3-Row Premium Midsize Plug-In Hybrid
The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge is the most important of the three Volvo plug-in hybrids (the XC40 is the smallest and the XC60 is within the center), getting old gracefully and remaining a stable selection for a premium midsize SUV with a plug. Volvo additionally has 4 all-electric SUVs, giving loyal Volvo homeowners a large selection of measurement, efficiency and worth, but additionally attractive for these first-timers seeking to have a Volvo of their storage.
Energy and Vary
Clear Fleet Report drove the 2024 XC90 Recharge AWD Final PHEV that has a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and an electrical motor producing a complete of 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. The 8-speed automated transmission drives all 4 wheels, taking about 5.0 seconds for 0-60 miles per hour. This was loads fast, making freeway merging a breeze. The horsepower and torque numbers are to be believed because it gets-up-and-goes.
The EPA charges the XC90 Recharge AWD Final at 27 mpg for the gasoline hybrid engine, and 33 all-electric miles from the 18.8 kWh battery (14.7 kWh usable). It has a 58 MPGe (miles per gallon equal) ranking, which is a measurement of how far a automobile can journey, electrically, on the identical quantity of vitality as is contained in 1 gallon of gasoline. The 33-mile all-electric vary reveals Volvo engineers are getting near the 50 miles plug-in hybrids might want to obtain starting in 2035.
In 278 miles driving by Southern California we averaged a satisfying 46.4 mpg. This included totally charging the battery twice, leading to 80+ miles of all-electric driving miles. Gas economic system numbers reported by Clear Fleet Report are non-scientific and characterize the reviewer’s driving expertise utilizing the sprint gauge pc. Your numbers might differ.
Battery and Charging
The liquid-cooled 18.8 kWh lithium-ion battery is charged by an 11.0 kW onboard charger. These are the estimated instances for the three charging speeds.
- 120V (Stage 1) – 8 hours (0-100%)
- 240V (Stage 2) – 5 hours (0-100%)
The XC90 Recharge isn’t outfitted to make use of DC quick charging.        Â
Chilly climate can have an effect on the charging time and driving vary. The XC90 Recharge is accessible with a warmth pump that warms the inside with out drawing on the battery, and a battery conditioner that warms the battery to a temperature that can take a quicker and better cost.
Out On the Street
The Orrefors crystal shift knob controls the 8-speed automated transmission, which sends energy and torque to the entrance and/or rear wheels. The motive force, by the 5 configurable drive modes (Hybrid, Pure [all-electric], Power1 [sport], Fixed AWD and Off-road), can then select how the XC90 Recharge accelerates, steers, handles and which propulsion supply to make use of.
The XC90 Recharge AWD is simple to drive. When the battery has adequate cost, the XC90 begins in Pure mode, which for me is the most effective as the sensation of driving an electrical automobile is second to none for smoothness, quietness and immediate energy and torque. There’s the choice of fixing the start-up mode to Hybrid, which isn’t a letdown in efficiency. The gasoline hybrid engine is powerful, easy and quiet, and pulls effectively by the gears.
We surpassed the EPA rated 33 miles of all-electric vary on each of our battery fees, with 40 miles being about what we noticed on the sprint readout. There’s a small gasoline droplet on the best digital sprint gauge that signifies when the hybrid gasoline engine will kick in for those who’re urgent too exhausting on the accelerator pedal. Retaining the needle beneath that time, which isn’t exhausting to do on the town, the XC90 turns into a massively environment friendly non-polluter.
The trip and dealing with of the 5,162-pound XC90 three-row midsize SUV was easy, delicate and soft—however in a great way. The lively chassis and air suspension ($1,800 possibility) is an enormous a part of the trip high quality together with the double wishbone entrance suspension with coil springs and a multi-link rear suspension with transverse leaf springs. One minor concern is the 275/40 Pirelli Scorpion Verde all-season tires, on sharp-looking gloss black 21-inch wheels, transmitted vibrations when hitting cracks or divots within the street floor.
Stopping was robust with the 4-wheel disc anti-lock brakes and the regenerative braking thatconverts kinetic vitality into electrical vitality and shops it within the battery. The extent of regeneration could be set on the touchscreen as can Creep or Auto Maintain modes.
