2023 Volvo XC90 Review

Name: 2023 Volvo XC90 Review
Brand: Volvo

Price Range: $32,998 - $66,403

2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 Plus Bright 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 Ultimate Bright 4dr SUV Exterior

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The 2023 Volvo XC90 isn't your typical Audi Q7, BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE, and that's a good thing. Highlights include helpful technology features and a stylish cabin. The available plug-in hybrid powertrain provides a useful amount of all-electric range too. The XC90 might just be the easiest choice outside of something from Germany.

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2023 Volvo XC90 Review

byMichael Cantu^{Correspondent
Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at Edmunds and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.}

Pros

Elegant interior styling
Helpful Google-based technology features
Available plug-in hybrid powertrain provides strong acceleration and high fuel economy

Cons

Some touchscreen controls can be hard to use
Third-row seats are tight for adults

What's new

Trim levels have been renamed and revamped
Engine choices are renamed and receive some revisions
New Google-based infotainment system
Part of the second XC90 generation introduced for 2016

Overview

The Volvo XC90 sits on top of the brand's SUV lineup, which also includes the smaller XC60 and XC40. Its three rows can seat up to seven passengers, and it offers three engine choices, including a plug-in hybrid. The XC90's combination of a luxurious and impeccably crafted interior, fuel-efficient engines, and many standard driver aids and tech features make it a compelling choice in the crowded midsize luxury SUV segment.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2023 Volvo XC90 B5 Core 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.72 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$188/mo

$218/mo

Avg. Large SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

For the 2023 model year, the XC90 receives updated engines and an improved infotainment system. Volvo has introduced its 48-volt mild hybrid engines to some of its models, and now it's the XC90's turn. The T5 and T6 engines get mild hybrid systems and a name change to B5 and B6. Volvo also updated the Recharge T8 plug-in hybrid midway through last year. The latest model has a larger battery that extends its electric-only range to 32 miles. Finally, the 2023 XC90 receives a new Google-based infotainment system that includes Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play. Over-the-air (OTA) software updates will now be possible with the new infotainment system.

The 2023 updates make the Volvo XC90 an even more attractive choice, but there are other impressive three-row luxury SUVs to consider. The Acura MDX and Infiniti QX60 were just redesigned for the 2022 model year, and the Mercedes-Benz GLE is currently our highest-rated midsize luxury SUV. The XC90 hasn't been redesigned since 2016, yet its design has aged well and it still has a lot to offer.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Average

7.5

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the XC90 drive? The XC90 is a smooth operator on the road. We tested the Recharge T8 version, which has the plug-in hybrid powertrain. It's easy to drive sedately around town and accelerate quickly to highway speeds thanks to the powerful electric assist. At our test track, our test XC90 sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. That's about average for a three-row luxury SUV.

Emergency braking from 60 mph was a tad longer than the segment average, but the Volvo's low-grip all-season tires are mostly to blame for the longer distance. The brakes themselves are easy to modulate and make coming to a smooth, considered stop easy.

While you don't get anything more than average handling in the XC90, it's composed and sure-footed on the road thanks to its all-wheel-drive system. Its suspension also maintains excellent control of the XC90's considerable mass over most any type of road surface so you needn't shy away from a twisty, more scenic back road.

Comfort

7.5/10

How comfortable is the XC90? While the seats are typically a highlight in Volvos, our test XC90 had wool upholstery instead of the typical leather. While it's nice to have a different material used, the wool is stretched tightly, and some of our editors thought they were a bit too firm. The ride quality is similarly taut, and even smaller lumps and bumps in the road can be felt through the seat. If it was up to us, we'd go for the leather seats and their softer padding (they also come with ventilation while the wool seats do not) and smaller wheels to ensure the ride is a tad more comfortable.

Those small gripes aside, the XC90 did prove to be a great cocoon. Outside noise and errant vibrations were kept to a minimum, and the high-quality feel of the interior only adds to XC90's credibility as a modern luxury SUV.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? The XC90's interior is generally spacious, and visibility is excellent thanks to the big windows. Room is abundant in the first two rows, but it's best to leave the third row to people no larger than most toddlers. It's also easy to get in and out, and models with the air suspension can lower the ride height quickly as you walk up to the car or as you exit.

