Having renamed its trim levels and increased the range of its T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid (PHEV) in 2022, Volvo has released the 2023 Volvo XC90 with a couple of updated powertrains. Gone are the T5 and T6, replaced by the B5 and B6. They are two versions of a mild-hybrid (MHEV) system with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine combined with a 48-volt hybrid setup.
The Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 is a PHEV that mates the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors – one of which attaches to the rear axle creating full-time electric all-wheel drive (eAWD). All XC90 SUVs use an 8-speed automatic transmission to funnel engine torque to the wheels. AWD is standard across the board.
The largest vehicle in Volvo’s arsenal, the XC90 crossover, can seat up to seven. We like its expansive, modern cabin, sharp exterior styling, and big bundle of driver-aid technologies. It also gets top safety scores.
Volvo’s trim-level structure isn’t as simple as its three grades (Core, Plus, and Ultimate) might lead you to believe because the three powertrain options muddy things up a bit. Moreover, Volvo has introduced themes (Dark and Bright) into its 2023 Recharge T8 mix. These are appearance designations referring to exterior accents, but at no difference in cost.
All you need to know is that the Core and Plus grades are available with the B5, B6, and Recharge T8 powertrains. Only the B6 and Recharge T8 powertrains provide thrust for the Ultimate grade. We’ll include both engine and trim designations as we detail the grades.
Every Volvo model now employs some form of electric propulsion.
Here’s how the 2023 Volvo XC90 trim levels stack up.
2023 Volvo XC90 B5 Core (starting at $56,000)
Volvo uses a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine in all three powertrains. For the B5, it’s the 247-horsepower turbocharged version with a 48-volt MHEV system. It delivers a government-estimated 25 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving.
You get the B5 and B6 Core only with seating for seven, in a 2-3-2 configuration. Well-equipped, the Core comes with the most popular convenience features, plus a couple of surprises. For example, adaptive headlights, a 12.3-inch digital gauge and driver-information display, and a panoramic moonroof. Another unexpected standard feature is Volvo’s semi-autonomous driver-assistance technology called Pilot Assist.
Standard are 19-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lights (auto-on/off headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights), and high-beam assist. Volvo includes LED fog lights with cornering, rain-sensing wipers, proximity keyless entry with push-button start, and a HomeLink transceiver, too.
The rearview mirror, as well as the outboard mirrors, are auto-dimming. Four USB ports and a 12-volt power port in the cargo area keep devices running.
The other features are quad-zone automatic climate control, power-folding rear head restraints, and 10-way power-adjustable and heated front seats.
The Google-powered infotainment interface includes a 9-inch vertical touchscreen, a 10-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Satellite radio is standard, as well.
Besides providing added safety, Pilot Assist also aids the driver. The bundled technologies include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign assist. Also standard are rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and oncoming-lane mitigation, along with driver-awareness alert, City Safety with Steering Support, and Slippery Road Alert.
You may add the $750 Climate Package with heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and headlight washers.
Adding the $1,095 destination fee to the B5 Core base price works out to $57,095. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to about $1,026 per month. See the 2023 Volvo XC90 B5 Core models for sale near you
2023 Volvo XC90 B5 Core includes:
City Safety with Steering Support – This safety technology constantly monitors the traffic ahead and determines possible escape routes if a stationary or slow-moving vehicle suddenly appears. It will then automatically steer your XC90 around the obstacle, if possible. If not, it will engage the automatic emergency braking function.
Proximity keyless entry – If the key fob is on your person, the doors automatically unlock when you approach. Push-button start pairs with proximity keyless entry.
Adaptive front lights – These headlights turn in concert with the front wheels to light the way ahead when negotiating a curve.
2023 Volvo XC90 B5 Plus (starting at $59,900)
Building on the Core, the B5 Plus gains the features in the Climate Package. Also standard are 20-inch alloy wheels, a surround-view camera, leather seating, and interior wood accents.
