2022 Volvo XC90: Review And Driving Impressions

I recently spent some time in the 2022 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 Inscription AWD. That’s an extraordinarily long name, but it translates effortlessly into Volvo’s flagship, most luxurious, and most technically advanced, crossover offering. 

• The Volvo XC90 T8 was introduced for the 2016 model year, but Volvo treated it to re-name (now “Recharge”) and a minor facelift and update for 2021. The Swedish automaker sells several variants of the XC90. T5 models have turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engines, while T6 models are both turbocharged and supercharged. The T8 models boast turbocharging, supercharging, and a rear-mounted electric motor (it provides AWD) – this model is understandably the most powerful of the lineup, and not surprisingly, the most fuel efficient.
• The XC90 won’t be mistaken for anything but a Volvo (and that’s a compliment). The traditional two-box SUV design is attractive, well-proportioned, and visually cohesive – it continues to look fresh even years after its introduction. For the 2021 model year, the automaker made slight changes to the grille, exterior paint choices, and wheel designs. In 2022, Volvo made navigation standard and reshuffled the options.

• As mentioned, the Volvo XC90 T8 is fitted with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, engine that is both supercharged (for low-end power) and turbocharged (for high-end power). The combustion engine is supplemented by a rear-mounted electric motor to develop a total system output of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor is fed by an 11.6 kWh battery pack, which delivers about 18 miles of combustion-free driving on a full charge (charging takes but a couple hours on a home 240-volt Level 2 charger).
• One area where the XC90 excels is within the vehicle – accommodations are first-rate. Volvo’s front seats are some of the best in the business, and the seats in the second row are nearly as comfortable. Both rows of passengers will find outward vision excellent and plenty of room for shoulders and knees. The third row boasts class-leading legroom, but it is still best reserved for children.
• Everyone will appreciate the appointments within the XC90’s passenger compartment. Premium materials are everywhere, from glove soft leather to real wood and robust polished metals. It is equally as pleasing to the eye as it is to the hands – fit-and-finish is first-rate.
• Volvo is synonymous with safety. As expected, the XC90 earns the IIHS “Top Safety Pick+” rating (the highest) and the vehicle is fitted with Volvo’s City Safety driver-assist technology. Park assist was added as standard equipment last year, and the vehicle’s Pro Pilot semi-autonomous driver-assist does a decent job reducing driver workload.
• On paper, 400 hp sounds impressive (as do the words “turbocharging” and “supercharging”). But in practice, the XC90 T8 is a 5,100-pound vehicle that is asking an awful lot from its small (and complicated) 2.0-liter engine. While it launches off the line with authority, the powertrain isn’t very smooth or powerful during passing – it takes a moment for the standard 8-speed automatic to get into the right gear before the crossover experiences optimal acceleration.
• On the road, the air suspension provides a nice ride. However, it is tuned for comfort, not sportiness, and the vehicle’s mass works against it in the corners (as do the Volvo’s tires). On a positive note, the XC90’s brakes are easy to modulate and they work well – a rarity with most gasoline-electric hybrids. 
• The 2022 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 Inscription AWD is an impressive luxury crossover with great styling, a gorgeous interior, and gobs of safety equipment, but it’s PHEV mechanicals don’t really bring much to the party (other than quicker acceleration). I prefer the just-as-nice T6 model for its lower cost-of-entry and less complicated driveline — that’s the one I recommend. The 2022 Volvo XC90 starts at just under $50,000.