Volvo XC90 2023 Review

Aug 22, 2023

In many respects, the second-generation Volvo XC90 is the vehicle that gave the car-maker its mojo back. Spearheading a slew of new product for Volvo at its global launch in 2014, the XC90 paved a brave new direction for the Swedish brand with smart contemporary design cues, excellent safety and tech, and thoughtful features throughout. Now, as the elder statesman in Volvo’s line-up, the XC90 is approaching 10 years on sale, and although it lacks towing muscle, it’s ageing well amid an arsenal of like-minded large luxury SUVs.

The four-model 2023 Volvo XC90 line-up opens at $95,990 plus on-road costs in Australia for the XC90 Plus B5 AWD.

The model walk then continues through the XC90 Ultimate B6 Bright AWD ($105,990 plus ORCs) followed by the XC90 Ultimate B6 Dark AWD driven here, priced at $107,990 plus on-roads.

Sitting atop the line-up is the XC90 Recharge Ultimate T8 plug-in AWD at $125,990 plus on-road costs. Whereas the other trio source power from a fundamentally common 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, the T8 goes a step further in adding a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Volvo Cars Australia began phasing out all diesel options in its line-up from 2020, including the XC90.

Furthermore, the manufacturer has put a 2026 deadline on internal combustion altogether, the first such traditional manufacturer to commit to an all-electric future locally.

As part of that vision, the XC90 will ultimately be replaced by the all-electric Volvo EX90 that is touted to arrive here locally at the end of 2024.

Until then, Volvo’s seven-seat luxury SUV does battle with the likes of the Audi Q7 (from $108,469), BMW X5 (from $134,900) and Mercedes-Benz GLE (from $119,174).

Despite its age, the 2023 Volvo XC90 is armed with all the expected equipment and specification at this price – especially those relevant to families.

Standard fare includes four-zone climate control, powered and heated front seats, Nappa leather trim, keyless entry/start and an electric tailgate.

Elsewhere, there are mammoth 22-inch wheels shod with grippy Pirelli P-Zero rubber.

Our test car is fitted with a $4500 19-speaker Bower & Wilkins audio system, as well as $1050 tinted rear glass option.

There are seven different colours available in the XC90 range, all inclusive in the purchase price.

As for servicing, Volvo offers three-year ($1750) and five-year ($3000) servicing plans based on 12-month/15,000km intervals.

All Volvo models are backed by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty in Australia.

It’s very safe. In keeping with the car-maker’s long-standing focus on safety, the 2023 Volvo XC90 offers full airbag coverage, blind spot monitoring, lane support systems, speed sign recognition, front and rear parking sensors, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and pedestrian/cyclist mitigation – among a swag of other features.

Its 360-degree camera is another important inclusion during the navigation of tight spaces (and keeping those pristine 22-inch wheels safe), and is augmented by separate forward- and rear-facing cameras.

The XC90 previously carried a five-star ANCAP safety rating that dated back to its launch here in 2015. That’s no longer deemed relevant now that testing protocols have changed significantly in recent years, so the SUV now goes unrated.

The 2023 Volvo XC90’s 9.0-inch portrait-style touch-screen display might pale in size (and presentation) compared to some of its contemporary offerings, but the installation of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite navigation ensures it remains up to speed.

Elsewhere, the XC90 features a digital instrument cluster and head-up display as standard, as well as internet connectivity and over-the-air (OTA) updates.

Like all internal combustion engines from the Swedish brand, the 2023 Volvo XC90 portfolio is strictly a four-cylinder affair.

The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol in the B6 develops 220kW and 420Nm, matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Despite the size of the engine and a circa 2.0-tonne kerb weight, Volvo says the big seven-seater can notch up 100km/h in 6.7sec.

Where the XC90 cannot match some rivals is towing capacity. An official braked towing capacity of 2400kg pales against the 3.5-tonne ratings of the Audi Q7 and BMW X5.

Volvo claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 8.2L/100km for the 2023 Volvo XC90 B6.

We found that figure a tad optimistic. In predominantly rural conditions and on the open road, we managed 9.6L/100km combined using the recommended 95 RON premium unleaded mixture.

