The XC90 is Volvo's largest model, offering three rows of seating and room for up to seven people. The popular family hauler is the Swedish automaker's third best-selling model, though Volvo is slow to update the SUV. Now eight years deep into its second generation and three years past a facelift, the XC90 is aging but has remained a graceful and compelling luxury 3-row SUV.
Though Volvo has already announced its fully electric EX90 successor, the gas-powered XC90 gets electrified for 2023 with mild-hybrid powertrains and a shift from Volvo's previous T5, T6, and T8 naming convention to a new "B" naming structure. The automaker also updates trim level names, doing away with Momentum and Inscription and introducing Core, Plus, and Ultimate. The XC90 T8 Hybrid remains on sale. Finally, the XC90's infotainment system gets a boost for 2023 with Google Built-in, which brings services such as maps and voice control.
Volvo further splits those three trims into powertrain choices. The base B5 powertrain has a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a mild-hybrid system producing 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque combined. The upgraded B6 powertrain offers 295 hp and 310 pound-feet of torque. In comparison, the T8 eAWD plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers 455 hp, 523 pound-feet of torque, and an all-electric range of up to 35 miles.
Volvo updated the XC90's infotainment system for 2023 with a Google-based system. It offers improved load and reaction times, and the graphics are sharper than in previous iterations. There's still too much complexity, however, so the system will take some time to learn for most people. That said, the list of standard and available features is impressive, so buyers won't be left wanting more in any of the available configurations.
Safety is Volvo's middle name. The XC90 is one of the few new models to meet the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) updated Top Safety Pick criteria. The IIHS revised its side crash tests with more force for 2023, drastically reducing the number of models qualifying for the coveted award.
Volvo equips every 2023 XC90 with blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, adaptive headlights, and more.
Previously, JD Power reviewed the 2021 Volvo XC90. This review focuses on the XC90's updates since then and how they potentially impact its overall appeal to consumers.
Photo: Chris Teague
The Volvo XC90 competes in the Upper Midsize Premium SUV market segment. According to data collected from verified new-vehicle buyers for the JD Power 2022 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, 52 percent of new Volvo XC90 buyers are male (vs. 63 percent for the segment), and the median age of a new XC90 buyer is 49 years (vs. 56).
As part of the APEAL Study, owners rated the XC90 in 10 primary categories. Listed below in descending order, you'll find their preferences, from their most favorite thing about the vehicle to their least favorite:
In the 2022 APEAL Study, the XC90 ranks 11th out of 12 Upper Midsize Premium SUV models—an improvement of one rank position compared to the 2021 study.
In the following sections, our independent expert analyzes an XC90 B6 AWD Ultimate equipped with the following options:
The test vehicle's price was $76,995, including the $1,095 destination charge.
Photo: Chris Teague
Volvo had long kept its Momentum and Inscription trims for the XC90, but for 2023, the automaker swaps them out for three new variants. Core, Plus, and Ultimate are the new names, and they also apply to the plug-in T8 Recharge.
The base Core model gets a panoramic roof, Google Built-in, Pilot Assist, and more. Stepping up to the Plus brings a surround-view camera system, upgraded interior lighting, and headlight cleaners. The range-topping Ultimate trim gets a Harman Kardon stereo, ventilated front seats, and a head-up display.
The XC90 is a highly customizable luxury SUV, and Volvo offers new colors to keep things fresh. New exterior colors include Bright Dusk, Platinum Grey, and Silver Dawn. Bright Dusk is a pinkish champagne color, while the other two are relatively close to their color descriptions.
Inside, a newly available Lounge package for the Ultimate trim brings massaging front seatbacks and a synthetic suede headliner. Core buyers can add a Climate package with heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and headlight cleaners. Depending on the trim level, buyers can choose from up to five interior color schemes: Grey Ash, Amber, Maroon Brown, Slate, and Blond.
The carpet and surrounding trim come in Charcoal, regardless of the interior color. The Core trim comes with Charcoal or Blond, and the Plus adds Maroon Brown.
Previously, Volvo offered the XC90 with T5, T6, and T8 Recharge powertrains. The T5 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine while stepping up to the T6 added a supercharger for a seriously complex engine setup. Now, the base B5 gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gas engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid assist, which Volvo calls "E-charged." The B6 gets the same setup with more power and torque. Oh, and the B6 retains its supercharger, so there's even more complexity under the hood.
