2023 Volvo XC90 vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from Volvo's past design ethos, which was often likened to utilitarian appliances. This model showcased a purposeful yet understated aesthetic, with a stout front end and a grille that was assertive without being ostentatious. The signature "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, distinguishing it from the boxy Volvos of the past. The XC90's rectilinear dimensions were complemented by 21-inch wheels, adding a hint of drama to its otherwise stoic appearance. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian elegance, featuring two-tone leather, metal speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design was accentuated by wood deco inlays, creating a serene and sophisticated cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2024 Volvo XC90 continued to embrace a subdued and earthy exterior palette, aligning with its luxury SUV status. The model offered a range of wheel designs up to 21 inches, with a Bright theme that contrasted with the prevalent blacked-out trend. Inside, the XC90's design was considered dated but was enriched with premium materials, especially in the Ultimate trim. The interior featured wool-blend or ventilated Nappa leather upholstery, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and natural wood trim. Volvo provided more customization options for paint, wheels, and upholstery, catering to discerning customers. Despite its dated design, the XC90 maintained a luxurious and practical appeal.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine, a mild-hybrid version of the previous powertrain, replacing the older T5 and T6 engines. This new powertrain delivered 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, slightly less than its predecessor, but offered improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. The mild-hybrid system used a 13-volt starter generator to handle functions like climate control and ignition, enhancing the vehicle's fuel-saving auto stop-start technology. The XC90 provided a reserved yet enjoyable driving experience, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite its size, the XC90 handled corners well, and its brakes inspired confidence. However, it lacked customizable driving dynamics, focusing on simplicity.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This setup allowed for 53 kilometres of electric-only driving and a five-second sprint to 100 km/h in Power mode. The Recharge T8 offered multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, and Off-Road, with varying levels of electric and gas propulsion. However, the electric range fell short in hot conditions, and the fuel economy was slightly below expectations. The XC90 Recharge T8 excelled in power delivery but was less impressive in handling, with a firm ride and less refined cabin insulation.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was characterized by Scandinavian minimalism, which sometimes led to space and storage challenges. The front seats were comfortable, but there was limited cubby space for smaller items, and the USB port was inconveniently located. The second row was spacious but adjusting the seats was challenging, and accessing the third row was difficult. With the third row in place, the XC90 offered 356 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,183 litres with the seats folded. Despite its smaller size, the XC90 drove like a more compact vehicle.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 offered a well-equipped interior with power-adjustable and heated front seats, optional leather upholstery, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims included features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat. The front seats were comfortable but had a learning curve for adjustments. The XC90 seated seven or six with captain's chairs, and the third row was more accommodating than expected. Interior storage was adequate, and cargo capacity reached 2,426 litres with the second-row seat folded.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google OS, integrating Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. The system offered natural-language recognition, enhancing the user experience. However, many functions were buried within the touchscreen interface, leading to frustration. Keyless entry was standard, and a head-up display was optional.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 continued with the 9-inch touchscreen, now with Google Built-in technology, offering navigation, Google Play access, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM were standard, with premium sound system options available. The infotainment system was more intuitive, and the cabin included a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The XC90 Recharge T8 also featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display and surround-view camera.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It included advanced driver safety tech like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Pilot Assist system combined these features to maintain distance and lane position.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 maintained Volvo's safety reputation, with a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. However, its advanced driving assistance systems were not as innovative as rivals. The Pilot Assist system paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist but struggled with certain driving conditions. Despite this, the XC90's safety features worked smoothly overall.