2022.5 Volvo XC90 Recharge
For this week’s review we’ve gotten our hands on the 2022.5 Volvo XC90 Recharge, a PHEV powertrain version that has 455 combined HP. It is a 7 passenger, 3 row SUV. Few car companies have done as much as Volvo to reach the goal of an electrified future. They have a complete lineup of Plug-in Hybrids, 2 full EVs, with more EVs on the way. Outside of full EV brands, they have been pushing at this electrified goal harder than everybody else.
Disclosure: Volvo Canada provided me with the 2022.5 Volvo XC90 Recharge for a week to test drive, and photograph. All photos in this blog post was taken by me. #VolvoXC90Recharge
INTERIOR FOR DRIVER: 8.5/10
The interior cabin is really luxurious, comfortable and well designed. It drives a lot like a gas car since it doesn’t enter regen braking mode the moment you let the foot off the accelerator. It has great acceleration and smooth delivery of power.
For an electric vehicle it would be nice to have paddles to control regen braking levels. One pedal driving isn’t for everyone so I think it would be great to offer some kind of regen braking mode where the driver can control the regen level.
Issues with this car as the driver,
1) The camera system can only show one angle at a time. I like having a split screen to see the 360 view paired with a front or rear camera. With such a huge tablet display it would be convenient to have this feature.
2) Wireless phone charging bay is too small for most people. I use an iPhone Mini so it worked fine for me but most phones won’t fit especially if you have a case on it too.
INTERIOR FOR PASSENGERS: 8/10
Panoramic sunroof lets in lots of light even for passengers in the 2nd row
Rear middle seat has a child integrated seat and passengers have zone climate controls
Third row is usable but if you’re above 6 ft it is tight
INTERIOR STORAGE:8/10
11 Cu Ft of trunk cargo space when 3rd row is up.
Power lift trunk
OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE 2022.5 Volvo XC90 Recharge:
The 2022.5 Volvo XC90 Recharge is a great PHEV to drive. This electrified version is the one to get if you want speed as it ups the horsepower from 295 to 455! Considering the car is pretty heavy, the 0-60 acceleration (4.5 sec) and stopping power is impressive.
If you’re someone who plans to drive in electric only mode most of the time, you’ll want to know that it has 58 km of range. The 2022 model got some hate because it only has 30 kms of range and some journalists mention the X5 PHEV as a competitor that offers 50km of all electric range but it does not have a 3rd row so I don’t consider it to be in the same class.
If you want a 3rd row PHEV your only option is the Lincoln Aviator which is in that 33 km range making the 2022.5 model the best option. If you’re not ready to go cold turkey and go full electric, I would recommend getting this model asap as it has the last gen infotainment system which is much better to use. The 2023 model will get the Android system but it is a big step backwards. You can find lots of reviews about other journalists talking about it in detail.