The second-generation Volvo XC90 continues to age gracefully. Despite entering its ninth model year, the 2024 XC90 remains one of the sharpest-looking midsize luxury SUVs on the market. Likewise, the XC90's cabin features a simple but modern interior design complemented by a rich choice of materials. Comfortable seats and plenty of space make the Volvo a comfortable place to travel the miles. That said, the third row is narrower—full-size passengers will want to sit elsewhere. Three powertrains are also available, and power ranges from 247 ponies in entry-level B5 form, to 455 ponies in plug-in hybrid Recharge form. The latter is also capable of driving up to 36 miles on battery power alone. Of course, the XC90 has its drawbacks, and its small dashboard display and cumbersome touchscreen infotainment controls may leave some buyers wanting. But in general, the advantages of this Swedish SUV outweigh its weaknesses. The 2024 Volvo XC90 may not be the best vehicle in its segment—which includes heavy hitters like the Porsche Cayenne, and BMW on your short list of mid-size luxury SUVs.
The 2024 Volvo XC90 is mostly a stock model. However, Volvo made some minor changes to the SUV's features and options menu, the most notable being the removal of the Dark theme and black exterior trim pieces. However, the Bright theme and its chrome bits live on. Other updates include standard laminated side windows on the top-spec Ultimate trim and a new 22-inch wheel and tire package available for the turbocharged and supercharged XC90 B6 Ultimate.
Prices for the 2024 Volvo XC90 range from $57,195 to $80,795. Volvo allowed for a decent number of configurations when building the perfect XC90, but to find a good balance between luxury, price, and power, we recommend starting with the Plus trim, adding the optional 295 hp B6 powertrain, and sticking with the original seven-passenger bench seating layout. cheaper than paying for second-row captain's chairs.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Even the B5 and B6 powertrains get the help of a 48-volt electric motor. The B5 model features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 247 horsepower. Switching to the B6 powertrain, available on the Plus level and standard on the Ultimate trim, increases output to 295 horsepower. The 455 hp XC90 Recharge plug-in-hybrid is the most powerful of the group. All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission come on every XC90, no matter the trim level or powertrain. The top-up hit 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds on our test track. Like most vehicles in this class, the Volvo seems to lean heavily in corners, but the steering response is accurate and the wheels are pleasantly weighted to differentiate the lightweights from the heavyweights. Our test car had the optional air suspension, which provided a pleasant, isolated ride. It also handles most road situations well. Some chattering noises from the chassis over sharp bumps reveal minor road imperfections, one of the few complaints about the graceful XC90.
Towing and Payload Capacity
Those interested in towing boats, trailers, and other toys should be aware that not all XC90s are capable of towing 5,000-pound models. While every XC90 with the 295 hp B6 powertrain and the XC90 Recharge can make that much power, the XC90 with the base 247 hp B5 powertrain makes a maximum of 4,000 pounds.
Real World Fuel Economy and MPG
Except for the plug-in powertrain, the XC90 achieves fuel economy ratings similar to many of its six-cylinder competitors. Last year, the 247 hp B5 powertrain earned an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city and 28 highway ratings, while the XC90 with the 295 hp B6 powertrain earned a 20 city and 26 mpg highway rating. The XC90 Recharge produces an EPA-rated 66 MPGe. It can also travel up to 36 miles on battery power, according to the EPA. During real-world highway fuel economy testing at 75 mph, the XC90 Recharge fell short of its EPA ratings, returning just 58 MPGe and getting 29 miles on battery power. For more information on the XC90's fuel economy, visit the EPA website.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Volvo's commitment to safety is legendary, and its three-row crossover has a suite of driver assistance technologies. For more information on 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 automatic emergency braking
Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
Standard lane departure warning
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The XC90 has only an average warranty plan compared to competitors. However, Volvo beats them by offering excellent free scheduled maintenance.
The limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
The powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
Electrical components are covered for eight years or 100,000
Free maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The XC90's interior is a medium masterpiece, featuring attractive design and high-quality materials. We hope there are more vehicles like this. Adults will not be happy in the third row, especially if the journey is long. The XC90's wide, boxy silhouette helps in the cargo-carrying department, but its interior compartment isn't as large as in some competitors.
A gorgeous, tablet-like 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard on all XC90s. Every model has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities; Mobile Wi-Fi hotspot is optional. Additional redundant hard buttons, as well as more intuitive on-screen controls, would improve its functionality significantly.
Specification
2022 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 Extended Range
Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear motor, all-wheel drive, 7 passengers, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $66,895/$84,090
Options: Inscription package (Nappa leather, heated and ventilated front seats, wood trim inlays, 20-inch wheels, custom dash 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 Gray Metallic paint, $695; integrated center booster pad for second row, $300
POWERTRAIN
turbocharged and inter-cooled 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; lithium-14.9 kWh) ion battery pack; internal charger 3.7 kW)
Transmission: 8-speed automatic/direct drive
CHASSIS SUSPENSION
, F/R: control arm/
multilink brakes, F/R: 14.4 inch ventilated disc/13.4 inch ventilated disc
Tires: Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season
275/40R-21 107W M+S VOL
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 117.5 inches
Length: 195.0 inches
Width: 75.7 inches
Height: 69.9 inches
Passenger Volume: 132 ft. 3
Cargo Volume: 11 ft. 3
Curb Weight: 5194 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.5 seconds
100 mph: 11.3 seconds
1/4-Mile: 13.1 seconds @ 107 mph
The above results eliminate a 1-foot launch from 0.3 seconds.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.0 seconds
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.6 seconds
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.3 seconds
Top Speed (gov ltd): 115 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 184 ft
Road holding, 300 ft. Skidpad: 0.81 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Recorded: 29 MPGe
75-mph Highway Driving, EV/Hybrid Mode: 58 MPGe/28 mpg
75-mph Highway Range, EV/Hybrid mode: 29/520 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMICS
Combined/City/Highway: 26/25/27 mpg
Gasoline + Electric Combined: 66 MPGe
EV Range: 36 miles
