2024 Volvo XC90 Expert Review
Reviewed by Duncan Brady
Volvo stopped building station wagons with a rear-facing third row a long time ago, and today, the XC90 is the go-to option for those who want a three-row vehicle from the brand. The XC90 introduced Volvo's modern design language when it was new back in 2016, and we called it our SUV of the Year . It is aging gracefully, though we're still hotly anticipating the electric EX90. The 2024 Volvo XC90 faces off against other premium three-rows including the Lexus TX, Lincoln Aviator, Acura MDX, and Audi Q7.
What's New
- Vapour Grey Metallic replaces Thunder Grey Metallic
- XC90 Ultimate gains standard laminated side windows
- XC90 Recharge Ultimate gets a new 21-inch wheel design
- XC90 B6 Ultimate gets a new 22-inch wheel design
- XC90 B5 Plus no longer has a head-up display
What We Think
We've been quick to recommend the XC90 since its 2016 introduction, and the Swedish three-row SUV has aged well in the years since. Volvo's flagship led the way for the brand with its elegant and distinctive design, well-appointed cabin, and outstanding safety.
The interior is minimalist without ever feeling cheap. Volvo's seats have always been comfortable, and the XC90 is no exception. Materials generally feel high-quality across the board. That said, we're disappointed the cozy wool blend upholstery is exclusive to the $80K-plus XC90 Recharge Ultimate. Buyers should also know the XC90 is no Escalade; the third row is pretty tight.
Volvo focuses on competent luxury over performance, despite offering a plug-in hybrid variant delivering 455 hp. The interior feels well insulated from the outside world. Still, it has the crip responses and controlled body motions that make driving enjoyable, although larger wheel options can turn the ride quality from pleasantly firm to a bit too stiff. The XC90 will feel out of date one day, but that day has yet to arrive. We still wouldn't hesitate to steer a friend toward the purchase of Volvo's three-row.
Performance and Efficiency
Volvo XC90 buyers have luxury in choice with three different powertrain options, all of which are based on a 2.0-liter inline-four. All variants work with an eight-speed automatic and AWD, and the B5 and B6 feature mild hybrid integration.
2024 Volvo XC90 B5 AWD
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4
- Horsepower/Torque: 247 hp/258 lb-ft of torque
- Efficiency (city/highway): 22/27 mpg
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 7.3 seconds (mfr est)
2024 Volvo XC90 B6 AWD
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbo- and supercharged I-4
- Horsepower/Torque: 295 hp/310 lb-ft of torque
- Efficiency (city/highway): 20/26 mpg
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 6.8 seconds
2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 eAWD
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4
- Horsepower/Torque: 455 hp/523 lb-ft of torque
- Efficiency (comb): 58 mpg-e (gas+elec); 27 mpg (gas only)
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 5.0 seconds (mfr est)
Safety Ratings and Features
Volvo's three-row SUV upholds the automaker's well-earned reputation for safety by earning a 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, which is especially impressive considering the institute's stricter criteria for 2023. The XC90 also achieves a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.
The XC90 is loaded with all of Volvo's driver assists. Volvo's Pilot Assist, a combination of adaptive cruise control and lane centering, is standard. All models also included front and rear emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high-beams, and rain-sensing wipers.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The XC90 is by no means small or cramped, but it's a little tighter inside than a Lincoln Aviator or Audi Q7. Both offer more cargo space across the board, and although the Volvo has the most third-row seat space, its competitors have more legroom for first- and second-row passengers.
Technology
Volvo equips every XC90 with a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment setup running Google-based software that includes Google Maps and Google Assistant, plus the user can install updates over the air. Wired Apple CarPlay is standard, and Android users can sync their account with the infotainment, which is even better than Android Auto.
Volvo's Electric Three-Row SUV
The XC90 Recharge offers a transition between gas and electric vehicle ownership by providing buyers with up to 32 miles of purely electric range, but folks after a fully electric alternative won't have to wait long. Volvo's EX90 is just around the corner and should deliver huge power, over 300 miles of range, plus the style and safety we've come to expect from the brand. Just like the 2016 XC90 gave us a preview of what Volvos would be like for the better part of the next decade, the EX90 gives us a glimpse at Volvo's all-electric future.
Recommended Trim
Buyers won't miss out on much by eschewing the Plus and Ultimate trims to stick with the XC90 Core. The base model is well equipped with the Google integration, Pilot Assist, a panoramic roof, and a digital instrument cluster. As a bonus, your XC90 will ride better if you stick with the base model's 19-inch wheels. Instead, we'd use the extra cash to upgrade to the slightly more powerful B6 powertrain, unless you want to go for the pricey plug-in hybrid.
