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Identifying the First-Gen Ford Mustang2023 Volvo XC90: Complete Swedish Luxury
2023 Volvo XC90 Review: Volvo’s Mild-Hybrid is full of luxury and style. We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more.
What’s New for the 2023 Volvo XC90?
For 2023, Volvo changed their trim options on the XC90 to three trims instead of two. Drivers can now choose between Core, Plus, and Ultimate. Volvo also removed their T5 and T6 gasoline-only engines in favor of the B5 and B6 mild hybrids.
Volvo removed six previous paint colors but added three new choices: Platinum Grey, Silver Dawn, and Bright Dusk. Exterior options now include a Bright option or a blacked-out Dark option.
A Climate package is available on the Core trim only, while drivers looking for even more luxury on the Ultimate trim can now choose a cushy Lounge package complete with a seat massager and a Nubuck headliner.
2023 Volvo XC90 – media.volvocars.com | Shop 2023 Volvo XC90 on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
All-wheel drive standard on all trims
Upscaled and attractive interior
Impressive safety features
Difficult to access third-row seating
Inferior ride quality
New infotainment system needs improvement
A stand-out for its intuitive and luxurious design
2023 Volvo Specs
- 247 horsepower from base engine
- 258 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 3 available trims
- 21.8 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 80.3 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- NHTSA rating of 5 out of 5 stars
- 9.0-inch Google-based infotainment center with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
- 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty
2023 Volvo XC90 Powertrain
Efficiency seems to be at the top of the list for most manufacturers these days, and Volvo is no exception. The 2023 Volvo XC90 lineup doesn’t offer a fully electric option yet, but even the base model B5 engine has a 48-volt electric motor to assist the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine.
This configuration puts out 247 horsepower and 258 ft. lbs. of torque.
Stepping up to the B6 powertrain (available on the Plus and Ultimate trims), drivers get a respectable 295 horsepower/310 ft. lbs. of torque. This uses the same 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine but adds a supercharger.
Finally, the T8 powertrain is the most powerful in the lineup. It uses the same engine configuration as the B6 with assistance from an electric motor putting out 455 horsepower/523 ft. lbs. of torque. If you’re looking for impressive power, the T8 is the way to go.
All variations come with AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Driving the 2023 Volvo XC90 is just as luxurious as the rest of the vehicle. While we thought the ride was a bit rough, that didn’t take away from our experience.
It is a pleasure to drive and responds immediately to driver input. The front double-wishbone and rear multi-link suspension provide 8.8 inches of ground clearance and create an almost sporty feel that is well-balanced and comfortable.
Towing & Payload
The 2023 Volvo XC90 can tow 5,000 pounds. It also has a maximum payload capacity of 1,656 lbs.
Volvo offers an optional integrated trailer hitch to make towing less of a hassle. This hitch allows drivers to seamlessly hook up both hardware and electrical systems. It also uses the vehicle’s structure to minimize skidding and improve traction while towing. For a luxury SUV, this is an incredibly useful feature.
2023 Volvo XC90 Fuel Economy & MPG
The 2023 Volvo XC90 was designed for luxury, but don’t let that fool you: it is one of the most efficient SUVs on the market. Starting with the Core (base) trim, the B5 powertrain provides an estimated 22 MPG city/28 MPG highway.
Moving up, the B6 powertrain has only a slightly decreased MPG rating of 20 MPG city/26 MPG highway. This decrease is the expense for the extra power this powertrain provides over the B5.
The XC90 Recharge T8 is rated at 66 MPGe and can go for 36 miles on electricity only.
Overall, the 2023 Volvo XC90 is as efficient as many of its six-cylinder competitors.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
While the third-row seating may not make adult passengers happy, the rest of the interior is spacious and luxuriously comfortable. The choice of materials is second to none, and more cars should try to be like the 2023 Volvo XC90.
The boxy feel leaves plenty of space for cargo and passengers. Up front, there is plenty of legroom (40.9 inches) and headroom (38.9 inches). Second-row passengers have 37 inches of legroom, while third-row passengers get 31.9 inches of legroom.
Now, let’s look at cargo space. While the rear sports 21.8 inches of storage with all three rows upright, the space grows to 46.9 inches with the third row down. Put down the second row and drivers get a whopping 80.3 inches of cargo space.
