2024 Volvo XC90 T8 Review - Still Great Despite its Age?

#volvo

The flagship #SUV for Volvo is the XC90. Without a major redesign since 2016, is the #luxury three row able to keep up in the quick-changing market?

#XC90 #hybrid

00:00 - Performance
02:26 - Walkaround
04:29 - Cargo
05:46 - Backseats
08:11 - Front seats

Volvo Cars’ new and improved hybrid powertrain brings the all-electric range up to an EPA estimated 35-41 miles when driven in pure mode, depending on model, on a single full charge. For those with access to charging at home or at their workplace, this means that the majority of average daily driving can be completed on pure electric power.

Improvements to the Recharge T8 AWD plug-in hybrid powertrain include a new long-range battery, featuring a third layer of cells to increase nominal energy from 11.6 kWh to 18.8 kWh, and a more powerful rear electric motor now delivering 143 hp (up from 87 hp). The additional electric power results in a total combined output of 455 hp for Recharge T8 AWD models, making these the most powerful Volvo cars ever produced. Besides the new powertrain, new upgrades include one-pedal drive capability on XC60 and S90 models.

The new and improved e-motor increases the power in the rear wheels by approximately 65 percent, enhancing performance and drivability in all scenarios. Together with the three-layer battery, the upgraded e-motor also enables better all-wheel drive capability which can prove particularly useful at low speeds, when towing, or when driving on slippery roads that demand extra traction and stability.

The suite of upgrades includes the addition of one-pedal drive, which can help deliver an especially smooth and intuitive driving experience. The function, already seen on pure electric Volvo models, gives the driver the option of controlling both acceleration and deceleration with only the accelerator pedal. This feature will initially be available on the Volvo XC60 and S90 plug-in hybrids.

The extra battery capacity also comes in useful on cold winter days, as well as in scorching heat. Even when the car is not plugged in, drivers are able to pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin remotely via the Volvo Cars app while maintaining all-electric driving range.

Volvo Cars is committed to becoming a leader in the fast-growing premium electric car market. By 2025 it aims to sell 1.2 million cars globally, with at least half being fully electric cars. By 2030, it plans to become a fully electric car company.

[Elixir]

The interior, the material on older Volvos are much much superior.

[faheemabbas]

Can luxury car companies other than Lexus stop being unreliable so that they’ll even exist to me

[eduqloo]

no deaths since 2002, volvos are always worth it

[tmandamax]

Still the best looking car in its segment almost a decade later

[lxgb]

Great review thanks. Hands on the wheel!

[islanddon]

I found Volvo buyers to be quirky. Now Subie buyers are quirky too, but not as bad as Volvo. But Saab buyers are the quirkiest of all! IMHO
😂

[Tbar]

Still looks classy since not really being changed since 2016 launch. But it’s lacking on some modern touches. Overdue for a refresh.

[AtlsFinest]

I have a 2023 XC90. It’s an amazing car. I refuse to buy the EX90, so when they do another refresh (hopefully in 2026), I’ll purchase an Ultra trim with Bowers and Wilkins sound.

[avdp]

Problem with Volvo is that they have become very .

In the Netherlands, we have already major issues with the brand new EX30.... . Many software issues, Xc60 and 90, dito and rust problems, bottom of the cars involved and very thin paintjob... .

Have had several Volvo's in the past but not anymore.😢😢😢

[TheCJUN]

Pure mode default? Sounds great.

Hybrid is default in my T8 2024.

[AAR-]

How would you compare this to the mazda cx90 turbo S!? I mean when it comes to the driving experience

[billurban]

On the subject of reliability - let’s put it in perspective and stop talking about anecdotes.
The 2024 JD power reliability survey says that the industry average automobile might have 1.9 reliability issues over a certain time, I believe it’s three years.
A Volvo they say might have 2.45 issues.
So, rounding off, two average cars might have four issues, and two Volvos might have five issues (one with two, the other with three).
Big deal?

[gregp.]

It is still great. Buy it used, a 3 years old and then you don’t have to worry about the hefty price tag when new. Comes with extended warranty (6 yrs) if CPO.
Love the design, nothing like it out there. (I owned an S90 T6 AWD with the amazing Bowers & Wilkins sound system.)

[billurban]

Volvo battery ratings are quite pessimistic. The 41 mile battery in my S60 has propelled the car 60 miles, 40 to 50 mph, rolling terrain in Pa. And perhaps the rating represents a midpoint in the batterie’s life.
I think the ratings assume 65 mph highway travel. Speed kills the kWh.

[Quinton]

This suv is sitll nicer than most luxury suvs! It needs a redesign similar to the ex90. At least its safer than the TX.

[alexnutcasio]

$95k with tax, title and destination. Certainly not worth it for a Chinese Car.

[ThePgchang]

You will need to put a sign saying 'I am driving 2024 Volvo' to make sure people knows you are driving new car not 2016 Volvo. Interior is so outdated.

[ericB]

A lot of people don’t realize that this is a Chinese car it must come with a fudge cookie rather a fortune cookie please advise.

[Sampson_]

Why is everyone trying to make Toyota lunar rock? 😂

[yewnuje]

I’ve never regarded Volvo as a luxury brand. No, it’s probably not mainstream but to include it as luxury? No way. It’s way too cheap looking to be considered luxury. Besides, it’s never been known to be reliable, at least, not in the last 25 years.