All-New 2023 Volvo XC90 Looks Prestige Review

2023 Volvo XC90 sits atop the brand’s SUV lineup, which also includes the smaller XC60 and XC40. Its three-row seats up to seven passengers, and offers three engine options, including a plug-in hybrid. The XC90’s combination of impeccably crafted and luxurious interior, fuel-efficient engine, and many standard drivers aids and technology features make it an attractive choice in the bustling mid-luxury SUV segment.

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For the 2023 model year, the XC90 receives an updated engine and an improved infotainment system. Volvo has introduced a 48-volt mild hybrid engine to some of its models, and now it’s the XC90’s turn. The T5 and T6 engines get a mild hybrid system and name changes to B5 and B6. Volvo also updated the Recharge T8 plug-in hybrid in the middle of last year.

The newest model has a larger battery that extends its electric 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 are now possible with the new infotainment system.

The 2023 update makes the Volvo XC90 a more attractive option, but there’s another impressive three-row luxury SUV to consider. The Acura MDX and Infiniti QX60 were recently redesigned for the 2022 model year, and the Mercedes-Benz GLE is currently our highest-rated mid-range luxury SUV. The XC90 hasn’t been redesigned since 2016, but the design has aged well and still has a lot to offer.

Trim levels have been renamed and revamped
The engine options were renamed and received several revisions
New Google-based infotainment system
Part of the second XC90 generation introduced for 2016
Elegant interior and exterior styling
Proper handling
Spacious second and third-row seating
The available plug-in hybrid powertrain provides strong acceleration and great fuel economy

2023 Volvo XC90 Review

Style, size, luxurious look, and an outstanding offering of essential safety features make the 2023 Volvo XC90 a resplendent choice among vehicles in the large mid-size luxury SUV segment. Available with seating for up to seven passengers, the three-row 2023 Volvo XC90 is Volvo’s largest SUV yet and competes with rivals such as the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5, Genesis GV80, and the Mercedes-Benz GLE class.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 ranks among the best in our ranking thanks in part to its elegant interior full of Swedish design influences. Engines range from a turbocharged 247-hp inline-four assisted by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to a turbocharged 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge plug-in inline-four hybrid setup with a total of 455 horsepower.

All 2023 Volvo XC90 powertrains are equipped with an eight-speed automatic all-wheel drive. With a bias towards luxury, the XC90 aims to win over high-end buyers with high-quality interior materials and a practical maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 has a nice new name for its trim level. What used to be two trims Momentum and Inscription are now three: Core, Plus, and Ultimate. To convert its entire range to electrified, Volvo has ditched the gas-only T5 and T6 engines, replacing them with four-cylinder turbocharged B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains.

Additionally, Volvo is adding three new metallic exterior colors, Bright Dusk, Platinum Gray, and Silver Dawn, eliminating the six previously optional paint options. The 2023 Volvo XC90 gets new Light and Dark exterior themes, the latter replacing the chrome or glossy trim pieces with glossy black parts. The new Climate package, available only on the Core trim, adds a heated steering wheel, rear seats and a headlight cleaning system.

The new Lounge package, available in the Ultimate trim, adds front seat back massage and a Nubuck suede-like headliner. New à la carte options include a Harman Kardon audio sound system, head-up display, 20-inch wheels for the Core and 21-inch wheels for the Plus trim.

Attractive exterior design
The interior is comfortable and luxurious
Strong safety score

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2023 Volvo XC90 Specs

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduces the current era of Volvo design for the 2016 model year and this second-generation model is the longest-lived vehicle in the brand’s lineup. Now at the end of its life cycle, this luxurious three-row SUV still has plenty of allure and high-tech goodies to entice buyers. Our 2016 SUV of the Year, the three-row 2023 Volvo XC90 is offered in a six- or seven-passenger layout.

Volvo has switched to an all-electrified powertrain for 2023, starting from a mild hybrid “B5” and “B6” powertrain for its gas-powered 2023 Volvo XC90, and continuing with the 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge with a T8 powertrain if you want to add a plug for 35 miles of all-electric range. All 2023 XC90s come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

The B5 mild hybrid is the base powertrain. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine produces 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque and uses a regenerated 48-volt battery for braking and an integrated starter/generator to assist the engine and improve fuel economy. It will go from a standstill to 60 miles per hour in 7.3 seconds. Its fuel economy is rated by the EPA at 22 miles per gallon city, 28 mpg on highway, and 25 mpg combined.