Our only gripe with the XC90's interior has always been that it isn't the easiest to use. A distinct lack of physical buttons means using the infotainment requires too much menu diving, and adjusting settings that are buried deep in the system is a chore that will almost certainly take attention away from the act of driving. We wish Volvo would embrace physical shortcut buttons to make navigating its infotainment easier.

Technology

8.5/10

How’s the tech? Audiophiles will love the XC90's optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system. To our ears, it's one of the best audio systems available in a car right now. The XC90's infotainment interface, though distracting to use at times, is packed with features. Google integration means navigation is a cinch and Google's voice recognition is second to none. Apple CarPlay is also included.

Volvo's driver aids are top-notch. The adaptive cruise control is easy to engage, maintains consistent gaps, and is smooth to both speed up or slow down. The lane keeping system is also spot-on most of the time.

Storage

7/10

How’s the storage? The XC90's upright profile enables a spacious cargo area, especially with the second- and third-row seats folded flat. There is a rather high floor, but the XC90's optional air suspension can be used to lower the vehicle's ride height for easier loading. Under the cargo floor is a space for carrying plug-in charging cords and other small items, and there are backpack-size cubbies on either side as well. Small-item storage is limited in the front. The slim and graceful-looking center console has two cupholders alongside tiny trays. Volvo designed the cabin more for style than functionality.

When it comes to installing child safety seats, the second row has easily accessible car-seat anchor points. The dual third-row seats, however, have no anchor points for hooking in car seats. We also wish the doors opened at a wider angle to make maneuvering a car seat into place a little easier.

Fuel Economy

8/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates that standard XC90s with the base powertrain get 22-25 mpg in combined city/highway driving. We tested the XC90 Recharge, however, which is a plug-in hybrid. According to the EPA, it can go 32 miles on battery power alone. That aligns almost perfectly with our test results. On our real-world test route, the XC90 Recharge went 31.5 miles on pure electric power. After the gas engine took over, the XC90 managed 28.1 mpg, which is comparable to the EPA's estimate of 27 mpg and a few mpg better than most other luxury hybrid SUVs.

Value

7.5/10

Is the XC90 a good value? The XC90 Recharge we tested is a pricey machine. That said, we think you're getting your money's worth with the high-quality cabin materials, excellent build quality and extensive tech features. The XC90 does a great job of being fuss-free transport with a heavy dollop of genuine luxury. Volvo's warranty coverage is average for a luxury brand, which includes three years/36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.

Wildcard

7/10

The latest XC90 generation has been around since 2016, and it hasn't changed much in the looks department in that time. As a result, the styling is getting a little dated. That said, if Swedish design — and the restraint that typically comes with it — is more your speed, the XC90 has appeal. It might not be the newest kid on the block, but there's something to be said for just how well the big Volvo holds its own against the rest of the pack.

Which XC90 does Edmunds recommend?

We suggest going with the base Core trim level for its long list of features for the price. The B6 is our engine recommendation for its added power with only a marginal hit to fuel economy.

Compare 2023 Volvo XC90 trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2023 Volvo XC90 models

The 2023 Volvo XC90 is a three-row midsize luxury SUV that is offered with the choice of three powertrains. The B5 is a mild hybrid with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (247 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque). The B6 uses the same engine but with an increase in power output (295 hp, 310 lb-ft). Both are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels. The Recharge T8 is a plug-in hybrid with an electric motor powering the rear wheels (combined output 455 hp, 523 lb-ft) and an electric-only range of 32 miles on a full charge.

Within these engine choices, you can select from three trim levels: Core, Plus and Ultimate. Furthermore, you can select one of three exterior themes: Base, Dark (blacked-out trim elements) and Bright (chrome trim), which correspond to last year's Momentum, R-Design and Inscription models, respectively. Seating for seven is standard, but you can select second-row captain's chairs with the B6 and Recharge engines in either Plus or Ultimate trim, reducing passenger capacity to six.

