2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge Review

Intro

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge stands as a testament to Volvo’s commitment to luxury, safety, and electrification. As a plug-in hybrid, it seamlessly blends power, efficiency, and Scandinavian sophistication. With a combined 455 horsepower, an electric-only range of 53 km, and a thoughtfully crafted interior, the XC90 Recharge is built to impress families and driving enthusiasts alike. Thanks to Volvo Canada, I had one week to test drive the 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge. Below is my unbiased review.

Exterior

The XC90 Recharge's exterior design epitomizes Scandinavian elegance. During my week with the vehicle, I found myself consistently impressed by its stately presence, which manages to command attention without resorting to aggressive styling cues that often characterize luxury SUVs in this segment.

The front fascia showcases a distinctive matte silver grille that creates an immediate impression of sophistication. Standard LED headlamps provide excellent illumination, and I particularly appreciated the available active bending lights during nighttime driving on winding roads. The integration of chrome exterior accents adds subtle touches of luxury without appearing ostentatious.

Key exterior features include:

• Standard 20-inch wheels (with available 21-inch options)
• Integrated roof rails
• LED taillamps with distinctive signature lighting
• Hands-free power tailgate
• Panoramic sunroof

Interior:

Stepping inside the XC90 Recharge reveals Volvo's mastery of interior design. Even the base Core trim with leatherette upholstery exhibits exceptional quality, while the Plus trim's leather interior elevates the experience significantly. The Ultimate trim, which I spent considerable time testing, truly showcases luxury with its Nappa leather upholstery and distinctive crystal gear shifter.

The cabin's standout features include:

• Four-zone climate control
• Heated comfort front seats
• Power driver seat with memory
• Power passenger seat
• Panoramic sunroof
• Heated steering wheel (Plus trim)
• Ventilated front seats (Ultimate trim)
• Air purifier (Plus trim)
• Heated rear seats (Plus trim)

During my extended driving sessions, I found the seating position and overall ergonomics to be excellent. The four-zone climate control system maintained consistent comfort throughout the cabin, while the panoramic sunroof created an airy, open atmosphere that passengers consistently praised. Like so many 3-row SUVS, the third row seats are still best suited for children, or for very short drives. 

Infotainment Technology

The technological centerpiece of the XC90 Recharge is its 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google built-in. Throughout my testing, I found the interface to be remarkably intuitive, despite some competitors offering larger screens. The integration of Google services provides seamless navigation and voice control capabilities, while Apple CarPlay ensures iOS users aren't left out.

Notable technology features include:

• 12-inch digital driver display
• Head-up display (Ultimate trim)
• Harman Kardon premium audio (Ultimate trim)
• Optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system

The audio systems deserve special mention. While the Harman Kardon system in the Ultimate trim delivers excellent sound quality, I had the opportunity to test the optional Bowers & Wilkins system, which provides an extraordinary listening experience that true audiophiles will appreciate.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Volvo’s reputation for safety remains unmatched, and the XC90 Recharge is no exception. Equipped with an array of advanced safety features, this SUV ensures peace of mind for both the driver and passengers.

Standard safety features include:

• Adaptive cruise control with pilot assist
• Lane-keeping aid with gentle steering corrections
• Blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert
• Automatic emergency braking
• Rear collision warning
• Traffic sign recognition

These features work seamlessly to enhance driver confidence, making highway cruising and city driving equally stress-free.

Driving Experience

Under the hood, the 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge boasts a T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain, consisting of a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. This combination produces an impressive 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque, delivering effortless acceleration and refined performance.

The XC90 Recharge offers a pure electric range of 53 km, which is ideal for daily commutes and short trips. When the battery depletes, the gasoline engine takes over, offering an efficient fuel economy of 9.1L/100 km in the city and 8.6L/100 km on the highway.

Key performance insights:

• The 8-speed automatic transmission provides smooth gear shifts
• Standard all-wheel drive (AWD) ensures confidence in all weather conditions
• A 5,000-pound towing capacity makes it a practical choice for weekend adventures

Charging the battery from 0-100% takes approximately 5 hours using the 3.6 kW onboard charger. However, it’s worth noting that the XC90 Recharge is not compatible with DC fast charging, meaning road trips will rely more on the gasoline engine.

Cargo Space & Storage

Practicality is a strong suit of the XC90 Recharge. With its three-row configuration, it provides ample space for passengers and their belongings.

Cargo volumes:

• 356 L behind the third row
• 1,007 L with the third row folded
• 1,856 L with both second and third rows folded

These numbers make the XC90 Recharge one of the more versatile luxury SUVs on the market. Additionally, the hands-free power tailgate makes loading and unloading effortless.

Conclusion

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge remains one of the best luxury plug-in hybrid SUVs available. It offers an elegant design, a well-crafted interior, impressive performance, and advanced safety features. While the lack of DC fast charging may be a drawback for some, its 53 km electric range and excellent fuel economy make it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium and efficient SUV.

Pricing:

• Core Trim: $87,038 CAD
• Plus Trim: $92,038 CAD
• Ultimate Trim: $98,038 CAD

For those prioritizing luxury, technology, and sustainability, the 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge is a top-tier contender in the plug-in hybrid segment.