While even the Core trim boasts materials of the utmost quality, drivers can step it up with the Plus trim. A two-tone leather interior with walnut grain accents really sets the mood for luxury. If you want even more, the Ultimate trim can be fitted with the optional Lounge package that includes a Nubuck suede-like headliner.
The 2023 Volvo XC90 has all of the appointments drivers expect from a luxury SUV with plenty of room to spare.
Entertainment & Technology
The clean, sleek dash design is a result of the 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen based on Google’s technology. Drivers have access to Google Maps for navigation, Google Assistant, and the Google Play app store.
The infotainment system also supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Bluetooth is, of course, standard. A Wi-Fi hotspot is optional.
The standard sound system is Volvo’s 10-speaker system, but drivers can also opt for a 14-speaker Harmon Kardon system or a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium setup.
Drivers can also opt for Volvo’s 360-degree camera system and a heads-up display to round out the technological goodies.
Safety Features
Volvo has been known for its safety ratings, and the 2023 Volvo XC90 is no exception. The IIHS has awarded the XC90 with a 2022 Top Safety Pick+, the highest award they offer. Additionally, the NHTSA awarded five stars to the XC90 for its overall safety rating.
The 2023 Volvo XC90 comes standard with front and rear emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, automatic wipers, automatic high-beams, and a rear cross-traffic alert. These are incredible safety tools to help drivers get to their destination safely and conveniently.
Volvo’s Pilot Assist is standard on all trims and helps drivers stay in their lane. In other words, it reduces drifting into other lanes by automatically correcting.
2023 Volvo XC90 Trims & Pricing
Core – $57,095 MSRP
The Core is the base model of the 2023 Volvo XC90, and it is anything but “base”. Drivers get standard features such as AWD, panoramic moonroof with sunshade, ambient lighting, heated front seats, leatherette upholstery, power two-way lumbar support, powered driver seat with memory, powered passenger seat, power-folding second-row headrests, front and rear parking sensors, four-zone climate control, an air purification system, keyless entry, and 19” wheels. Volvo’s Pilot Assist and safety features are also standard.
Whew! That’s a load of standard features for a base model! If you want the plug-in Recharge version, expect to pay $72,995 MSRP. Overall, this is an incredible value no matter which version you choose.
Plus – $60,995 MSRP
When you step up to the Plus trim, you get everything the base model includes plus features such as Volvo’s 360-degree camera system, leather upholstery with walnut trim, heated rear seats, and 20-inches wheels.
This seems to be the most balanced between luxury styling and performance since the B6 powertrain boasts more power than the Core’s B5 powertrain. If a plug-in Recharge version is up your alley, then you can expect to find it priced at $74,695.
Unlimited – $70,295 MSRP
This is the flagship of Volvo’s lineup. Drivers get all of the standard features available on the Core and Plus trims with the addition of the T8 powertrain and options such as the Lounge package (with seat massager and Nubuck headliner), optional leather interior inserts, 22-inch wheels, and an optional genuine crystal shifter by Orrefors of Sweden.
The Ultimate trim screams luxury that only Volvo can provide. Pick up a Recharge version for the top tier price of $80,995.
Warranties
One thing that lacks is Volvo’s warranty programs, especially when compared to competitors. However, they make up for it by offering complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Their limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles. The powertrain is backed by the same warranty. Electrical components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles.
The complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for three years or up to 36,000 miles.
What we think
2023 Volvo XC90 – volvocars.com | Shop 2023 Volvo XC90 on Carsforsale.com
The 2023 Volvo XC90 is a luxury mid-sized SUV with extreme helpings of Swedish styling, performance, and luxurious touches. In its class, it is the best luxury SUV we have seen especially when it comes to safety.
Although it is loaded to the brim with standard and optional features, we would have liked it to have ridden a bit smoother. The infotainment system could be a bit more intuitive with the addition of easy-to-access hard buttons instead of a touch-screen-only operation.
The warranty seems to lack a lot compared to other vehicles in its class, but Volvo’s reputation for reliability helps to ease this pain. We would have at least liked to have seen a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty for added driver confidence.
Overall, we are just being picky with these tiny details. The 2023 Volvo XC90 is ahead of its class in nearly every category, and it is a real pleasure to drive. If you just have to have one, we highly recommend checking out these new car incentives.
