Volvo XC90 T8

Living with the XC90

Review by Jacob Lerklint

While some may argue that hybrid SUVs compromise on performance for the sake of fuel efficiency, I found the 2024 Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge to be a no-nonsense non-comprising SUV, that ticked a lot of boxes, during my test drive.

This plug-in hybrid SUV seamlessly balances luxury, power, and environmental consciousness without skipping a beat. Its remarkable electric range and potent engine combination might just make you rethink what a hybrid SUV can do.

So, why don’t we buckle up and explore what makes this vehicle stand out in the saturated SUV market?

Under the hood of the 2024 Volvo XC90 T8 , you’ll find a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor. The gasoline engine produces 312 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and the electric motor produces 143 at 5,900 rpm. The combined output is 455 horsepower. The gasoline engine produces 400nm of torque between 3,000 – 5,400 rpm, while the electric motor produces 310nm between 0 – 3,280 rpm, for a combined output of 700nm. Power is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed Geartronic automatic transmission. This combination sets this plug-in hybrid SUV apart in terms of performance; the XC90 T8 can sprint to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, which is a time you’d expect from the average sports car.

The electric motor is fed by a 14.9 kWh (net) battery, providing 71 kilometers of all-electric range in ideal conditions. Our review took place in the winter, we saw an average electric-only driving range of 40 kilometers on a full charge, with a liberal use of the HVAC system and heated seats/steering wheel.

The XC90 T8 Recharge gives you the best of both worlds, it can be as quick as you’d realistically want an SUV of this size to be and can be quite a fuel-efficient vehicle if you want to get from point A to B.

What truly sets the 2024 Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge apart is its interior, a perfect blend of comfort and technology that offers an unrivaled in-car experience. The seat comfort is exceptional, with both front and rear seats providing ample support and space for long-distance travel. The cabin is well-insulated, ensuring minimal intrusion of road and wind noise, a testament to Volvo’s excellent sound insulation.

Switching gears to practicality, the 2024 Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge doesn’t disappoint when it comes to boot space. With a generous 262 liters with all seven (or optional six) seats up, it expands to a hefty 640 liters with the third row folded flat – proving not only its seating flexibility but also its cargo organization capabilities.

What’s more striking is its towing capacity. Rated at 2,400 kg, it’s one of the most capable plug-in hybrid SUVs in the market. You can confidently hook up a trailer for a weekend getaway without worrying about the strain on the powertrain.

Off-road capability is another strong suit of the XC90 T8 Recharge. It’s not a hardcore off-roader, but with an all-wheel-drive system and a decent ground clearance, it can handle light trails and rough surfaces with ease.

All in all, the Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge offers a substantial blend of practical features, making it an attractive option for those seeking control over their driving experience.

The Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge is a plug-in hybrid SUV that ticks all the right boxes. Its performance is impressive, its interior is luxurious and the trunk space is practical. It holds its own against other SUVs and has evolved wonderfully over the years.