2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge Review

Intro

If you’re looking for a spacious, stylish, and eco-friendly three-row SUV, few can compete with the 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge. This plug-in hybrid model offers impressive performance, efficiency, and features that make it stand out from the crowd. It provides up to 53km of electric-only driving, a total range of 797km, and a whopping 455 horsepower from its turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine, along with an electric motor.

But how does it compare to other three-row SUVs on the market? And is it worth the premium price tag? In this review, I’ll take a closer look at what the 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge has to offer. Thanks to Volvo Canada, I had the chance to put it through its paces for one week. Below is my unbiased review.

Exterior

The 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge is a stunning example of Scandinavian design, with a sleek and elegant exterior that draws attention on the road. Here are some of the details that make this vehicle stand out:

• The front of the vehicle is dominated by a waterfall grille with a large Volvo logo, giving it a confident and refined look. The LED headlights have a unique shape that resembles Thor’s Hammer, adding a touch of Nordic mythology to the design. 

• The sides of the vehicle are smooth and reserved, with chrome accents and 20-inch alloy wheels that enhance its sophistication and style. The vehicle has a long and spacious body that offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo.

• The rear of the vehicle is modern and clean, with LED taillights that climb up the pillars. The exhaust ports are discreetly hidden under the bumper, creating a seamless appearance. The vehicle also has a power tailgate, a panoramic sunroof, and roof rails for extra convenience and versatility.

The Ultimate trim level of the 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge offers two different exterior themes:

• The Bright theme adds bright chrome trim pieces and silver roof rails, creating a contrast with the body color and giving the vehicle a luxurious and elegant look.

• The Dark theme replaces the chrome trim with high-gloss black parts, creating a uniform and sleek look that emphasizes the vehicle’s power and performance.

Interior

The 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge offers a refined and comfortable interior that showcases the brand's craftsmanship and quality. The cabin is generous and luxurious, with premium materials and meticulous details. The front seats are covered in soft tan leather, and feature heating, ventilation, and massage options. The second row provides plenty of space and comfort and can be configured with optional captain's chairs for more personal space. The third row is more suitable for children or short trips, as it has limited space and accessibility. The XC90 Recharge can fit up to seven people, or six with the captain's chairs option.

The dashboard is sleek and simple, with a fully digital instrument panel and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The center console has a crystal gear selector, a wireless charging pad, and a rotary start-stop switchgear. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather and heated, and has convenient controls for audio and cruise functions. The XC90 Recharge also has a four-zone automatic climate control system, ambient lighting, and a standard Harman Kardon sound system.

Infotainment

The 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge features an advanced infotainment system that runs on an Android operating system. This system allows you to access Google services such as Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play Store, as well as various apps, settings, and features that enhance your driving experience. You can interact with the system through the 9-inch touchscreen, voice commands, or connect your smartphone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for more convenience and functionality. The system also receives over-the-air updates for software improvements and new features.

The infotainment system is complemented by a digital instrument cluster that can be customized to display different information relevant to your driving situation, such as speed, range, battery level, navigation directions, and driver assistance alerts. The system also offers premium sound quality through the Harman Kardon sound system, which consists of 14 speakers distributed throughout the cabin. Alternatively, you can upgrade to the Bowers & Wilkins sound system, which has 19 speakers for a more immersive and powerful audio experience.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features that help you avoid or mitigate collisions. Some of the notable safety features include:

• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keeping assist
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Adaptive cruise control
• Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system
• Rearview camera
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Surround-view camera system
• Head-up display

The XC90 Recharge also comes with Volvo On Call, a service that connects you to emergency assistance, roadside assistance, vehicle status, remote start, lock/unlock, climate control, and more via an app on your smartphone.

Driving

The 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge delivers impressive performance and efficiency thanks to its plug-in hybrid powertrain. It consists of a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that produce a combined output of 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. The power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC90 Recharge can accelerate from 0 to 100km/hr in just 5.3 seconds, according to Volvo.

The XC90 Recharge can also drive on electric power alone for up to 53km, using a 18.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The battery can be recharged in about three hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger, or in about six hours using a standard 120-volt outlet. The XC90 Recharge has an estimated fuel economy rating of 3.8Le/100km combined when using both gas and electric power.

The XC90 Recharge offers a smooth and comfortable ride, with a well-tuned suspension that absorbs bumps and road imperfections. The steering is precise and effortless, with a good amount of feedback. The brakes are strong and smooth, with a seamless transition between regenerative and mechanical braking. The XC90 Recharge also has four drive modes to choose from: Hybrid, Pure, Power, and Off-Road. Each mode adjusts the powertrain, steering, suspension, and traction settings to suit different driving scenarios.

Cargo Space & Storage

The 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge has a generous amount of cargo space for your luggage, groceries, and other items. Behind the third row, you'll find 554 L of space, which is enough for a couple of carry-on bags or a stroller. Folding down the third row expands the space to 1903 L, which can accommodate several large suitcases or a golf bag. Folding down both the second and third rows gives you a maximum of 2939 L of space, which can fit a bicycle or a small piece of furniture.

The XC90 Recharge also has plenty of storage spaces throughout the cabin for your personal belongings. There are large door pockets, cupholders, an average size glove box, a shallow center armrest bin, and additional cup holders in folding the second-row center armrest. 

Verdict

The 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge is a premium SUV that combines eco-friendly performance with luxurious amenities. Its exterior is sleek and elegant, while its interior is spacious and refined. It features a sophisticated infotainment system, a comprehensive safety suite, and a potent plug-in hybrid powertrain that offers remarkable acceleration and efficiency. It can accommodate up to seven passengers and has plenty of room for cargo, making it a great choice for families or road trips.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge is not cheap, however, as it starts at $82,650 CAD for the Core trim, and can go up to $93,550 for the Ultimate trim. It also faces competition from other plug-in hybrid or electric SUVs such as the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, the BMW X5 xDrive45e, the Audi Q7 e-tron, and the Tesla Model X. However, if you're looking for a non-compromising blend of style, luxury, and electrification in a three-row SUV, the 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge should be on your short list.