The B6 mild hybrid is capable of producing 295 hp and 310 lb-ft from its turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter inline-four. That makes it quicker to 60 miles per hour, at 6.4 seconds, but slightly worse gas mileage at 20/26/22 mpg.

Our favorite powertrain from this lineup is the most expensive, but also the most powerful and efficient. The T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid features – you guessed it – a turbocharged 2.0-liter gas engine, but it’s paired with a plug-in battery and a 143 hp electric motor on the rear axle. The powertrain is good for 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque, which shrinks the 0-60 time to a flat 5 seconds.

Interestingly, with a gas motor driving the front axle and an e-motor driving the rear, the 2023 Volvo XC90 T8 operates as a rear-wheel drive car when running on electric power only, and front-wheel drive when running on fuel only. It combines gas and electric power to provide all-wheel drive. The EPA has not released range and fuel economy ratings for the 2023 models as of this writing,

MSRP: From $56,000
Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder
MPG: Up to 22 city / 28 highway
Towing capacity: 5,000 lbs
Cargo volume: 12.57 ft³, 65.5 ft³ with seat area
Dimensions: 195″ L x 79″ W x 70″ H

New Update Volvo XC90 2023

The 2023 Volvo XC90 has been one of our favorite three-row SUVs since its debut revitalizing the Volvo brand for the 2016 model year. Over the years, it has been one of our top-rated choices as a result of its outstanding exterior design, interior styling, and focus on safety.

As the flagship of the brand, Volvo sets the standard for other Volvo models with its beautiful minimalist interior. The seats are comfortable, and every material feels expensive. Our only criticism is that despite the excellent packaging, adults might have a hard time getting to the back row.

Despite offering a trio of drivetrains, Volvo doesn’t offer a sporty, high-performance version of the 2023 Volvo XC90, and that could limit buyers seeking fleet family carriers. Instead, Volvo focuses on luxury. The fastest entry in the lineup is the XC90 Recharge T8 eAWD, which uses an electric motor to power both supercharged and turbocharged I-4 engines.

It’s also getting the all-electric range it deserves for 2023; the previously optional extended-range variant is now standard. Driving the new four-cylinder mild hybrid, it feels very fast and well-calibrated.

While the Volvo XC90 exhibits a somewhat stiff ride with the larger wheels, overall it’s a very pleasant luxury three-row SUV. We would not hesitate to recommend it to potential shoppers.

New mild hybrid B5 and B6 drivetrain
All-wheel drive is standard
Google-based infotainment
Trim levels were renamed to Core, Plus, and Ultimate
The exterior design choices were separated from the trim and renamed Base, Bright, and Dark
The T8 plug-in hybrid long-range variant (late addition 2022) is standard
Updated shift logic for all drivetrains
The rechargeable model accepts one pedal drive
Updated paint options
Air purifier standard
Two USB-C ports replace the front USB-A port
Wireless charging is no longer available

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2023 Volvo XC90 Design

The 2023 Volvo XC90 is a full-size three-row SUV that we love for its tasteful design, comfortable interior space, and excellent safety. For 2023, the standard powertrain will be a mild hybrid design based on the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. The plug-in-hybrid version of the 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge bumps up the price significantly but provides a huge amount of all-electric range while being the most powerful and fun XC90 so far.

It won’t deliver the sporty driving dynamics of some performance models from BMW and Mercedes, but there’s a lot to like about Volvo’s flagship crossover.

What Volvo offers are oodles of safety, with excellent year-over-year crash test results, and a strong suite of safety and driver-assist technologies that don’t feel like you’re hurting while you’re driving. The 2023 Volvo XC90 is also comfortable and roomy, seating six to seven passengers in an interior that’s comfortable and pleasing to look at without feeling overwhelmed or overwhelming.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 has been a bit long in the teeth as it’s now in its eighth year since a complete redesign, but its unique, sharp design and modern technology hide its age well. However, if you want something all-electric, you’ll have to wait a little longer. Volvo will release its full-size EX90 as the successor to the battery-electric XC90, expected to go on sale in 2023 with a revamped design and more safety technology than ever before.

The 2023 XC90 switches to a mild hybrid powertrain as standard, complete with an integrated 48-volt battery and integrated starter/generator that add to the existing 2.0-liter engine. Therefore, the new B5 and B6 mild hybrid replaced the outgoing T5 and T6 engines. The 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge remains a plug-in hybrid option.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 switches to Google-based infotainment software for 2023, incorporating voice control of Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. The XC90 also gains over-the-air update capability, meaning Volvo can remotely send software updates to vehicles, improving features over time.

