If you’re searching for a luxury SUV with a gas-powered engine, it won’t be found in a Volvo XC90.
Four years ago, Volvo ditched the gas-only engine (T5 and T6 powertrains) of its midsize SUV and in its place are a mild hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. The two XC90 models have practically identical interior layouts, exterior styling and provide three rows of seating. However, they differ dramatically in powertrain capability.
Many Volvo faithful recall the Swedish automaker was initially enamored with the Recharge label – 10 of its vehicles once shared the name, including the plug-in hybrid version of the XC90. However, early in 2024 the company dumped the Recharge name across its entire lineup to avoid confusion between fully electric and plug-in hybrid models.
Apparently the name change didn’t hinder sales of the XC90. Last year it reached record numbers of 40,217, surpassing 40,000 for the first time. Volvo says it was due largely to a consumer shift from fully electric vehicles to more conventional hybrid models.
The XC90 has a reputation for being a classy, luxurious SUV. It has lots of upside, including the wow factor the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) can deliver from a performance and fuel economy standpoint.
The XC90 PHEV uses an 18.8 kWh battery and has an electric range of 33 miles, so it’s capable of a short daily commute to work and back. If a long trip is required, the PHEV is up for the journey. With a fully charged battery and a full tank of gas, the total driving range can reach 530 miles.
The PHEV has two electric motors that combine with a turbocharged 2.0-liter, supercharged four-cylinder to produce 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. It’s startlingly quick, going 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds. Fuel economy is 26-27 mpg overall and 58 MPGe in electric mode.
The standard XC90 powertrain employs a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to enhance the turbo 2.0-liter, four-cylinder and generate 247 horsepower with 266 pound-feet of torque. It’s not nearly as quick as the PHEV, going 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds and fuel economy is 23-30 mpg.
Most drivers will quickly adapt to driving either version of the XC90. It’s easy to get acquainted with its luxury feel for the road and the smooth ride. It has a slight lean around curves, but overall the steering response gives the driver a great deal of confidence when facing anything challenging.
The company has a huge reputation for safety and the XC90 is no exception. Standard driver safety features include oncoming lane mitigation; rear collision migration; adaptive cruise control; automatic emergency braking; lane keeping assist; cross traffic alert; and road sign detection.
AT A GLANCE – 2026 VOLVO XC90
Performance: mild hybrid, turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, 247 horsepower; two electric motors, turbo 2.0-liter, supercharged four-cylinder, 455 horsepower
Mileage estimate: 23-30 mpg; 26-27 mpg, 58 MPGe
Price estimate: $61,100 to $83,900
Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles; drivetrain: 4 years/50,000 miles; roadside assistance: 4 years/unlimited; corrosion: 12 years/unlimited
The XC90 cabin uses high-quality materials that one expects from a luxury brand. It seats up to seven passengers – six if it’s equipped with the two comfy captain’s chairs in the second row. We also like the quality sound delivered by a standard 10-speaker stereo system that features a 220-watt amplifier.
Seating in the first two rows is comfortable and provides good head and leg room. The front row offers excellent adjustability and the second-row captain’s chairs slide back and forth and have adjustable backrests. The third row is not roomy and mostly for kids.
The cargo area has 10.6 cubic feet behind the third row that expands to 34.6 cubic feet with the third row down and increases to 85.7 cubes with both rows folded to the floor.
But not all is right with the interior; there are frequent criticisms regarding some of the XC90’s interior makeup. From our perspective over the years, Volvo makes awkward controls that often are much different than other manufacturers, so it creates a longer learning curve to master.
The cabin has very few physical buttons and requires interacting too much with the 11.2-inch touchscreen to change almost every setting, including climate control. There’s also a helpful 12.3-in digital cluster behind the steering wheel.
The 2026 Volvo XC90 exceeds many of the requirements folks look for in a luxury family hauler. It’s super quick, fun to drive, and the plug-in hybrid delivers terrific acceleration and fuel economy. However, some of its technology shortcomings should be addressed.
Jeffrey Weidel is an award-winning journalist from the Sacramento region who has written automotive reviews for nearly three decades and now appears in the Folsom Times. He can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com
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