The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge puts the finishing touches on the Swedish plug-in hybrid
Just before Volvo continues fully electric circuit with the XC90 size EX90 EVit has smoothed out its popular plug-in hybrid powertrain in the XC90.
With more electric range, more power and more refinement, all integrated into the already attractive Swedish package, the 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge is now almost ideal for families
However, Volvo’s move to Android Automotive OS and the cramped third row of seating means the XC90 won’t suit all family or tech needs.
Here are the pros and cons of the 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge after spending a week driving around town with the kids and then driving it north to Lusten, Minnesota for a long ski weekend with my son and a friend.
2024 Volvo XC90 Charging
Pro: The Volvo XC90 Recharge offers more electric range, more power and smoother transitions
Thanks to a new battery pack with 14.8 kWh of usable power (up from 9.1 kWh), the Volvo XC90 increases its all-electric EPA range from just under 18 miles to 33 miles. With temperatures in the teens and mid-20s, the cabin heat knocked a few miles off the range, and I saw a solid electric range of 27 to 29 miles. A more powerful 142 hp electric motor replaced the old 87 hp unit. Combined with the 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged inline-four, the powertrain produces a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. While all that power never quite packs a punch, it’s more than quick enough for a three-row crossover with the Volvo badge. The newly coordinated behavior with the 8-speed automatic transmission and the more powerful electric motor ensures that the power transitions occur more smoothly and in the background than before.
2024 Volvo XC90 Charging
Disadvantage: The Volvo XC90 Recharge cannot switch completely to pure electric mode – or single-pedal drive
Putting the powertrain into Pure mode is intended to lock the powertrain into all-electric mode as long as there is enough charge. That’s not the case. There is a notch behind the accelerator pedal, and not just for powerful power transmission from the foot to the ground. When the pedal is pressed to the three-quarter mark, the lock engages and the gas engine starts and delivers full system power.
The latest plug-in hybrid powertrain in the XC90 features a “B” mode for braking, which Volvo calls “one-pedal drive,” like its electric cars. It’s just not the same here. In B mode, the regenerative braking force is significantly stronger, but the vehicle does not come to a complete stop and the force is not strong enough to slow the vehicle quickly enough in traffic situations.
2024 Volvo XC90 Charging
Hit: Volvo XC90 Recharge adopts tighter Apple CarPlay integration
Although Volvo has ditched the company’s Sensus infotainment system and instrument cluster interface for Google’s Android Automotive OS, the automaker has given the XC90 deeper Apple CarPlay integration. Apple CarPlay requires a wired USB-C connection (the But it also now integrates Apple Maps’ turn-by-turn navigation directions directly into the 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster. That’s neat and makes Volvo one of the few automakers to offer such tight integration.
2024 Volvo XC90 Charging
2024 Volvo XC90 Charging
Miss: Volvo XC90 Recharge infotainment backtracks
The change in infotainment operating systems removes important functions from the 9.0-inch touchscreen. The ability to multitask on the home screen with CarPlay and other apps is gone. The ability to swipe left or right to access shortcuts for important vehicle functions is no longer possible. Some of these features simply disappeared, while other controls were integrated into the layered menu system. Changing drive modes for the powertrain requires three taps, two of which are just to enter the menu system where other vehicle settings reside. The interface itself lacks any design effort. This is a step below GM’s efforts to skin Google’s operating system, although it’s somehow nicer and easier to use. At least Volvo doesn’t seem interested in removing CarPlay like GM.
2024 Volvo XC90 Charging
Hit: The Volvo XC90 Recharge offers subtle class
You might think that only the Swedes can do that: the XC90 exudes class and elegance, similar to a Range Rover. There’s just the right amount of tasteful chrome, it’s not flashy, the dashboard is simple and unadorned, and everything is understated. The entire package feels rock solid and doesn’t scream “look at me” despite the $87,495 price tag of my loaded tester. The seats are perhaps the best on the market and my tester had a massage function which was really handy after a long day on the slopes. This is the definition of road trip ready as a 4.5 hour road trip leaves my body unfazed.
2024 Volvo XC90 Charging
Miss: The third row of the Volvo XC90 Recharge remains the children’s zone
The Volvo XC90 Recharge is one of the few three-row plug-in hybrids, but the third row is by no means suitable for adults. This is only a disadvantage if you need the third row for more than children, but for those who do, it’s important to be aware of the space limitations. At 5ft 7in, I can fit back there, but the second row passenger will pressure me for space. And even though I’ve been there for an hour and a half, it wasn’t ideal. It is an area for children or for short trips when an adult returns there. The Lexus TX plug-in hybrid features a more adult-friendly third row for those in need.
The electric Volvo EX90 will replace the XC90 over the next few years, but for those looking for a stopgap plug-in hybrid, recent updates to the XC90 Recharge finally make it truly compelling in the meantime.
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2024 Volvo XC90 Charging
Basic price: $57,195, including $1,195 destination
Price as tested: $87,495
Drivetrain: 455 hp plug-in hybrid, 8-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive
EPA fuel consumption: 33 miles electric range, 27 mpg combined
The professionals: Smoother powertrain with greater electric range, expanded Apple CarPlay integration, beautiful and comfortable
The disadvantages: Lacks one-pedal driving, can’t stay in all-electric mode, Google Android Auto OS, cramped third row
