2023 Volvo XC90 vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The transformation Volvo underwent from its boxy designs of the past to the modern and sophisticated look of the 2023 XC90 was striking. The 2023 Volvo XC90 embodied a purposeful yet understated design. The front end appeared strong and solid without being overtly aggressive. Its grille managed to be bold without appearing too large or flashy, and the iconic “Thor’s Hammer” headlights added a touch of modernity that was absent in older Volvo models. The dimensions and shape of the XC90 still leaned towards a rectilinear form, but any comparison to a toaster was long gone.

The AWD Ultimate trim of our test vehicle boasted 21-inch wheels wrapped in low-profile Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires, which filled the wheel wells and added an element of drama to its otherwise stoic appearance. The Platinum Gray paint with brown undertones gave the vehicle’s color a richness and depth that was particularly noticeable in direct sunlight.

Inside, the XC90 was elegantly designed. The steering wheel featured two-tone leather and a three-spoke design, and the use of luxurious materials throughout the cabin was evident. Metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and Nappa leather upholstery added to the premium feel. The luxurious touches such as "charcoal" and "blond" leather options showcased the tasteful Swedish influence. Any natural elements were further incorporated through the wood deco inlays adorning the dashboard and center console. Despite the minimalist approach with few physical controls, the overall look was clean and beautiful.

For 2024, the Volvo XC90 continued this tradition of blending luxury with practicality. Our Recharge T8 Ultimate trim test vehicle added even more premium touches. It came equipped with the Lounge Package, featuring massaging front seats and a high-end headliner, a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch capable of towing 5,000 pounds. The MSRP for this model was $89,145, including the destination charge.

Volvo's 2024 paint palette remained subdued and earthy, emphasizing practicality, safety, and sustainability. The SUV offered a variety of wheel designs up to 21 inches in diameter, and most versions displayed the Bright theme with chrome and polished metal finishes. The interior design felt a bit dated but maintained luxurious materials, especially in the Ultimate trim. The options for wool-blend upholstery and ventilated Nappa leather in various colors, combined with the Orrefors crystal shift knob and natural wood trim, allowed for a customized luxury feel.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 discontinued its older turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines (the T5 and T6) in favor of the new B5 and B6 engines, both featuring mild-hybrid technology. The B5 engine utilized a turbocharger and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to produce 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The B6 model, which included both a supercharger and turbocharger, churned out 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.

Although the mild-hybrid setup did not enable the XC90 to drive on electricity alone, it reduced the engine's workload by handling functions like climate control and ignition, improving overall efficiency. Despite these benefits, its fuel economy only marginally improved. The driving experience was enjoyable and refined, with the XC90 accelerating quickly and its eight-speed automatic transmission performing smoothly. The brakes were solid, and the SUV managed to suppress road and wind noise effectively.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 represented a higher level of advancement with its 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery, 107-kilowatt electric motor, and a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This combination yielded an impressive 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque, sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC90 Recharge T8 offered 32 miles of electric-only range and an EPA-estimated 27 mpg combined when driven as a hybrid. In real-world testing, however, the vehicle achieved 24.5 mpg in combined driving.

The 2024 XC90 came with various driving modes such as Pure, Power, Hybrid, and off-road modes, providing versatility. However, the suspension allowed more roll and pitch than ideal for spirited driving, and the steering wasn’t sharp. Though the SUV was quick, its firm ride on bumps and cracks and the aging vehicle architecture allowed a bit more shake into the cabin than desirable.

The 2023 Volvo XC90’s cabin provided an elegant and peaceful experience, typical of Volvo’s Scandinavian minimalism. However, this minimalism led to some challenges in storage space. The vehicle lacked dedicated cubby space for smaller items, and the USB port for plugging in phones was inconveniently located in a small center console bin. Despite these limitations, the second row was comfortable and reasonably spacious. The standard seven-passenger bench seating could be modified to six-passenger seating with captain’s chairs, though this required an upgrade to the B6 engine and an additional cost.

The third row was somewhat cramped, making access difficult. With the third seat in position, the XC90 offered 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and maxing out at 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down—a figure that fell short compared to rivals like the Audi Q7 and Acura MDX.

In contrast, the 2024 XC90 Recharge T8 in Core trim was well-equipped and provided luxurious touches such as power-adjustable heated front seats, leather upholstery, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added a touch of natural light, and the climate control system, although struggling slightly on very hot days, generally kept the cabin comfortable.

The XC90 Recharge T8 offered up to 85.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the second-row seats folded down, surpassing the 2023 model. Interior storage was adequate, and the third-row seat provided more room than expected.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was the first to feature Google OS as the standard infotainment system. It integrated Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant seamlessly, enhancing the vehicle’s tech prowess. However, Volvo’s preference for a minimalist design resulted in too many key functions being embedded within the 9-inch touchscreen interface, which, despite its smart appearance, could be frustrating to use for tasks like adjusting seat positions or activating the heated steering wheel.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 continued to utilize the 9-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in technology, ensuring smooth navigation and access to Google's suite of features. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, enhancing connectivity. The inclusion of a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display further improved the tech experience. The Bowers & Wilkins high-end audio system provided a premium sound experience. While the 9-inch touchscreen felt small by modern standards, its proximity to the driver made its size less significant.

Since Volvo invented the 3-point seat belt in 1959, it has been synonymous with safety. The 2023 Volvo XC90 was no exception, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It featured advanced safety tech like adaptive cruise control and excellent lane-keeping assist, making it a compelling choice for families.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 continued this tradition, receiving high safety ratings from the NHTSA and maintaining its Top Safety Pick+ status with the IIHS. However, the SUV lagged slightly behind its rivals in terms of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Pilot Assist, Volvo’s ADAS technology, performed adequately but showed some weaknesses with curve recognition and accuracy on rural roads, compared to more advanced systems offered by competitors.