Trim levels are reorganized into Core, Plus, and Ultimate.

2023 Volvo XC90 Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The XC90’s interior is a masterpiece of the medium. Starting from the attractive design to the quality of the materials, I hope there will be more vehicles like this. Adults won’t be thrilled in the third row, even though it offers more legroom than similar rivals, but preteens may be persuaded, provided the journey is short. The XC90’s wide, boxy silhouette helps in the cargo-carrying department, but the interior compartment isn’t as large as in some competitors.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offers as much passenger space as we’ve come to expect for a vehicle in this segment: decent but not great. It has more cargo capacity than its closest competitor, however, making this vehicle a great choice for people who need the versatility to haul cargo such as flatpack furniture from the big box store.

Infotainment and Connectivity

A handsome, tablet-like 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard across all XC90s, and operation is largely intuitive. Each model has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities; a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot is optional. The system can be improved by adding more redundant hard keys.

Technology

Volvo equipped a 9.0-inch infotainment screen running a Google-based operating system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as standard on the 2023 XC90. Features include Apple CarPlay, Google Maps navigation, Google Assistant voice recognition, Google Play app store, and updates over the air.

Volvo offers a 360-degree camera system available and a head-up view. A 10-speaker audio system is standard with a 14-speaker Harman Kardon setup and a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins setup available.

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Crane Capacity and Payload

Those interested in towing boats, trailers, and other toys should be aware that not every 2023 Volvo XC90 is capable of the model’s maximum towing rating of 5,000 pounds. While any XC90 with a 295-hp B6 powertrain and an XC90 PHEV could tow that much, the base 247-hp Core B5 powertrain is rated at 4,000 pounds.

This rating is independent of whether you drive the seven- or six-seater XC90; it’s all about the powertrain.

2023 Volvo XC90 Engine, Transmission, and Performance

To improve efficiency, Volvo has electrified the XC90’s powertrain offering. While a full-electric XC90 didn’t exist yet, even the base Core model received assistance from a 48-volt electric motor bolted to a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine for 247 horsepower of combined output. Switching to the B6 powertrain, available in Plus and standard on the Ultimate trim level, increases output to 295 horsepower. The 455-hp T8 plug-in-hybrid XC90 Recharge is not only the most powerful of the group but also the most efficient at an EPA-rated 66 MPGe.

All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission come with every 2023 Volvo XC90, regardless of trim level or powertrain. The T8 Recharge shot to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds on our test track. Like many vehicles in this tall class, the Volvo seems to lean around corners, but the steering response is accurate and the wheels have a pleasant heft that separates the difference between featherlight and heavyweight.

Our test car had optional air suspension and provided a pleasant, isolated ride, and handled most road situations well. Some rattling of the chassis over particularly sharp bumps suggests the imperfection of the trails, one of the few complaints with the graceful 2023 Volvo XC90.

Drive

A meager 2.0-liter four-cylinder may not sound like enough for a vehicle as big as the 2023 Volvo XC90, but it has plenty of grunts to push this crossover with ease. The new mild hybrid engines haven’t changed much on paper, and we didn’t expect them to feel all that different from the T5 and T6 they’re based on. We still expect the B5 to feel slower than the others, but the torque from the turbo is still enough to keep up with the traffic.

The B6, with its extra power, should make it feel a bit more eager to keep up with freeway speeds, dropping its 0-60 time from 7.3 to a better 6.4 seconds. Recharge is the fastest of all because the power is immediately made strong with the help of the electric motor. Even with the rear axle getting power from this bike,

Handling isn’t particularly exciting, but it’s still responsive enough for a vehicle this tall. Both the BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE are more fun to drive fast. Volvo’s optional air suspension can be stiff and improves body control a bit, but it can never match the performance of the German.