Core
This entry-level trim is eligible for the Base exterior theme with the B5 and B6 engines and Bright for the Recharge T8. Standard feature highlights include:

19-inch alloy wheels (20-inch for Recharge)
Panoramic sunroof
Adaptive LED headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
Roof rails
Simulated leather upholstery (genuine leather for B6 and Recharge)
Four-zone automatic climate control
Heated front seats
Digital instrument panel
Power-folding rear headrests
10-speaker audio system
Satellite radio
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app

Standard safety features include:

Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Lane keeping assistance (steers the vehicle back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Rear automatic braking (applies the brakes automatically to avoid an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
Traffic sign reader
Automatic high beams

Plus
The midrange trim is offered in the Bright theme as well as Dark (but only with the Recharge). Beyond the Core features, the Plus trim adds:

20-inch wheels
Headlight washers
Leather upholstery
Wood interior trim
Heated steering wheel
Heated rear seats
Integrated second-row child booster seat
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the vehicle and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

Ultimate
The luxurious Ultimate trim is available with the same exterior themes as the Plus, though the B5 engine is not offered. It tops off the features list with:

21-inch wheels
Premium leather upholstery
Adjustable front-seat side bolsters and extendable cushions
Ventilated front seats
Rear seat window shades
Crystal shift knob
Harman Kardon audio upgrade
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)

Many features are available as options on supporting trims. Add-ons exclusive to the Ultimate trim include:

Air suspension (can raise or lower the ride height of the vehicle)
Massaging front seats
Synthetic suede headliner
Wool blend upholstery (removes front seat ventilation and adjustable bolsters)
Bowers & Wilkins premium audio

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3.5/5Above Average

#17 out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Volvo XC90 from 2008-2022.}

$621/yr

vs. $602/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.68x/yr

vs. 1.09x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

10.9%

vs. 9.4%
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Volvo XC90 Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.4

36 reviews

5(42%)

4(19%)

3(6%)

2(8%)

1(25%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

XC-90 Recharge - The Good & The Bad

Lt Dan, 03/22/2022

2022 Volvo XC90 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD w/6 Passenger Seating, Prod. End 11/21 (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A)

I have now had (3) XC-90's. Two T-6's and now the 2022 T-8 Inscription Recharge. Interior wise they are all essentially the same except the T-8 has a crystal shift knob. Sound systems are all the same and excellent. I had a loaner with the upgraded sound system in it and its not worth the extra $$$ IMO. So let's talk about the recharge hybrid functions that you likely won't understand … just taking a test drive. I've got 20K on mine so I have a lot of drive time with it. The charging cable can be plugged in to a regular 110v outlet in your garage with the adapter that comes with the cable, it takes about 7 hours or so to fully charge. If you have a 220v connection installed you can use the other adapter it comes with and it charges in about 3 hours. A single charge is good for 20 miles. That's it! In my opinion 30-40 miles would be ideal. The hybrid mode varies the engine in between electric (under 70 mph) and gas when you have charge left, otherwise it's all gas all the time. There is substantial lag when you want/need to accelerate quickly in hybrid mode from a standing stop. I mean noticeably a lot, like 1/2 a second a lot. I should point out that the T-8 is NOT AWD all the time like the T-6 (and even that isn't really AWD all the time either) but I digress, you have to go into the menu and select AWD otherwise the car is front wheel drive. The vehicle apparently reserves some of the charge for AWD as the rear engine (rear wheel drive) is electric. To date I have never needed AWD even in the snow. Where is the 400 HP you may be wondering? Well if you change the drive mode from hybrid to sport now you get the full brunt of the 400 HP engine all the time, otherwise, meh, not really all that noticeable in hybrid mode. But, and here's the bad part of that, if you really stomp on it in sport mode, the car takes off like a shot, however, with borderline dangerous torque steer! So hang on to that steering wheel! The actual shifting into gear has 2 modes "D" for drive and "B" for battery. If you use "B" as you should, it charges the battery using your braking and the engine braking a little bit, but its something. The vehicle, for me, gets about 29 MPG average. I drive 24 miles each way to work and I don't have access to a charging station at work or I would be getting way more than that. The best way to drive/manage the vehicle's performance (not gas mileage) in my opinion, is run the vehicle in hybrid mode on local roads, it won't take much to run out the battery. I drive a big portion of my daily drive on the highway where the 400 HP is more of a necessity. So I switch to sport mode entering the highway and switch back to hybrid when I'm back to local. Sounds like a pain, and you don't have to do that, I'm saying how I do it. The XC-90 has a bunch of other features like reserve charge, etc, way too much to go into here. To summarize the XC-90 Recharge is a very nice vehicle. Period, full stop. But the hybrid functionality could use some work. The torque steer is a real issue if you drive aggressively, even occasionally, and the battery life needs improvement. Would I get another one? Given the current fuel prices probably yes.