Exterior: Acquainted Volvo Really feel
The XC90 Recharge has a excessive construct high quality, coming from the manufacturing facility in Torsland, Sweden, close to Volvo HQ in Gothenburg. The doorways, elevate gate, and hood all have tight gaps. Our check mannequin, painted in Vapor Grey, was sharp wanting.
The clear design is void of cladding, with tasteful vibrant work to be discovered on the badging, alongside the home windows, a gorgeous strip alongside the decrease doorways, the grille, and entrance and rear fascias. There aren’t any design gimmicks and nothing radical happening, which is true Volvo DNA.
The lively bending pixel LED headlights have excessive beam help, with the LED lighting design persevering with to the sidelights, and switch indicators. The brake lights have a novel form that wraps from the ability elevate gate to the facet panel and up onto the C pillar.
Inside: Scandinavian Clear
The up to date Scandinavian design theme thrives within the cockpit, starting with good entry to the ventilated and heated Nappa leather-based entrance seats, the place consolation was excellent. The entrance passengers get energy changes for lumbar, facet bolsters, and driver-side leg cushion extender, all of which could be managed within the heart touchscreen (and reminiscence whenever you discover your favourite setting). The Lounge Bundle ($1,700 possibility) got here with entrance massaging seats, and a Nubuck headliner that could be a kind of leather-based with a delicate, velvety texture.
The entrance seats are comfy for lengthy journeys, holding the motive force tight when cornering. The digital energy steering is agile and the steering has a little bit of heft which we like.
The 12.3-inch digital driver show could be configured by buttons on the steering wheel or within the settings within the 9-inch heart touchscreen.
The XC90 Recharge AWD Final comes with a fantastic sounding Bowers & Wilkins premium encompass sound system ($3,200 possibility) with a subwoofer, 19 audio system and 1,410 watts. Search for Spotify, YouTube Music, Google Play, and Apple Music together with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth and SiriusXM. AM radio isn’t obtainable.
A few of the radio capabilities could be managed on the heated steering wheel, however most will likely be carried out (when you get within the behavior) by calling out instructions to the Google Assistant, who additionally handles most of the XC90’s options and capabilities. It takes some acclimation and follow, however turns into second nature in time.
Google Lives Right here
The vast heart console, with fingerprint-attracting gloss black, intersects the sprint on the 9-inch colour touchscreen. This display is the place the guts of the XC90 Recharge lives: the Google Android Automotive working system with navigation, apps and Google Assistant. Please notice that is not Android Auto, which is complicated. The motive force can handle operations through the use of the touchscreen or by voice instructions, which is an effective factor. Aside from the controls on the steering wheel, there are few buttons or knobs on the sprint.
Comfort options embrace a 360-degree digital camera, 4-zone automated local weather management with a cabin filtration system, rain sensing windshield wipers, alarm, keyless entry, digital key, Homelink, headlight excessive stress washers, adjustable inside illumination and an influence panoramic glass roof. The motive force-configurable head-up show syncs with Google Maps and reveals all kinds of data, corresponding to pace, radio station and avenue indicators. The laminated windshield and facet glass helped maintain the inside quiet.
Trivia: What frequent and anticipated comfort characteristic isn’t on the XC90 Recharge, however is discovered on automobiles costing tens-of-thousands much less? A wi-fi telephone charger. Perhaps the actual fact the XC90 has been round since 2016 has one thing to do with it.
Out Again
The reclining second row accommodates two adults, possibly three on quick journeys. Second-row passengers get two USB-C charge-only ports, air vents, facet window shades and warmth controls for the outbound seats. A pleasant characteristic for the motive force wanting a transparent view out the rear window is the second row headrests could be energy folded by the middle touchscreen. Nevertheless, the identical can’t be carried out with the third-row headrests.
An award ought to go to Volvo designers for together with a built-in youngster booster seat within the heart of the second row.
The third row is for the smaller in stature, most likely meant for chauffeuring the children’ sport staff versus anybody sitting for lengthy journeys.