Power is down slightly with the changes. The B6 powertrain makes 295 hp, while the previous T6 produced 316. Torque is up slightly, from 295 to 310 pound-feet. Those aren't significant differences in power, but the mild-hybrid system's instant torque and occasional power boost make the newer XC90 feel livelier and quicker. The on-paper numbers back that up, as the 2023 version of the SUV is a couple of tenths faster to 60 mph than its predecessor.
Photo: Chris Teague
The 9-inch infotainment touchscreen remains for 2023, but Volvo updated the software behind it with Google-based technology. While the basic look didn't change, operations did, and the new system is lightyears quicker to respond than its predecessor. There's little delay between starting the vehicle and being able to change settings, such as heated seats and climate settings, which used to take eons.
However, there's still too much complexity, even for a person accustomed to the system. It's not immediately clear how to change vehicle settings, such as options for the vehicle's numerous safety systems. Satellite radio displays and controls can be confusing, and there are too many icons on the screen at times.
Sometimes-fussy operation aside, the XC90's infotainment and audio systems are feature-rich, especially in the Ultimate trim. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with a host of Google features, including Google Maps and Google Assistant. Wireless charging and 10 speakers are standard, but the Ultimate trim adds a head-up display. My test vehicle came with the optional Bowers & Wilkins stereo. With the upgraded setup, there will never be a moment in which the XC90's audio is not loud enough. The system is massively powerful, and the subwoofer provides a satisfying thump at higher volumes.
The previous XC90 didn't feel slow. In fact, with more than 300 hp available in the T6, it could scoot from zero-to-60 mph in under seven seconds. Still, adding a mild-hybrid system helps even out the power delivery and improves acceleration. Takeoffs now feel more immediate and eager, and mid-range acceleration from 40-60 mph feels much more confident.
I tested the XC90 during a week of highly variable Maine winter weather. My family owns a 2021 XC90, so I'm familiar with the feel and handling during snowstorms. Still, the air suspension in the 2023 test vehicle made a welcome difference in both traction and comfort in most situations. Even with all-season tires, the XC90 can claw into and out of deep snow, and the air suspension helps soak up bumps from chunks of ice and rutted, snowy roads.
The available four-corner air suspension brings better ride quality and slightly improved handling. However, there's no getting around the XC90's nearly 5,000-pound curb weight. It gives the SUV self-leveling capabilities; at higher speeds, the system lowers the vehicle for better aerodynamics. There's also a lifted off-road mode, though most XC90s will likely rarely see dirt. When parked, the air system lowers the SUV for easier loading and unloading.
Photo: Chris Teague
Though the XC90 last had a complete overhaul for the 2016 model year, its look is still fresh and exciting compared to newer models. The automaker's signature "Thor's Hammer" LED daytime running lights remain, and the XC90's sleek shape helps hide its family-friendly exterior dimensions. Volvo offers different wheel designs based on trim, and sizes range up to 21 inches.
Interior quality is an XC90 high point; all configurations feel special from behind the wheel. My Ultimate tester's blond leather wrapped beautifully over the highly contoured, supportive seats. The second row is spacious enough that even taller adults can ride comfortably. The front buckets are highly adjustable and help reduce fatigue on longer trips.
The third-row seats are less accommodating and will feel cramped for all but smaller children. Even so, folding and managing the seats is a breeze, and the second-row seats fold forward to allow access. Cargo space is generous, at 41.8 cubic feet behind the second row and 15.8 cubic feet behind the third row. The air suspension doesn't lower the vehicle to a great degree from a visual standpoint. Still, it's a noticeable difference when loading and unloading heavy items.
Having owned a same-generation Volvo XC90 T6 Inscription for two years, it's easy to draw a line between the likes and dislikes of both vehicles. Clearly, Volvo legitimately improved the 2023 model in most ways that it counts. The mild-hybrid system improves acceleration, while updates to the infotainment system make the XC90 much easier to live with.
That said, we're talking about an SUV that hasn't had a major overhaul in eight years. That's better than the first-generation's 13-year lifecycle, but it's certainly not a plus in the XC90's column. The Mercedes-Benz GLE has a nicer cabin, more powerful engine choices, and a far more engaging driving experience. Buyers opting for the BMW X5 also get potent engines, and the SUV offers responsive handling and good ride quality.
Chris Teague is an experienced writer in the automotive and technology fields. In addition to JDPower.com, his work appears at Forbes, The Drive, Your Test Driver, and others.
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