Citrus flavored

Liz, 08/13/2022

2022 Volvo XC90 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 11/21 (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A)

Sadly what should’ve been a peach of a car is turned out to be more of a lemon! My first couple of months of the car I was extremely happy with my purchase. Then all the previously mentioned in other reviews issues with the batteries and the module (whatever that is) started. I have had to leave the car for three separate occasions totaling nearly two months as they had difficulties …

Stealth Luxury!

dano77vette, 01/17/2022

2022 Volvo XC90 T6 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A)

XC 90 Inscription hit all the key features that we were looking for and more without the outward appearance of high end luxury. It is just a Volvo (not a Mercedes or BMW!) Comfort was the first consideration. The driving experience, visibility, heads up display and lane keeping make longer drives a breeze. The seats in the car are amazing. Both the driver and the passenger have the …

Which trim you buy is key! Details are important.

An engineer, 08/08/2023

2022 Volvo XC90 T5 Momentum 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

I am a car guy (engineer) working in the auto industry (do not work for Volvo) but I do work for a key Volvo supplier. Never owned a Volvo before my 2021 (S60) and I was so impressed that I also purchased an XC90 T5 for my wife. (In 30 years we have owned Nissan, Infiniti, Honda, VW, BMW, Cadillac and do not have any complaints about any of those brands. They were all trouble-free.) … Knowing the history of the engines, I chose the T5 trim for both our S60 and XC90. Those that mention premature rebuild of engines due to excessive oil burning, yes, that has happened, especially with the early T5 engines from 2015-2018. Those issues were addressed with new piston rings so the new T5/T6 engines are usually flawless, except the supercharger on the T6 has had some premature failures. I prefer the T5 (2023 mild hybrid and called B5) because it is a much simpler engine design that has been in production for about 10 years now. Neither of our Volvos consume any appreciable amount of oil between oil changes. The T5 feels peppy enough as long as you're not driving a loaded car all the time. Due to the numerous issues with the Recharge (T8), I recommend to avoid it. The ride in the XC90 is great with no appreciable wind noise. It is solid and definitely the most solid car we have ever owned. The S60 is very much a tank just like the XC90. There are a ton of engineering safety features (real tangible things, not gimmicks) in the car that I would not spend time explaining here that are very unique and advantages that Volvo has over every other brand. For that reason alone, I bought my first Volvo. We usually keep cars for many years and so far it looks like this one will be like it. No issues at all from either of our Volvos. Just oil changes. Again, the trim level matters. The Recharge is a very complex car with new technology that works well but is not reliable. This applies to any other premium plug-in hybrid. Just be ready to deal with those issues and do not expect a vehicle so complex with tons of software and electronics to be as reliable as a pure gas car. Finally, I would like to say that the build quality is amazing. If you're into cars and work on them, you will notice that of Volvos immediately. Look under the car and it is a work of art. The organization of the components and quality of the build is second to none. The extensive use of aluminum is another indication that this car is definitely a premium vehicle.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Volvo XC90, so we've included reviews for other years of the XC90 since its last redesign.

See all 36 reviews of the Volvo XC90

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2023 XC90 Highlights

Type:

SUV

Trim:

B5 Core

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$56,000
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$188/month
Seating	7 seats
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the XC90 models:

Volvo On Call: Notifies emergency services in the case of an accident or stolen vehicle and allows for remote door locking and unlocking.
360-Degree Surround View Camera: Gives you a top-down view of the XC90 and its surroundings for tight parking situations.
Lane Keeping Aid: Warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover17.9%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Good
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2023 Volvo XC90 Review

Price & Payment

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Certified 2023 Volvo XC90B6 Plus Bright 4dr SUV

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2023 Volvo XC90 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which XC90 does Edmunds recommend?

2023 Volvo XC90 models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Volvo XC90 Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

XC-90 Recharge - The Good & The Bad

Citrus flavored

Stealth Luxury!

Which trim you buy is key! Details are important.

2023 XC90 Highlights

Safety

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