With room for seven passengers and plenty of power in its gas or plug-in hybrid form, the 2023 Volvo XC90 is a terrific three-row standout SUV with an abundance of class. In a competitive segment, the XC90 shines, and in the top Ultimate trim it comes with a stunning hand-crafted Orrefors crystal gear shifter that fits nicely into your hand. The third-row seats fold down easily to provide an abundance of cargo space, or they flip back up to take your turn in the after-school sports carpool rotation. 

Currently in its second generation, which kicked off in 2016, the XC90 is available in three variants (Core, Plus and Ultimate) and with three powertrain options. For this model year, Volvo revamped the trim levels, now simplified in both name and option packages. The powertrains are updated as well, with the base 2.0-liter engine taking a small hit to overall horsepower in the gas-only engines, but the turbocharged inline-four plug-in hybrid got a boost in both horsepower and all-electric range (18 miles is now a heftier 32 miles). After several years in this generation, we expect a refresh soon; however, its current iteration doesn’t need much improvement. 

Competitors for the XC90 in the midsize luxury SUV segment include the agile BMW X5, modern luxury icon Genesis GV80 and steadfast Lexus RX. Another comparable three-rower is the Acura MDX, even though it starts at a lower price point.

The biggest Volvo SUV available, the XC90 manages to keep a svelte profile. Behind its Swedish design is three rows of seats.  Kristin V. Shaw

All three powertrains (mild hybrid four-cylinder B5 and super- and turbocharged B6 along with the plug-in T8) available with the XC90 can amply propel this three-row SUV for a competent, enjoyable ride. However, it’s clear that the Recharge T8is the queen of all with combined output 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. On top of that, the Recharge T8 has 32 miles of all-electric range for running errands around town. The XC90 with the B6 powertrain and Recharge can tow up to 5,000 pounds, enough for a small boat or camper, but the base B5 engine option is good for 4,000 pounds.

The Volvo XC90 is a cut above when it comes to comfort and upscale design. Innovative touches like the crystal gear shifter and sleek dash with its integrated touchscreen set this SUV apart from its rivals, and the fit and finish is commensurate with a more luxury brand. It’s configurable as a seven-seater or six-seater depending on whether you opt for captain’s chairs, and at 195 inches long the XC90 is still easy to park in most spots. 

As one would expect from Volvo, the XC90 is loaded up with standard driver-assist technology like adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assistance and a fortified steel body with strength points where you need them. Starting at $57,095, the XC90 is decked out with plenty of amenities even in the base model. The Plus brings the most value at $60,995 and the impressive Recharge T8 starts at $72,995.

A hand-crafted Orrefors crystal gear shifter elevates the driving experience. The new Google-based interface is also an upgrade from most menu-heavy infotainment systems.  Kristin V. Shaw

Performance: 12/15

Starting with the base B5, a mild hybrid, the XC90 includes a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission powering the all-wheel drive. The B5 is good for 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, moving up to 295 horses and 310 pound-feet of torque using the same engine with the B6 option. At the top of the line, the Recharge T8 pairs the engine with an electric motor for a combined output of asphalt-blistering 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. The PHEV also includes 32 miles of all-electric range on a full charge. 

Four set drive modes in the XC90 comprise Eco, Comfort, Off Road and Dynamic, with a customizable Individual mode also on tap. Comfort is the default, and the tachometer doesn’t display when in this mode. The start/stop function is automatically activated in both Comfort and Eco, and the SUV is lowered slightly to reduce wind resistance in Eco mode. In contrast, the ground clearance increases with the use of Off Road mode. Dynamic is the most fun with quicker steering response and gear changes and start/stop is deactivated to ensure the XC90 can take off quickly. 

In the midsize luxury SUV segment, the XC90 has less power at the base than the Acura MDX and Lexus RX 350L (290 hp) and BMW X5 (335 hp). That changes drastically, however, if you choose the XC90 Recharge T8: This Volvo has 100 horses more than the MDX’s top-line engine at that point and more than that over the RX. BMW’s X5 tops out at 523 horsepower if that’s your prime metric. 

Fuel Economy: 12/15

The EPA estimates the fuel economy rating for the 2023 XC90 is 25 mpg combined with the B5 engine, 22 mpg with the B6 and 66 MPGe with the Recharge T8 hybrid. Additionally, the Recharge T8 provides up to 32 miles of all-electric range in Pure mode, up from 18 miles from the year before.

Compared to the MDX, BMW X5 sDrive40i and RX, which notch in at 21 mpg, 23 mpg and 24 mpg combined, respectively, for their AWD models, the Volvo makes a strong showing. The Lexus RX hybrid version is the strongest contender with 36 mpg combined.

Safety & Driver Assistance Tech: 14/15

Volvo equips the XC90 with a generous driver-assist suite of features, including lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, automatic high beams, a traffic sign reader, front and rear parking sensors and a driver attention alert. Upgrading to Plus adds a surround-view camera and the Ultimate trim includes a head-up display. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2023 Volvo XC90 its highest rating, Top Safety Pick+, and it earned five stars (out of five) from the National Highway Safety Transportation Board.