The third row will get air vents and cup holders, however no energy ports. One factor lacking had been straps to drag the third row seat again into the upright place, leading to both having to stroll to the rear door to lift the seat, or climbing into the rear and pulling them up. If doing the latter, the XC90 has buttons to lift or decrease the air suspension for simpler loading entry.
Cargo storage is the place the XC90 takes-on a little bit of minivan or station wagon really feel and practicality. The third row has a 50:50 break up whereas the second row folds in three equal sections. The minivan half is available in when all of the seats are folded. There’s one lengthy, flat floor for stashing gadgets up-to 6.7’ lengthy and 5.7’ vast. There’s an underside storage space for the charging cable, and the Non permanent Mobility Package that features tire sealant and a compressor.
Security
The 2024 XC90 Recharge acquired a 5 Star security ranking, its highest, from the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors and Security Administration (NHTSA). The 2024 XC90 was not rated by the IIHS (Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security), however the 2023 XC90 mannequin acquired a Prime Security Choose+, its highest ranking.
Volvo has constructed its popularity on security, so normal and obtainable superior driver help techniques (ADAS), a few of which are available in packages, embrace Pilot Help, entrance, facet, curtain and knee airbags, ABS braking, traction management, entrance and rear parking help, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise management, blind spot warning with steering wheel help, cross site visitors alert, and high and low pace collision mitigation with automated braking.
Pricing
The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge AWD is available in three trims, with these costs that embrace the $1,195 vacation spot cost. Be aware: Incentives could also be altering in 2025, so converse along with your supplier about any obtainable federal or state tax credit that might scale back the value you pay, and if the XC90 Recharge qualifies to make use of the HOV lane.
- Core          $74,390
- Plus           $76,290
- Final      $82,090
Guarantee
- Fundamental – 4 years/50,000 miles
- Battery – Eight years/100,000 miles
- Roadside Help – 5 years/Limitless miles
- Corrosion Safety – 12 years/Limitless miles
- Scheduled Upkeep – Three years/36,000 miles
Observations: 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge AWD Final
The 2024 XC90 physique design, launched in 2016, is holding-up very effectively, getting old gracefully. It stays enticing and up to date versus different three-row SUVs. With this mentioned, a refreshed XC90 will likely be in Volvo sellers in North America someday mid-2025. Till then, the 2024 is a compelling wanting premium SUV with robust curb attraction.
The Volvo XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid has a number of opponents within the midsize premium/luxurious SUV market, and extra for those who drop PHEV as a standards. Some opponents solely supply two rows of seating whereas others have three just like the XC90. Â The midsize PHEVs embrace the BMW X5 xDrive 40e (2-row), Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe (2-row), Lexus RX 500h+ (2-row), Lexus TX 550h+ (3-row) and Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid (2-row). Some would possibly throw the Mazda CX-90 PHEV (3-row) though its premium standing remains to be a work-in-progress.
Volvo has made the dedication by 2030 to solely promote electrical autos, and 10 years later to be a carbon impartial firm. With 4 EVs presently on sale in America of the EX90, XC40 Recharge, C40 Recharge, and the EX30, Volvo is effectively on the best way to attaining its environmental objectives.
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Story by John Faulkner. Images by John Faulkner and Volvo.
Disclosure
Clear Fleet Report is loaned free check autos from automakers to guage, usually for per week at a time. Our street checks are based mostly on this one-week drive of a brand new  automobile. Due to this we don’t handle points corresponding to long-term reliability or whole value of possession. As well as, we are sometimes invited to producer occasions highlighting new autos or expertise. As a part of these occasions we could also be supplied free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our greatest to current our unvarnished evaluations of  autos and information irrespective of those inducements.
Our focus is on autos that provide the most effective gasoline economic system of their class, which leads us to emphasise electrical automobiles, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and different environment friendly powertrains. We additionally characteristic these environment friendly gas-powered autos which might be among the many prime mpg autos of their class. As well as, we purpose to supply opinions and information on superior expertise and the choice gasoline automobile market. We welcome any suggestions from automobile homeowners and are devoted to offering a discussion board for different viewpoints. Please tell us your views at [email protected].
