The 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge Proves Good Design Is Timeless

The current Volvo XC90 has been in production since late 2014, though you wouldn't know it by driving it.

The Swedish carmaker's three-row SUV remains one of the most pleasant, classy options in the luxury segment. The looks haven't really evolved, but it's better that way. The design is the opposite of busy, yet still easily recognizable as a Volvo.

The plug-in hybrid drivetrain brings the rest of the car into the modern age, with over 30 miles of pure electric range and an impressive combined EPA rating of 66 MPGe. There are a few things that could be improved upon, however, like the sudden surge of torque that arrives when the car goes from pure EV to hybrid mode. There's also the braking, which can be a bit finicky at low speeds as it tries to recoup as much energy as possible.

That stuff mostly goes out the window when you mash the throttle pedal, as the XC90 Recharge is seriously quick in a straight line. That hybrid drivetrain delivers 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque, allowing for a 0-60 time of just 4.5 seconds. That's real sports car speed.

Despite its age, the interior still stands out as one of the best in the business. The dash and center console are minimalistic yet easy to use, while the seats are downright perfect. We're especially big fans of the wool blend upholstery—proof that not every luxury car has to use leather to feel upscale.

Factor in the comfortable four-corner air suspension, smooth steering, ample cargo space, and sub-$80,000 base price, and the XC90 remains a solid choice in the three-row luxury SUV segment.

• Sleek and classy looks
• Some of the best seats in the business
• Way quicker than you'd expect

• Some interior pieces are a bit dated or cheap-feeling
• No wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
• Hybrid drivetrain doesn't feel totally seamless

The XC90's design hasn't changed much since its release back in late 2014, and we think that's for the best. While competitors' designs have become gaudy or busy, the Volvo has remained understated yet stylish.

A chrome grille and the "Thor's Hammer" running lights work well here, as they always have. The design screams stealth wealth.

The 2023 XC90 Recharge is powered by a hybrid power unit that consists of a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with direct injection and an integrated electric motor.

The engine makes a claimed 312 hp, while the electric motor produces 143 hp on its own. Combined, the drivetrain is rated for an impressive 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 0-60 time of just 4.5 seconds.

The Volvo XC90's cabin is a wonderful place to spend time. There's plenty of space for the entire family, with high-quality materials spread throughout the vehicle.

There are a few buttons—mainly on the steering wheel—that feel plasticky and cheaper than they should. And there are also a handful of buttons, including the steering wheel volume buttons and the sunroof controls, that aren't labeled, making them tough to find and operate. But otherwise, we love it.

Our tester was equipped with air suspension on all four corners, an $1800 option. Without driving an XC90 sans air ride it's tough to say whether this is a must-have piece of equipment. But we're happy to report the ride was mostly pleasant.

The XC90's air suspension can handle small to medium road imperfections with ease, but big bumps still send a jolt through the cabin. Competitors like the newer BMW X7 offer better ride quality, likely a consequence of the XC90's nine-year-old chassis design.

The XC90 Recharge comes standard with these lovely 21-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels wrapped in all-season Pirelli Scorpion tires. They look great and don't do much to compromise the ride or the rest of the SUV's design.

The brakes do well to bring the XC90 to a stop, though the hybrid drivetrain means the regen-to-physical braking transition is a bit rougher than expected. You get used to it quickly.

The front seats are arguably the best part about the XC90 Recharge. As with all other Volvos, they're supremely comfortable and supportive, with plenty of adjustability.

Instead of leather, the seats are covered in a wool blend, which we like even better. It looks cooler, feels nicer to the touch, and regulates temperature better. All luxury cars should have a cloth upholstery option like this.

The only downside? You can't option ventilated seats if you get the wool blend. Bummer.

The rear seats, while not as cushioned or molded as the fronts, sport the same wool fabric and provide plenty of space for adults.

There's also a folding third row with two seats, though stuffing full-grown people back there isn't recommended unless they're relatively small.

The XC90's hybrid powertrain is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers smooth changes up and down the gear set.

In addition to the standard PRND shifter positions, there's also a "B" mode that, when used, uses the electric motor to perform the most regenerative braking possible, allowing the battery to charge. Essentially, it's a one-pedal drive mode.

Though the XC90 Recharge's steering doesn't have much feel, it is smooth and easy to use. The wheel itself is pleasant to hold and provides plenty of adjustment for all body types.

Behind the steering wheel you'll find a fully digital 12.3-inch gauge cluster display that shows speed on the left and hybrid power consumption on the right. Up top are alerts, and the middle section can be configured to show navigation or trip info.

The screen is easy to read, though a bit more customization options would be nice.

In the center of the dash sits a nine-inch vertically mounted touchscreen for controlling everything from infotainment to climate control.

Running on Android 11, it works well and responds to inputs quickly. There is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though you have to use a physical wire to connect—another consequence of the aging platform, certainly.

Between the driver and front passenger sits the start-stop button (or knob, in this case) along with two cupholders, a 12-volt port, the crystal shifter, and storage space under the armrest.

It'd be nice if the cupholders were a bit deeper, but otherwise, no complaints here.

Being a three-row SUV, the XC90 has no shortage of trunk space. With the third row folded, there's an impressive 85.7 cubic feet of space to put your stuff. Fold the third row up, and that shrinks to 11 cubic feet—still not bad, all things considered.

Here's where things get good. Because the XC90 is a plug-in hybrid, it has exceptional fuel economy. The EPA-rated combined rating comes it at 66 MPGe. The gas motor gets a rating of 27 mpg combined city/highway, and the electric motor can run for 36 miles on its own.

Our XC90 Recharge tester had a base price of $79,400, though $5000 in options and a $1045 destination charge meant a final MSRP of $85,495.

While that is a lot of money for a car that's nearly a decade old, it's worth the cash considering the world-class interior and advanced drivetrain. Plus, it sits neatly between the base straight-six and the more powerful V-8-powered X7 in terms of pricing.