Friday, March 29, 2024
ADVT 
Reviews

2022 Volvo XC90 T8 AWD Recharge: Flagship PHEV SUV receives big update

Benjamin Yong Darpan, 28 Nov, 2022 11:37 AM
  • 2022 Volvo XC90 T8 AWD Recharge: Flagship PHEV SUV receives big update

Though pure EVs like the Recharge versions of the XC40 and C40 are taking a lot of the Volvo spotlight, the automaker released the revised XC90 T8 AWD Recharge — formerly simply called the T8 — earlier this year that promises fans of the plug-in mid-size SUV added performance and efficiency.

“Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles play an important role in the shift to electrification,” says Matt Girgis, managing director, Volvo Car Canada, in a press release. “These upgraded powertrains will demonstrate the many benefits of an electric future and will serve as an enabling technology that will encourage more consumers to adopt the electric lifestyle.”

Many components under the bodywork have been updated including a new long-range battery incorporating a third layer of cells thus increasing the capacity from 11.6 kilowatt-hours to 18.8. This allows approximately 58 kilometres of zero emissions propulsion on a single charge — double the previous amount. The rear electric motor is beefed up too delivering 143 horsepower compared to 87 before. Total output is now 455 horses, which is the most the brand has ever produced.

         

The increased power to the back axle sharpens the handling of the big SUV, and improves the all-wheel drive system helping provide extra grip and towing capability. Granted the XC90 weighs 2,265 kilograms so don’t expect pavement-ripping acceleration and traction but going 0 to 100 km takes only 5.6 seconds and it’s just a joy to pilot on the highway, for example travelling to Whistler as I did. And while the physical footprint is on the larger side, visibility is excellent and daily driving and parking is not too difficult at all. 

         

Another refresh bonus is the introduction of a one-pedal mode, already seen on the aforementioned XC40 and C40. When activated, the vehicle automatically slows down whenever the foot is taken off the accelerator, a feature both convenient and practical because the resulting kinetic energy created is converted and put back into the battery. 

         

On the same topic, during regular operation regenerative braking happens automatically whenever there’s gentle pressure applied to the brake pedal or engine braking takes place. The process isn’t the most obvious and the addition of paddle shifters to alter the level of regeneration would be nice, as seen on some competitors.

Stylistically there are no other changes since the facelift back in 2019 where the front and rear fascias were spruced up and a more contoured grille swapped in. The various polished aluminum bits around the exterior really lend an air of class to the appearance, and the Thor’s Hammer signature LED daytime running lights remain one of the most distinctive and cool in the industry. 

The three-row interior is beautiful, especially in the Inscription trim Darpan was loaned and bundling the Lounge Package (+ $1,700) with the massaging driver and passenger seats and nubuck headliner. The cargo area is also generous regardless of whether the bench seating is upright or folded.

Those that want to ditch fuel completely may be interested to learn a gasoline-free replacement is on the way, able to go 600 kilometres between charges. Dubbed the EX90, deliveries are expected to begin early 2024.

Highlights (as tested):   

MSRP: $103,150

Motor: 2.0-litre turbocharged/supercharged four cylinder + electric motor

Horsepower: 455 @ 6,000 rpm 

Torque (lb-ft): 523 lb-ft (net)

Gearbox: eight-speed automatic transmission

Layout: front engine, all-wheel drive   

Fuel economy: 7.6 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)

MORE Reviews ARTICLES

2022 Honda Civic Hatchback Fun Five-Door

2022 Honda Civic Hatchback Fun Five-Door
Designers have moved the A pillars back almost 50 millimetres, stretched out the wheelbase by 35 millimetres and widened the rear track 12 millimetres giving the profile a distinctive appearance. Even the roof is 50 millimetres shorter than the predecessor thanks to the liftgate being made of a lightweight composite material, allowing the hinge mechanism to be pulled outwards thus flattening the area.

2022 Honda Civic Hatchback Fun Five-Door

Edmunds Compares: 2023 Toyota bZ4X vs. 2023 Volkswagen ID.4

Edmunds Compares: 2023 Toyota bZ4X vs. 2023 Volkswagen ID.4
Both cars in single-motor form are fine for driving around town, but dynamically the ID.4 is the better-driving SUV. With its higher real-world range and quicker acceleration, the Volkswagen is the superior choice in this matchup.

Edmunds Compares: 2023 Toyota bZ4X vs. 2023 Volkswagen ID.4

Cheaper electric vehicles coming despite high battery costs

Cheaper electric vehicles coming despite high battery costs
The only EVs with starting prices under $30,000 (including shipping) now are versions of the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Bolt. Both are smaller than a typical gas-powered compact SUV. The Mini Cooper Electric, Mazda MX30 and Hyundai Kona Electric are in the $30,000s, according to Edmunds.

Cheaper electric vehicles coming despite high battery costs

Edmunds Compares: 2023 Nissan Leaf vs. 2023 Chevy Bolt EV

Edmunds Compares: 2023 Nissan Leaf vs. 2023 Chevy Bolt EV
The Bolt EV used to cost more than $30,000, but for the 2023 model year, Chevrolet dropped the starting price to $26,595. Even a more well-equipped the Bolt EV 2LT model tops out at around $31,000. Which one is the better buy? Edmunds car experts compared both EVs to find out.  

Edmunds Compares: 2023 Nissan Leaf vs. 2023 Chevy Bolt EV

Jeep Wrangler 4xe: Green and Mean Wrangler

Jeep Wrangler 4xe: Green and Mean Wrangler
A 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, is complemented by two electric motors and a 400-volt battery pack. The resulting performance is nothing to scoff at: a total of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. 

Jeep Wrangler 4xe: Green and Mean Wrangler

2022 Honda Odyssey: Sleek people carrier

2022 Honda Odyssey: Sleek people carrier
Marketed as the “ultimate family vehicle,” the fifth-generation exterior receives quite the update. All grades receive more powerful and efficient LED headlights, integrated into a new sleeker black three slat grille wearing a top chrome strip replacing the outgoing wing design. The central air intake and foglamp bezels have been slimmed down providing a contemporary look. 

2022 Honda Odyssey: Sleek people carrier