What Is the 2023 Volvo XC90?
The Volvo XC90 is a mid-size, three-row luxury SUV with seating for six or seven, depending on whether a second-row bench or dual captain’s chairs are ordered. For 2023, the base engine is a 247-horsepower, turbocharged mild-hybrid 2.0-liter four-cylinder that’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. An available upgraded version of this engine delivers 295 hp. At the top of the lineup, the XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid has 455 hp courtesy of its gas-electric powertrain. It’s the quickest XC90 of the bunch, and it delivers an EPA-estimated 33 miles of electric-only driving range. Competitors to Volvo’s largest and most expensive SUV include the BMW X5, Cadillac XT6, Lexus RX, Lincoln Aviator and Mercedes-Benz GLE.
What’s New on the 2023 Volvo XC90?
For 2023, Volvo reshuffled and renamed the available trims of the XC90. These now consist of Core, Plus and Ultimate trims for both standard and plug-in models. The two mild-hybrid engine choices (named B5 and B6) replace the previous T5 and T6 gas-only powertrains. New option packages, dubbed Climate and Lounge, are available, and stand-alone features now include an upgraded Harman Kardon stereo and a head-up instrument display.
What Features in the 2023 Volvo XC90 Are Most Important?
Standard features include:
- 9-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless device charging
- Two USB ports
- Quad-zone climate control
- Seven-seat configuration
- Panoramic moonroof
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind spot warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Road sign recognition
Available features include:
- Leather seating surfaces
- Second-row captain’s chairs
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated second-row seats
- Massaging front seats
- Air suspension system
- Wool upholstery
- Hands-free park assist
- Surround-view camera system
Should I Buy the 2023 Volvo XC90?
Comfortable to drive, relatively good on gas and boasting an elegantly detailed cabin, the XC90 is a solid pick among three-row luxury SUVs. Yes, the third-row seats are best left to kids, but that’s also true of a number of the XC90’s rivals. True to Volvo tradition, the XC90 has a strong track record for safety, and it performs well in crash tests. The plug-in-hybrid XC90 Recharge has the added bonuses of electric-only driving range and a serious horsepower infusion, but it costs considerably more than an XC90 with a mild-hybrid powertrain.
