One of the nicest looking midsize SUVs you’ll find, the second-generation 2024 Volvo XC90 is an excellent of example of good looks and top-line technology.
The 2024 Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge gets some significant updates for the new model year.
Even with the extended model cycles manufacturers are employing these days, nine years in production — with but minor changes — is a pretty long time. That the second-generation Volvo XC90 has reached this milestone and remains one of the most desirable models in its class, speaks well to the brilliance of the XC90’s basic design.
One of the nicest looking midsize SUVs you’ll find, the Volvo features an elegant, yet simple interior treatment, exceptional comfort, reasonable cargo capacity and a nice selection of powerplant choices.
2024 Model Year Updates
Apparently Volvo holds a Ph.D. from the “It Ain’t Broke, So Don’t Fix It” school of philosophy, because the 2024 Volvo XC90 is little changed from the 2023 iteration. Laminated side windows are the big news for the top-of-the-line Ultimate trim package for ’24.
Along those same lines, opting for the XC90 B6 Ultimate or better, affords you an opportunity to pose your Volvo on a set of 22s from the factory.
Powertrains and Fuel Economy
Every XC90 powertrain includes a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine teamed with a 48-volt electric motor.
The engineering wizards in Gothenburg have embraced electrification in a huge way. Every XC90 powertrain includes a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine teamed with a 48-volt electric motor. So configured, the base B5 trimmed XC90 claims 247 horsepower @ 5,400 RPM and 258 pound-feet of torque @ 1,800. The B6 upgrade offers 295 hp @ 5,400 rpm and 310 lb-ft @ 2,100.
The plug-in hybrid XC90 T8 powertrain, with which I spent a week, returns a total system output of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. Even better, the T8 Recharge is capable of traveling up to 32 miles on electric power alone. It also tows 5,000 pounds. Regarding fuel consumption, I saw an overall figure of 27 mpg from the all-wheel drive system. By the way, all-wheel drive, as well as an 8-speed automatic transmission is standard — regardless of your powertrain choice.
Interior Accommodations
Scandinavians have a penchant for deriving elegance from simplicity, and the 2024 Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge capably exemplifies this characteristic. High-grade materials and tasteful color combinations are employed in a design that is at once intuitive and attractively laid out. The crystal gear shifter is a particularly nice touch.
Granted, the interior could offer more carrying capacity, as the Volvo trails some of its fiercest competitors in this regard. However, none of them offer this much style at a similar price point. And, few of them offer the quiet composure of the Volvo at speed. While the XC90 does offer seating for seven, reserving the rearmost seating positions for smaller children will return the best result.
The plug-in hybrid XC90 T8 powertrain returns a total system output of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque.
Comfort, Convenience & Safety Tech
We’re talking about the top-of-the-line Volvo SUV model here, so tech is abundant. The focal point of the dash is a nine-inch touchscreen, which serves as the interface for all comfort and convenience functions. CarPlay and Android compatibility are also standard.
The climate control system in my T8 tester was capable of ionizing incoming air. Messrs. Bowers & Wilkins graced my ears with their mastery of audio reproduction in an automotive setting. The heated and ventilated front seats were complemented by a heated steering wheel and heated second-row seats as well.
The head up display helped me keep my eyes on the road where they could do the most good. Additional safety tech included forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, as well as blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and lane departure warning. “My” Volvo was also capable of keeping itself centered in its lane with no input from me for short periods of time.
Driving Impressions
High-grade materials and tasteful color combinations are employed in a design that is at once intuitive and attractively laid out.
There’s something truly remarkable about having so much power on tap in such a respectable looking car. Employing my wholly unscientific approach to measuring zero to 60 times, I consistently saw the speedometer needle eclipse 60 in the time it took me to say, “1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1000 — five.”
On the other hand, despite its quickness off the line, the XC90 T8 Recharge does exhibit a fair amount of body roll in the corners. Not so much as to discourage you from going quickly, but enough to make you approach turns with a modicum of respect.
On the other hand, the electric power-assisted steering is both remarkably accurate and reassuringly weighted. Ride quality is also a strong suit with the optional air suspension system smoothing out pavement irregularities. Handling around town and parking the XC90 is effortless.
In Summary
All in all, the 2024 Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge Ultimate, despite its advancing years, remains solidly in the hunt among mid-size luxury SUV offerings. Handsome, nicely equipped, tasteful, versatile, high quality and safe, the Volvo XC90 platform is quite impressive. What’s more, Volvo covers the first three years or 36,000 miles of scheduled service at no additional cost.
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