Is the 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge a Good SUV? 5 Pros and 3 Cons
The Volvo XC90 SUV has long been a favorite of the Cars.com Editorial team, earning nothing short of our Best Car of 2016 thanks to its modern and upscale design, lively performance and impressive safety features. For 2023, it’s even better.
Related: 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge Review: An EV in Disguise
Updates since have only improved the XC90, particularly the Recharge plug-in hybrid version. One of very few three row plug-in SUVs available, the XC90 Recharge received a mid-2022 refresh that brought significant powertrain upgrades, doubling its electric-only range while also bringing an increase in power.
The improved range and added oomph add to the appeal of an already impressive package — one that still looks fresh and can go head-to-head with other luxury SUVs. Not much else changed with the update, and that’s ok with us.
That’s not to say everything is perfect, however, as Managing Editor Joe Bruzek found out while getting familiar with a 2023 XC90 Recharge AWD in the top Ultimate trim. Tap the link above to read Bruzek’s expert review, which focuses primarily on the powertrain updates. For a quick look at the highs and lows, read on to learn five things we like about the 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge and three things we don’t.
Things We Like
1. Improvements by the Numbers
The 2022 update included a larger hybrid battery and a more powerful electric motor for the XC90 Recharge, doubling its EPA-estimated electric-only range to 36 miles and bringing a 55-horsepower boost for a system total of 455 horsepower. The range increase makes the XC90 Recharge more capable of tackling short commutes and local errands on electric power alone, and it also helps enable easier highway merging and passing.
2. EV Experience
Unlike some plug-in hybrid SUVs, such as the Ford Escape and Hyundai Tucson, the XC90 Recharge delivers a true electric-vehicle experience for short periods if desired. It’s easy to drive on electric power alone while running errands around town without waking up the gasoline engine when you don’t want it — just don’t press the accelerator pedal to the floor.
3. One Pedal Operation
Another unusual yet welcome feature with the XC90 Recharge is the option of one-pedal driving, something that is common in electric cars but rare in hybrids. Here, it’s a welcome addition, not just because it helps charge the battery with more aggressive regenerative braking, but it also makes for smoother stops than is possible when using the brake pedal.
4. Quick Charger
Like other PHEVs, the XC90 Recharge can’t travel as far on electric power alone. The upside is quicker recharging that can eliminate the need for an expensive home charger. The Recharge can fully recharge its battery overnight using a standard household outlet with no special equipment required.
5. Everything Else Is Still Good
Beyond the powertrain improvements, most of what we like about the XC90 remains. The clean and functional yet luxurious and high quality interior remains, and the design still looks current inside and out. Combined with its increased performance and range, the XC90 Recharge is a more appealing choice than ever.
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- Research the Volvo XC90 Recharge
Things We Don’t Like
1. Screen Test
The 9-inch touchscreen that seemed impressive in 2016 now looks small compared to those typically offered by competitors, many of which also are easier to use with simpler menu structures. The system also uses Google Built-In with integrated Google Maps, which doesn’t operate as smoothly as it does when mirroring the app from a phone.
2. Big Wheels
Volvo increased the standard wheel and tire size to 20 inches for 2023, a 1-inch increase from previous years. Our test vehicle was equipped with even larger 21-inch wheels, which reduces electric range to just 33 miles for the 2023 model and results in a harsher ride despite the $1,800 optional air suspension.
3. Level 2 Limitations
The XC90 Recharge may be appealing to EV-minded buyers who don’t have Level 2 charging at home, but it doesn’t take to faster charging options as well as some competitors. It took more than five hours to fully recharge our test vehicle on a Level 2 home charger, more than twice as long as other plug-in SUVs like the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe or Toyota RAV4 Prime.
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