Let’s start with smart news. For now, the XC90 Recharge is one of the few three-row cars with a spark plug and internal combustion engine. Its only rival is the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring (which, curiously clever, but will be gone in 2024). The Swedish automaker includes a 312-horsepower 2. 0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood, as well as a 143-horsepower electric motor. This combination makes for a combined 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque.
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All that juice goes to the 4-wheels of an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the electric motor runs through an 18. 8kWh battery. Run the Volvo in hybrid mode with a dead battery and you’ll get the equivalent of 3. 8L/100km. However, when the battery is depleted, it’s smart for 8. 9 L/100 km.
You will be able to drive the vehicle in natural electric mode for a distance of approximately 53 km.
Charging the XC90 Recharge requires patience, as the 18. 8 kWh battery (only 14. 9 kWh usable) requires more than 12 hours when plugged into a familiar outlet. A level 2 charger will especially reduce this problem; The automaker estimates it would take about five hours. There’s no DC fast charging support, which is surprising, but more and more PHEVs are providing the CCS socket.
The power of this Volvo is excellent. I’ve noticed around 50km of all-electric diversity and haven’t been disappointed with the petrol-only fuel economy, although it’s tempting to put your foot down and check out the 455 horsepower found on the road. Holding back and switching between driving modes allowed me to maximize my experience with the luxury SUV. The gearbox shifts without surprises and the engine shuts off occasionally to let the electric motor take over.
The ride quality of the Volvo three-row is also good. Its chassis isn’t as sharp as a BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne, but this is a family-oriented vehicle, so it doesn’t have to be stiff. Rather, the ride is comfortable without being too soft. That’s important to know: with 455 hp, the vehicle doesn’t sway or tilt when you mash the accelerator. Furthering the positive driving impression, it also helps that the steering response is well-weighted.
While the powertrain and driving experience are excellent, the cabin experience is mixed. The interior is tidy with a sleek dashboard. However, the feature is hampered by the relatively small nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system geared towards portrait. HVAC Settings, Media Vehicle controls and settings can be accessed through the touchscreen, which can seem clunky and simplistic. This is in contrast to the giant organization of 12. 3-inch virtual gauges, which look crisp and provide easy-to-read information.
The light-tanned leather seats have a comfortable and luxurious feeling, and the vehicle is a fine place to spend extended periods of time, so long as you’re avoiding the third row of seats. In fact, jumping into the third row of this vehicle was a cumbersome affair, requiring flexibility that is uncommon for adults. Once you’re in the third row, there’s no reward for folding yourself back there, with limited leg- and headroom.
Behind that almost-dead third row, there’s only 447 litres of garage space, which is sufficient, but not overwhelming. Fold the third row down to find 1,183 litres of cargo space, but the real gem is when you fold the second row too. , giving you 2,426 litres of total shipping space.
The cabin is enhanced by the huge number of available features. Our test vehicle included four-zone climate control, heated front and rear seats, a heated wheel, ventilated front seats, sunshades, a panoramic sunroof, and a delicious-sounding Harman Kardon sound system. .
The generous shipping space is clearly a byproduct of the vehicle’s boxy proportions, but the SUV looks sleek and modern despite its original shapes. The external design is eye-catching, even though it’s about nine years old. Take a look, the XC90 is not only modern but also safe, having earned a Top Safety Pick Plus score from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In addition to passing crash tests, the XC90 incorporates several driving aids and protection. The Pilot Assist system, which includes adaptive cruise assist and lane keeping, adapts quite well to the vehicle in front. The Volvo also has plenty of parking sensors and cameras to help drivers navigate with the three-row vehicle in tight areas.
The starting price of the 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge is $86,939. Don’t be surprised, given that it’s a PHEV, costing around $12,000 more than the gas-powered model. That price leaves it out of the festival of federal refunds, which it does as well. Do not melt the impact of the label. Our fully loaded style costs $97,939, just shy of the impressive $100,000 mark.
At only around $100,000, it’s the best SUV, and there’s clear room for improvement. Not only is access to the third row difficult, but the rear seats are almost useless. In addition, the infotainment system seems outdated and tedious to use. However, it has an impressive transmission, looks great, and drives well. While it’s one of the only three-row plug-ins on the market lately, buyers who don’t want that third row will probably want to give the BMW X5 a try. eDrive50 instead.
Discover the Volvo XC90.
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