2023 Volvo XC90

　　

2023 Volvo XC90 Review

byMichael CantuCorrespondent

　　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 zzdcar 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.

　　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 DriveCost 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 $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$191/mo  for XC90 B5 Core

　　XC90 B5 Core

　　B5 Core 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $56,000 MSRPB5 Plus Bright 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $59,900 MSRPB6 Core 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $60,900 MSRPB6 Plus Bright 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $63,400 MSRPB6 Plus Bright 4dr SUV AWD w/6 Passenger Seating (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $63,900 MSRPB6 Ultimate Bright 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $69,200 MSRPB6 Ultimate Bright 4dr SUV AWD w/6 Passenger Seating (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $69,700 MSRPRecharge T8 Core Bright 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $71,900 MSRPRecharge T8 Plus Bright 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $73,600 MSRPRecharge T8 Plus Bright 4dr SUV AWD w/6 Passenger Seating (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $74,100 MSRPRecharge T8 Plus Dark 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $73,600 MSRPRecharge T8 Ultimate Bright 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $79,400 MSRPRecharge T8 Ultimate Bright 4dr SUV AWD w/6 Passenger Seating (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $79,900 MSRPRecharge T8 Ultimate Dark 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $79,400 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　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.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar 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

　　zzdcar 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.

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