Video: 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge Review: This Old Dog Has New Tricks

The 2023 model has 33 miles of all electric-rated driving range and that's a little less than the 2022 model that had 36, and that's because there is a larger standard wheel size, and wheel size has a big impact on energy consumption. So I was able to achieve around 25 to 28 miles of EV range in my driving, and I think that's pretty impressive, because it was colder outside and even my maximum predicted range was only 31 miles. But I was driving in the winter, and I wasn't pre-conditioning the cabin consistently, so once the weather warms up, I really think that EPA-rated range will be very achievable. One-pedal driving is a feature that you don't see in plug-in electric hybrids very much. It's typically limited to full battery electric vehicles. And I like it because I just find it much easier to drive smoothly. And that's notable in the XC90 because the brake pedal, while improved over previous versions, still doesn't have that very natural feel, so I acclimate to the one-pedal driving very nicely and that's my preferred way of driving. The XC90 received a lot more power when it was updated in 2022. Now, you're at a combined 455 system horsepower with the more powerful electric motor in the back that pairs with a turbocharged four cylinder up front and it's a difference you can feel, 0 to 60 in five seconds flat, and that compares with the B6 trim level that does 0 to 60 in 6.4 seconds. And what I really like is, you know, yes, more power, it's fast, it moves quite quickly for a 5,000 plus pound SUV. But also when you're in EV mode, you can use a lot of accelerator pedal and not get out of EV mode. Now, there's this little resistance at the bottom of the accelerator pedal that once you move past, the gas engine will kick in to deliver power, but it's not going to start very frequently unless you get past that point. So it's really easy to drive in EV mode, and you have plenty of getting around power in EV mode. Like a full battery electric vehicle, the XC90 can pre-condition the cabin while it's plugged in and that'll preserve range once you get on the road, so when it's hot or cold outside, you can heat up the cabin to save battery energy because you're using the onboard charger, instead of the battery. Interior dimensions are unchanged from the gasoline model, which means you're getting just as good interior room and comfort as the regular version. And as far as interior quality, it's just as good as it was in 2016, which was good then and it's good now. For an $85,000 luxury SUV, the multimedia and control system is one area where I do think the XC90 needs improvement. The screen just isn't that big anymore in the days of massive Hyperscreens. And then also there's no wireless CarPlay, there's no wireless Android Auto, and there's no wireless charging. And the Google built-in system, I'm just not seeing the advantages versus using Apple CarPlay that comes with it. The multimedia control system and touchscreen is one area where the XC90 is falling behind. I would've liked a little more powerful onboard charger to replenish range more quickly. The XC90 can replenish its battery from zero to a hundred percent in five hours when it's maxed on a level two charger. But that's just not as powerful as something like a Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid that has a similarly sized battery, but can replenish its range in two and a half hours. And that was most evident when, you know, I'd be out driving around and I would use all of the range and then I'd be back home or at an establishment's charger and I was only adding about six miles of range per hour, and I just wanted a little bit faster recharging speeds. The upside to the lower power charger is that if you have a 240 volt outlet in your garage or nearby, it means you probably won't have to make many modifications to use that versus a more powerful charger where you might have to have a dedicated circuit. $85,000 is a lot of money and the feds aren't gonna help you anymore because this car is no longer eligible for the $7,500 tax credit and it's $10,000 more expensive than a similarly equipped B6 trim level. All in all, the roughly 25 miles of EV range that I observed was pretty impressive and that's because it was winter and also I wasn't pre-conditioning the cabin at every start. So, you know, and after that range runs out, you're still left with 27 miles per gallon combined, which is top of the range for the XC90. Those looking for an electrified three-row luxury SUV really don't have many options, but the XC90 T8 Recharge might be one of your best bets. To learn more, visit cars.com.