2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2023 Volvo XC90

Volvo had come a long way from its boxy sedans and wagons of the past decades. Maintaining its family-friendly, safety-oriented image, Volvo successfully moved its brand upscale, teetering on the brink of the luxury class. After Ford sold Volvo to China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company underwent a hard reboot, developing new vehicle platforms, including the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), which underpinned the 2022 XC90.

The 2022 XC90 showcased a great stance and an admirable profile, reminiscent of launching forward. The roofline was long and sleek, containing the big greenhouse without broadcasted bulk and height. The pronounced wheel arches emphasized athleticism, while the snub nose paid homage to the classic 245 wagon’s upright grille. The superior fit and finish screamed quality, and the LED headlights with the “Thor’s Hammer” detail added a tongue-in-cheek nod to its Swedish heritage.

Inside, the interior could only be described in terms akin to "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," featuring natural wood and metal trim for an authentic feel. Exquisite details, such as the sliding wood tambor cover on the center console and the clear crystal gear selector handle, signaled luxury. The commitment to going leather-free by 2030 had led Volvo to offer Nappa leather and a tailored wool blend upholstery option, the latter being easy to care for and long-lasting. Our test car came with leather seats, proving beneficial in a week of high temperatures and unbearable humidity.

Stylistically, Volvo had evolved tremendously from the box-shaped cars of yore. The 2023 XC90 looked purposeful but not boastful, displaying a stout and solid front end that was far from shouty. The grille was assertive and bold, without being overly large or flashy. The “Thor’s Hammer” designed headlights added a modern flair missing from older Volvos. Although the dimensions and shape leaned towards rectilinear, it no longer resembled a toaster of the past.

Our test vehicle, the AWD Ultimate trim, was equipped with 21-inch wheels wrapped in low-profile Pirelli Scorpion tires, which filled the wheel wells nicely, adding drama to the otherwise stoic design. The Platinum Gray paint had brown undertones, adding richness and depth, although Volvo’s paint palette wasn’t particularly exciting. Inside, elegant design dominated, with a gorgeous steering wheel, two-tone leather, Bowers and Wilkins metal speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery.

The interior maintained a minimalist feel with a touch of nature, courtesy of wood deco inlays. The front cabin showcased a few buttons and physical controls, aiming for a clean and sophisticated look.

In 2022, the XC90 offered three powertrain options. The T5 models housed a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, outputting 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 version featured a supercharged and turbocharged variant of this engine, producing 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 combined a supercharged/turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor, generating a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft. The T5 models were front-wheel drive with available all-wheel drive, while the T6 and T8 models were AWD only. All versions used a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission.

The XC90 engines required Premium gasoline. EPA estimated T5 FWD models achieved 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/25 mpg combined, while the AWD variant scored 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway/23 mpg combined. T6 AWD models were rated at 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway/22 mpg combined. The T8 delivered a 27-mpg combined rating on gas and 55 MPGe, with an 18-mile EV range. The extended-range T8 variant presented slightly different figures.

Driving the XC90 felt superb, with minimal and controlled body roll. Our top-tier T8 Inscription extended range test vehicle provided spirited acceleration, with the electric motor offering instant torque, eliminating turbo lag and smoothing power delivery.

For 2023, Volvo discontinued the older T5 and T6 engines, replacing them with the new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains. The B5 engine retained the 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a turbocharger and mild-hybrid system, generating 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The B6, like the T6, used a supercharger and turbo with mild-hybrid tech, producing 295 hp and 310 lb-ft.

These mild-hybrid powertrains didn’t provide propulsion via electric motors like full hybrids but used a lithium-ion battery for a 13-volt starter generator handling the climate control and ignition. These engines offered slightly improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation compared to full hybrids.

Driving the 2023 XC90 was enjoyable. Its big wheels and thin tires reduced body roll despite its bulky dimensions, and its eight-speed automatic transmission performed well. Road and wind noise were well-contained, and the brakes were confident and reliable. Its simplicity of operation, with fewer customizable driving dynamics, might appeal differently to drivers. Our test car performed admirably during a New Hampshire snowstorm, even without dedicated winter tires.

The 2022 XC90 offered six-passenger or seven-passenger configurations, both being family-friendly options. Accessing the third row was easy with a one-handed slide and fold of the second row, but adults would find the third row lacking in legroom and thigh support.

The XC90 offered 15.9 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row. Folding the third row flat expanded the space to 41.8 cubic feet, and with the second and third rows folded, it offered a maximum of 85.7 cubic feet of cargo room. It could tow between 4,000 pounds and 5,000 pounds, depending on configuration and powertrain.

The interior maximized space with ample door pockets, console storage, and a large glove compartment. The cabins were comfortable and airy, and the air-conditioning system performed excellently during a heatwave.

The 2023 XC90’s interior felt peaceful and pleasant, true to the Scandinavian minimalist design. However, it lacked cubby space for small items, and there was no dedicated spot for a cell phone. The USB port for charging phones was inconveniently located in the small center console bin.

The second row was comfortable and spacious, but adjusting the seats was cumbersome. The XC90 came standard with seven-passenger seating, with an option for six-passenger seating with captain’s chairs, albeit at an extra cost and only available with the B6 engine. Getting into the third row was challenging with all three seats in place, and the third-row space was limited.

With the third row in use, the XC90 offered 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding down the third row expanded this to 41.8 cubic feet, and the maximum cargo capacity with both rear rows folded was 65.5 cubic feet, which was less than some competitors like the Audi Q7 and Acura MDX.

The 2022 XC90 was equipped with Volvo's Sensus infotainment system, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen interface with tablet-like gestures. However, the system was occasionally glitchy and slow, though using Apple CarPlay improved its responsiveness. The system’s portrait orientation minimized driver distraction.

A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel offered easy configuration and crisp graphics. The optional Advanced package added a head-up display, a 360-degree camera system, and an advanced air cleaner for interior air quality. The standard audio system was a Harman Kardon setup, with an optional $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins upgrade for audiophiles. The XC90 included front and rear USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care smartphone app.

The 2023 XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen running Google OS—the first standard integration of this technology by any automaker. Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant were built-in, with the 12.3-inch driver display enhancing usability.

Natural language recognition powered by Google was a standout feature, allowing for seamless voice commands. Integration with Google Home devices added convenience. However, the reliance on touchscreen controls for key functions, like seat adjustments and heating, could be frustrating. These quirks might become less bothersome with regular use.

Volvo’s commitment to safety was reflected in the long list of safety features in the 2022 XC90, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, slippery road alert, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, oncoming lane mitigation, and road-sign recognition. The Pilot Assist system combined several features to assist highway driving with minimal intervention.

The 2022 XC90 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, continuing Volvo's tradition of safety excellence.

Building on a legacy that started with the invention of the 3-point seat belt, the 2023 XC90 also earned top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and the IIHS. The advanced driver safety tech in the 2023 model included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist, which maintained distance from the car ahead and kept the vehicle within lane markers.