Available plug-in hybrid powertrain provides strong acceleration and high fuel economy
Cons
ဆSome touchscreen controls can be hard to use
ဆThird-row seats are tight for adults
What's new
Some touchscreen controls can be hard to use
Third-row seats are tight for adults
No major changes for 2024
Part of the second XC90 generation introduced for 2016
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 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
$195/mo for XC90 B5 Core
XC90 B5 Core
vs
$229/mo
Avg. Large SUV
zzdcar spotlight: Efficiency and safety
2024 Volvo XC90 Review
byMark TakahashiCorrespondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
, rating written byMark TakahashiNews Editor
Nick Yekikian has worked in the automotive industry since 2019. He has written close to a thousand car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 200 vehicles over the course of his career. Nick is the News Editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Automobile Magazine and Super Street. When Nick isn't zipping around town in his latest used-car find, he's probably making digital art in Photoshop or playing disc golf with friends.
On its own, the 2024 Volvo XC90 has a lot going for it. It's the largest SUV in the Swedish carmaker's portfolio, it's available as an efficient plug-in hybrid, and it's elegantly styled inside and out. With Volvo's fanatical devotion to safety tech, it's also a strong pick for growing families, but it's starting to show its age after eight years without a redesign. Still, even with nearly imperceptible changes this year (new wheels for the plug-in Recharge model), the XC90 remains one of the better luxury SUVs not from Germany, especially in plug-in hybrid form.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 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.
Among three-row midsize luxury SUVs, the Volvo XC90 distinguishes itself by offering a plug-in hybrid model. On a full charge, you should be able to log 32 miles of electric-only driving and once it's depleted, you'll still enjoy an impressive 27 mpg from the hybrid powertrain. In addition to the fuel savings and greener footprint, the XC90 comes with a comprehensive list of advanced safety features. You also get added assurance from its excellent crash test results, earning it a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Competitors to consider
The XC90 may have efficiency and safety mindedness in the bag, but a redesign may be needed to keep it competitive against some newer rivals. Both the Audi Q7 and Acura MDX deliver more enjoyable driving dynamics without sacrificing a comfortable ride quality. All of these SUVs are rather limited when it comes to third-row passenger space, but the MDX holds an advantage for its larger cargo capacity. For more luxury-minded shoppers, the Mercedes GLE is an excellent choice. We point out where the XC90 leads and where it follows in our Expert Rating.
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, 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 the XC90's credibility as a modern luxury SUV.
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