We also took issue with the way the Volvo’s trip computer calculates fuel range – the system’s sample size is arguably too small, meaning the predicted fuel range fluctuates wildly based on immediate driving circumstances.

It means you could pass a service station on a longer journey with seemingly ample range, only for the driving conditions to change and you’re left in the lurch.

In a word, the 2023 Volvo XC90 B6 is serene on-road – which isn’t the first character trait that springs to mind for a seven-seat SUV.

Smooth, lightly weighted controls and an open glasshouse design conspire with the cosseting cabin to create a calming and pleasant driving experience.

At low speeds, the XC90 is smooth and effortless, while its array of outward-facing cameras and airy cabin afford excellent spatial awareness in tighter situations.

The same sereneness doesn’t quite carry through to the ride on our vehicle’s mammoth 22-inch wheels; the initial compliance is somewhat brittle and sensitive, relaying imperfections a little more keenly than some rivals.

Yet, all things considered, the XC90 feels stable and confident on-road and is imbued with excellent sound suppression and no squeaks or rattles inside.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, meanwhile, belies its small size with ample get-up-and-go. There is no apparent turbo lag during moderate acceleration, and the petrol works nicely with its eight-speed automatic transmission to provide seamless forward momentum.

At highway speeds, the four-pot spins at a miserly 1500rpm.

Ask a little more from the drivetrain and it is ultimately overcome by the hefty weight of the XC90. But, all told, we reckon the drivetrain is a clever one – so long as you’re not planning on towing.

Inside, the 2023 Volvo XC90 B6 provides family buyers with arguably everything they want, and not much they don’t.

The spatial layout is excellent, with ample room in the first and second rows, and a deep and accommodating boot replete with a temporary spare tyre, luggage divider and hooks.

Drill deeper and it’s clear the XC90 is aesthetically pleasing too. Minimalist switchgear and controls, quality materials, visible stitching and subtle interior highlights make it feel different to the rest of the seven-seat cohort.

Furthermore, the XC90’s remarkably lithe and slimline front seats offer excellent long-journey comfort and amenity.

The infotainment system is extremely minimalist in nature, with just one physical ‘home’ button to return users to the native menu. It means there are several steps to changing the temperature of the cabin or direction of airflow, because climate control is housed within one of the submenus of the main screen rather than physical switchgear.

Elsewhere, there are deep door pockets, two central cup holders and a relatively compact centre console which houses two USB-C ports.

The second row offers wide door apertures, separate air vents, integrated sunshades in the door cards and additional USB-C ports. There’s also an in-built child booster seat that is centrally mounted in the middle row, plus two ISOFIX child seat anchor points on the outbound pews.

The third row misses out on child seat top tether points altogether, a potential sticking point for larger families.

What’s more, access to the third row is relatively tight with no tumble adjustment for the second row seat (only tilt and slide) and a narrow walkway.

There are no complaints around space back in the bleachers, however. With the third row folded flat there’s a cavernous 1019 litres on offer, or a still-respectable 314 litres with those rearmost seats in place – enough for a few overnight suitcases.

The seven-seater’s versatility really comes to the fore with the second row’s split-fold function, which liberates up to 1868 litres and a flat floor.

For growing families, or those simply after a little bit more space and refinement, the 2023 Volvo XC90 still deserves to be at the pointy end of the buying list – even approaching 10 years on sale.

Volvo’s move to an electric-only future poses an interesting conundrum for the XC90 (as well as Volvo’s other combustion vehicles): will it be perceived as a petrol-powered orphan, or will its demand in fact increase once retired?

Either way, the XC90 has aged remarkably well and stands strongly among the luxury SUV cohort – so long as you’re not planning to tow.

2023 Volvo XC90 B6 Ultimate Dark at a glance:Price: $107,990 (plus on-road costs)Available: NowEngine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrolOutput: 220kW/420NmTransmission: Eight-speed automaticFuel: 8.2L/100km (ADR Combined)CO2: 186g/km (ADR Combined)Safety rating: Unrated

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