower. Moving up to the B6 powertrain, available on Plus and standard on Ultimate trim levels, increases output to 295 horsepower. The 455-hp plug-in-hybrid XC90 Recharge is the most powerful of the group. All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission come with every XC90, no matter the trim level or powertrain. A Recharge shot to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds at our test track. As with many vehicles in this 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, which provided a pleasant, insulated ride. It also 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.
Towing and Payload Capacity
Those interested in pulling boats, trailers, and other toys should be aware not every XC90 is capable of the model’s 5000-pound max tow rating. While every XC90 with the 295-hp B6 powertrain and XC90 Recharge can pull that much, XC90s with the base 247-hp B5 powertrain max out at 4000 pounds.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
With the exception of its plug-in powertrain, the XC90 achieves similar fuel-economy ratings to many of its six-cylinder competitors. Last year, the 247-hp B5 powertrain earned an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city and 28 highway, while XC90s with the 295-hp B6 powertrain returned 20 city and 26 mpg highway ratings. The XC90 Recharge netted an EPA-rated 66 MPGe. It can also go for as far as 36 miles on battery power, according to the EPA. During our 75-mph real-world highway fuel-economy test, the XC90 Recharge fell short of its EPA rating, earning just 58 MPGe and traveling 29 miles on battery power. For more information about the XC90’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The XC90’s interior is a masterpiece of the medium, featuring an attractive design and high-quality materials. We wish there were more vehicles like this. Adults won’t be happy in the third row, especially if the journey is long. The XC90’s wide, boxy silhouette helps in the cargo-hauling department, but interior compartments aren’t as cavernous as in some competitors.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A handsome, tablet-like 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard in all XC90s. Every model has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability; a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot is optional. Additional redundant hard buttons, as well as more intuitive on-screen controls, would notably improve its functionality.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Volvo’s commitment to safety is legendary, and its three-row crossover has a loaded roster of driver-assistance technology. For more information about the XC90’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Standard lane-departure warning
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The XC90 has a merely average warranty plan versus competitors. However, Volvo outdoes them by offering excellent complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Electrical components are covered for eight years or 100,000
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2022 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 Extended Range
Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $66,895/$84,090
Options: Inscription package (Nappa leather, heated and ventilated front seats, wood deco inlay, 20-inch wheels, tailored dashboard and upper door panels, Harman/Kardon premium sound, four-zone climate control), $6300; Bowers & Wilkens premium sound, $3200; air suspension, $1800; Lounge package (Nubuck headliner, massaging front seats), $1700; Advanced package (air purifier, head-up display, surround view camera), $1650; 21-inch wheels, $800; Climate package (heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, headlight washers), $750, Pine Grey Metallic paint, $695; integrated center booster cushion for second row, $300
POWERTRAIN
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter inline-4, 312 hp, 295 lb-ft + AC motor, 143 hp, 228 lb-ft (combined output: 455 hp, 523 lb-ft; 14.9-kWh lithium-ion battery pack; 3.7-kW onboard charger)
Transmissions: 8-speed automatic/direct-drive
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 14.4-in vented disc/13.4-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season
275/40R-21 107W M+S VOL
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 117.5 in
Length: 195.0 in
Width: 75.7 in
Height: 69.9 in
Passenger Volume: 132 ft3
Cargo Volume: 11 ft3
Curb Weight: 5194 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.5 sec
100 mph: 11.3 sec
1/4-Mile: 13.1 sec @ 107 mph
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.0 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.6 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.3 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 115 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 184 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.81 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 29 MPGe
75-mph Highway Driving, EV/Hybrid Mode: 58 MPGe/28 mpg
75-mph Highway Range, EV/Hybrid mode: 29/520 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 26/25/27 mpg
Combined Gasoline + Electricity: 66 MPGe
EV Range: 36 mi