The ride is luxurious when you choose the smaller wheel size, but it can be uncomfortable when you use the optional 21-inch wheels. As a good luxury vehicle should be, the 2023 Volvo XC90 is quiet on the highway. The Pilot Assist driving assistance system tracks lane middle well and makes highway driving a lot easier.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

Volvo offers a trio of four-cylinder drivetrains for the XC90. All of them have standard all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Volvo XC90 B5 AWD 2023

Engine and Transmission: 2.0-liter turbo I-4, eight-speed automatic
Power: 247 hp/258 lb-ft of torque
EPA Rated Fuel Economy: 22/28 mpg city/highway

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Volvo XC90 B6 AWD 2023

Engine and Transmission: 2.0-liter turbo and supercharged I-4, eight-speed automatic
Power: 295 hp/310 lb-ft
EPA-Rated Fuel Economy: 20/26 mpg

2023 Volvo XC90 Refill T8 eAWD

Engine and Transmission: 2.0-liter turbo- and supercharged I-4+ electric motor, eight-speed automatic
Power: 455 hp/523 lb-ft combined
EPA Rated Range: total EV mode range of 36 miles; 530 miles of combined city/highway coverage

2023 Volvo XC90 MPG and Real World Fuel

Except for the T8 plug-in-hybrid powertrain, the XC90 achieves fuel economy ratings similar to many of its six-cylinder competitors. The B5’s 247-hp powertrain gets EPA estimates of 22 mpg in city and 28 highways, while the XC90 with the 295-hp B6 powertrain gets a highway rating of 20 cities and 26 mpg. The XC90 Recharge T8 gets 66 MPGe with an EPA rating and can go up to 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, producing just 58 MPGe and traveling 29 miles on battery power. For more information on the XC90’s fuel economy, visit the EPA website.

2023 Volvo XC90 Trim

At its base Core trim level, the 2023 Volvo XC90 packs a punch and comes packed with features. Standard features include all-wheel drive, 19-inch wheels, panoramic moonroof with electric sunshade, ambient lighting, faux leather upholstery, heated front seats, powered two-way lumbar support, driver’s seat with power memory, powered passenger seat, power-row headrests folding two-fold, keyless entry, four-zone climate control, air purification system, front, and rear parking sensors, Volvo Pilot Assist and an array of safety features. The 2023 XC90 starts at under $60,000 and offers a lot of style and substance for the money.

2023 Volvo XC90 Models

The 2023 Volvo XC90 is a three-row mid-size luxury SUV offered with three powertrain options. The B5 is a mild hybrid with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (247 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque). The B6 uses the same engine but with increased 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 driving the rear wheels (455 hp, 523 lb-ft combined output) and an electric range of just 32 miles on a full charge.

Within this engine selection, you can choose from three trim levels: Core, Plus, and Ultimate. Additionally, you can choose one of three exterior themes: Base, Dark (dark 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 opt for second-row captain seats with the B6 and Recharge engines in Plus or Ultimate trim, reducing passenger capacity to six.

Core

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

19-inch Rims (20-inch for Refill)
Sunroof panorama
Adaptive LED headlights (turns when you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in corners)
roof rails
Simulated leather upholstery (real leather for B6 and Recharge)
Four-zone automatic climate control
Heated front seats
Digital instrument panel
Power folding rear headrest
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 (directs the vehicle back on track if it starts to deviate from the lane markers)
Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot when changing lanes or when reversing)
Rear automatic braking (applies the brakes automatically to avoid an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
Front and rear parking sensors (warn you of obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
Driver attention alert (issues a warning if sensors determine you are getting tired)
Traffic sign reader
Automatic high beam

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Plus

The mid-range trim is offered in Light as well as Dark themes (but only with Refill). Beyond the Core features, trim Plus adds:

20-inch wheels
Headlamp washer
Leather seats
Wooden interior decoration
Heated steering wheel
Heated rear seats
Integrated second-row child booster seats
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 theme as the Plus, although no B5 engine is offered. It completes the feature list with:

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

Many features are available as options on support trims. Exclusive add-ons for the Ultimate trim include:

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

2023 Volvo XC90 Safety

Safety is the hallmark of the Volvo brand and as its flagship, the XC90 remains true to this mission. IIHS named the XC90 its Top Safety Pick+ for 2022, its highest honor. Likewise, all versions of the 2022 XC90 receive a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

Driver assist technology is another highlight of the XC90. Standard features include forward collision warning, front and rear automatic emergency
braking, blind spot monitoring, rear traffic warning, and automatic high beam and windshield wipers. Adaptive cruise control and an improved lane-
keeping aid, which Volvo calls Pilot Assist, is standard on all XC90 models.

2023 Volvo XC90 Price

Volvo allows a decent amount of configurations when it comes to 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 bench seat layout. seven passengers which are cheaper than paying the hefty price for second-row captain seats.

At no extra cost, the Plus trim allows for a Maroon Brown leather-and-Charcoal interior, which comes with stylish walnut trim. Standard equipment on the XC90 Plus includes a 360-degree camera, 20-inch wheels, a leather upholstery and heated rear seats.