Adding the destination fee to the B5 Plus base price totals $60,995. With our no-money-down scenario, financing for 60 months at 3% interest costs about $1,096 per month. See the 2023 Volvo XC90 B5 Plus models for sale near you
2023 Volvo XC90 B5 Plus includes:
Climate Package – A cold-weather package, it adds a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and headlight washers.
Surround-view camera – It provides a 360-degree bird’s-eye view around the vehicle. This angle is particularly valuable when parking.
Leather seating – Takes the interior to the next level of luxury.
2023 Volvo XC90 B6 Core (starting at $60,900)
As with other XC90 models, the B6 begins with the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder and adds supercharging. This boost unleashes 295 ponies. Its EPA combined fuel economy is 22 mpg.
Besides the powertrain, the B5 Core and B6 Core are identically equipped.
Adding the destination fee to the B6 Core base price totals $61,995. Financing for 60 months at 3% interest with no money down works out to a monthly payment of approximately $1,114. See the 2023 Volvo XC90 B6 Core models for sale near you
2023 Volvo XC90 B6 Plus (starting at $63,400)
Core standard features are constant across the engine lineup. Here, you can replace the second-row bench seat with captain’s chairs for $500.
Adding the $1,095 destination fee to the B6 Core base price brings the total to $64,495. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to about $1,159 per month. See the 2023 Volvo XC90 B6 Plus models for sale near you
2023 Volvo XC90 B6 Ultimate
(starting at $69,200)
The listed price is for the 7-passenger configuration. Again, opting for second-row captain’s chairs adds $500.
With the Ultimate trim, you get a little more pampering and technology. For example, not only does the 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat provide memory, but so does the 10-way power-adjustable passenger seat. Both also now feature adjustable side bolsters and a power seat-cushion extender. The front seats are ventilated, with perforated Nappa leather upholstery.
Other enhancements include 21-inch alloy wheels, a 15-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system, and sunshades on the rear side windows. A head-up display and a Crystal Shifter are standard, as well.
For $1,700, you may add the Lounge Package. It gains you massaging front seats and a suede-like Nubuck headliner.
Adding the destination fee to the B6 Ultimate base price totals $70,295. If you finance for 60 months at 3% interest with no money down, the monthly payment is roughly $1,263. See the 2023 Volvo XC90 B6 Ultimate models for sale near you
2023 Volvo XC90 B6 Ultimate includes:
Nappa leather seating – This full-grain leather undergoes a unique tanning process rendering it softer and more pliable than other leathers. These seats are also heated and ventilated with adjustable side bolsters.
Head-up display – A projector on the dashboard displays essential driver information on the back of the windshield, just below the driver’s line of sight.
Harman Kardon Audio – A 15-speaker surround-sound system, it delivers concert-like sound.
2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 Core
(starting at $71,900)
Marrying the 2.0-liter turbocharged/supercharged 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors is the genesis of the Recharge T8 PHEV powertrain. One motor lands on the rear axle, creating the eAWD. This configuration puts out a total of 400 hp.
The electric-only driving range is up to 36 miles. The EPA combined rating (when this Volvo consumes gasoline and electricity) is 66 MPGe. Once the battery runs dry, the XC90 Recharge T8 Core returns 27 mpg combined.
The Recharge T8 Core is equipped similarly to the other Core models.
Adding the destination fee to the Recharge T8 Core base price equals $72,995. At 3% interest, financing for 60 months with no money down works out to about $1,312 per month. See the 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 Core models for sale near you
2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 Plus
(starting at $73,600)
As with the B6 Plus, you may add second-row captain’s chairs for $500.
Adding the destination fee to the Recharge T8 Plus base price equals $74,695. Using Autotrader’s financing scenario, the monthly payment totals about $1,342. See the 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 Plus models for sale near you
2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 Ultimate (starting at $79,400)
The Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 Ultimate is equipped like the B6 Ultimate. No surprise, it also offers second-row captain’s chairs for $500.
Adding the destination fee to the Recharge T8 Ultimate base price brings the total to $80,495. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to about $1,446 per month. See the 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 Ultimate models for sale near you