The way back isn’t necessarily limo-like, but for kids or small adults a short ride to and from activities won’t be unbearable.  Kristin V. Shaw

Comfort & Room: 13/15

Volvo takes great care to choose materials that exude style and comfort. The synthetic leather in Core variants is high quality with a dark or light material, and all seats are well padded and suitable for short and long trips. We were especially impressed with the brushed wool blend upholstery that is an add-on option for the Ultimate trim. It’s soft and comfortable, shedding heat on warm days and warming up quickly with the heater. The only downside to the wool fabric is that it’s difficult to remove ground-in chocolate (ask us how we know). 

At 195 inches, the XC90 is a smidge longer than the X5, 2.5 inches shorter than the RX and 3 inches shorter than the MDX. Notably, the X5 is 3 inches wider, giving BMW’s third-row- optional cabin more shoulder room across the board. 

Passengers in the first two rows should be quite happy, as XC90 legroom is comparable to its rivals at 37 inches. Those in the third row, however, may be afforded some opportunity to complain, as 31.9 inches just isn’t that much. That said, they’ll be more comfortable in the Volvo than the squished third row of the BMW or Acura. Lexus wins the battle for third-row legroom supremacy. 

Infotainment: 11/15

All 2023 Volvo XC90s come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity that interface with a 9-inch vertically oriented touchscreen. The new Google-based system already rolled out in other Volvo and Polestar EVs is responsive and robust, though it can be an information overload on the screen. Adjusting the seat heater and steering wheel heater requires using the touchscreen and too many steps, at that. 

On the other hand, we really like that the touchscreen offers information on in-car air quality and outside pollen counts. During oak tree pollen-shedding season in Austin, Texas the filter also helped tremendously while telling us that the pollen count was very high. Audio controls are very good, and it’s easy to choose favorite satellite channels and use the steering wheel buttons to surf from one to the next. USB-C ports are available in the front and middle (two for each of the first two rows).

With two foldable rows the storage options can feel endless. In reality there’s over 85 cubic-feet with all the seats down.  Kristin V. Shaw

Cargo Space & Storage: 13/15

Volvo did an excellent job creating flexible storage space in the XC90. Total capacity is an impressive 85.7 cubic-feet behind the first row, 41.8 cubic-feet behind the second row and 15.8 cubic-feet behind the third row. That’s better than its rivals in this segment; Volvo makes good use of its total space and bests the BMW SUV by nearly 10 cubic-feet and the Lexus SUV by double that. 

The standard power liftgate works quickly and easily, facilitating access to the storage space and third row seats. We’d like to see roomier door pocket cubbies and a more substantial console, but the XC90 does include small storage spaces in the third row that kids will enjoy for their trinkets. 

Style & Design: 8/10

Volvo’s legacy boxy style has softened in recent years, and the XC90 is no exception. The grille leads the XC90’s nose with a familiar, sophisticated design with the Volvo logo prominently placed in the center. We’re a fan of the T-shaped headlamps and long, impossible-to-miss taillights that give the XC90 its light signature and generous proportions for interior comfort. 

Fit and finish are two of the Swedish house’s specialties. The doors close with a solid feel and the interior components are lined up nicely. Volvo understands its target market and provides a quality experience, leaving little room for negative feedback.

The lighting on the XC90’s backside is slimming and appealing; it almost masks that this is a people- and stuff-hauler.  Kristin V. Shaw

Is the 2023 Volvo XC90 Worth it? Which XC90 is the Best Value?

The XC90 is an attractive, enjoyable SUV that will please most families in any iteration. In the luxury category, the XC90’s price tag starts at $57,095, which is several thousand dollars less than the X5 but also higher than competitors MDX and RX 350. Well equipped at the base level, Volvo includes a full safety suite and niceties like a heated front seats, panoramic sunroof and 19-inch wheels. 

Move up to the Plus level for larger wheels, heated back seats, leather upholstery and a handy integrated second-row booster seat. The Ultimate trim (starting at $70,295) includes premium leather, plusher seats, an audio system upgrade and the chi-chi crystal shift knob that is unlike anything else on the market. 

Of the three trims, it’s the Plus with the B6 engine (starting at $64,495) that gets our nod for best value. With those choices, the XC90 is nicely equipped with many of the features a luxury car buyer wants, plus very good acceleration and handling. For savings down the line, the base Recharge ($72,995) offers a more substantial electric-only range.

How Much Does it Cost to Insure the 2023 Volvo XC90?

The XC90 should cost about the same to insure as most of its peers. According to our data, a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean record can expect an average annual premium around $2,550 for the Recharge and $2,200 for the base, though this averages all 50 states. A BMW X5 owner might pay $2,740 per year, while the Acura MDX is $2,100 and the Lexus RX is $2,280 (and $2,490 for the hybrid). For a more accurate picture of your potential insurance expenses, visit our car insurance calculator.