The Volvo XC90 has been a benchmark in the luxury SUV segment for years, and the 2021 Volvo XC90 Recharge continues this legacy with its plug-in hybrid powertrain. Since its introduction half a decade ago, the XC90, built on Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture and powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, has consistently impressed. The T8 plug-in hybrid, now rebranded as Recharge, sits at the pinnacle of the lineup, offering a unique combination of turbocharged, supercharged, and electric power. While the automotive landscape has evolved significantly, the question remains: how does the 2021 Xc90 Recharge fare against today’s luxury competitors?
For buyers prioritizing elegance, safety, and a minimalist design, the 2021 Volvo XC90 Recharge remains a strong contender. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that sporty driving dynamics are not its forte. In an era where “sporty crossovers” are increasingly common, it’s important to manage expectations. Therefore, the central question is: how well does the 2021 XC90 Recharge deliver on comfort and entertainment for longer journeys?
Elegant Swedish design of the 2021 Volvo XC90 Recharge Inscription, showcasing its timeless appeal and sophisticated styling.
Timeless Scandinavian Design
Volvo’s design philosophy has always been a major draw, and the XC90 is a prime example. Even after six years, its aesthetic remains strikingly modern and sophisticated. Subtle updates like the concave waterfall grille and updated wheel designs have kept the XC90 fresh, but its core appeal lies in its restrained elegance. In a market saturated with aggressively styled SUVs, the XC90’s understated approach is a refreshing change. It’s simply a beautiful vehicle to behold. For those seeking a more dynamic appearance, Volvo offers the R-Design trim for the Recharge T8.
The interior of the 2021 Volvo XC90 Recharge elevates the sense of luxury further. The cabin is swathed in soft amber leather, complemented by black ash wood inlays and meticulous contrast stitching, creating a harmonious and inviting atmosphere. The Inscription model adds a touch of bespoke craftsmanship with the Orrefors “Crystal Eye” gear selector. While some may consider it an unnecessary extravagance, this handmade crystal glass element reinforces the XC90’s premium status without resorting to ostentatious displays. The optional $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system further enhances the experience, featuring a distinctive tweeter positioned atop the dashboard, blending auditory excellence with visual refinement.
Luxurious interior of the 2021 Volvo XC90 Recharge Inscription, highlighting the amber leather, wood inlays, and crystal gear selector.
Ride Comfort, Practicality, and Safety Features
Embarking on a road trip across the plains, as tested, immediately highlights the XC90’s exceptional ride quality. The optional $1,600 four-corner air suspension delivers a near-flawless experience, particularly on highways. The suspension is clearly tuned for comfort, even in “Power” mode, emphasizing the 2021 Volvo XC90 Recharge’s luxury orientation over sportiness. While “Power” mode is available among the drive settings, engaging in spirited cornering with its 5,100-pound mass is not recommended. For everyday driving, the standard “Hybrid” mode is perfectly adequate. Volvo also provides a “Constant AWD” mode for enhanced traction in slippery conditions and an “Off-Road” setting for light off-pavement adventures. During the test, driving was primarily limited to paved roads and occasional gravel paths.
The 2021 Volvo XC90 Recharge is equipped with a comprehensive suite of technology. The updated Sensus infotainment system integrates controls for safety features, hybrid system functions, climate settings, navigation, and media, including Apple CarPlay. While Volvo’s Sensus system has faced criticism for being somewhat dated in the past, with sluggish response times and mandatory reliance for many functions, improvements have been made. Due to Volvo’s minimalist interior design, accessing features like heated seats and steering wheel is primarily through the touchscreen interface.
Second-row legroom in the Volvo XC90, showing adequate but not class-leading space for passengers.
Third-row seating in the Volvo XC90, illustrating the space limitations typical for the third row in this class of SUV.
Volvo XC90 offers acceptable legroom in the second and third rows, suitable for family needs.
While the system’s responsiveness has improved, the 9.0-inch screen appears somewhat small compared to contemporary standards. Its display quality and feature set also lag behind newer infotainment systems, especially those with gesture controls or advanced natural language processing. The tablet-style design, once innovative, now shows its age. Unlike more modern systems, customization options for information display are limited, both on the central screen and the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
However, the 2021 Volvo XC90 Recharge compensates with luxurious comfort features. The $1,700 Lounge Package adds massaging front seats, while the $1,500 Advanced Package includes a helpful head-up display and a 360-degree surround-view camera system. The $750 Climate Package provides heated steering wheel, rear seats, and windscreen washers for enhanced cold-weather comfort.
Volvo Pilot Assist system in action, demonstrating its lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control capabilities for highway driving.
Advanced Safety with Pilot Assist
Volvo’s reputation for safety is paramount, and the 2021 Volvo XC90 Recharge upholds this tradition. The Pilot Assist system, a pioneering feature in driver-assistance technology, remains easily accessible via a single button. Engaging cruise control and pressing an arrow button on the steering wheel activates or deactivates steering assist. While mostly effective, the system shows some limitations. Speed adjustments, for instance, are primarily in 5 mph increments, although finer adjustments are possible with a long press of the button. Pilot Assist is a hands-on system, designed to prompt the driver to maintain active control.
Beyond Pilot Assist, the 2021 XC90 boasts comprehensive safety features and robust construction. It achieved a 2020 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, a testament to its crashworthiness, although it’s important to note that several competitors also hold this distinction.
Engine bay of the 2021 Volvo XC90 Recharge, showing the 2.0-liter twin-charged engine and hybrid components.
Performance and Efficiency Considerations
The 2021 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 boasts impressive power figures from its 2.0-liter “Twin Engine” setup, producing 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque. Power is delivered to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission, offering a seamless driving experience under normal conditions. The transition between the twin-charged engine and electric motor is generally smooth. However, a slight delay is noticeable when demanding rapid acceleration. The complexity of the powertrain – turbocharger, supercharger, electric motor, and automatic gearbox – contributes to a momentary lag before peak performance is realized. Compared to rivals like the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring or the Tesla Model X, the XC90 Recharge doesn’t exhibit the same immediate urgency in acceleration.
Fuel efficiency, particularly on longer trips, is a mixed bag. The all-electric range is EPA-rated at 18 miles from its 11.6-kWh battery, a modest improvement over earlier versions. This range is adequate for short commutes but offers minimal benefit at highway speeds for extended distances. The EPA estimates 27 mpg for gasoline-only operation, but real-world highway driving during testing yielded between 25 and 26 mpg, slightly below expectations.
Journey with the 2021 Volvo XC90 Recharge to Hugo, Colorado, illustrating its suitability for road trips and diverse terrains.
Final Verdict: A Solid Choice with Price Considerations
In conclusion, the 2021 Volvo XC90 Recharge excels in providing a comfortable and refined road trip experience. It effectively mitigates the fatigue often associated with long drives. However, the critical question for prospective buyers is whether the Volvo XC90 remains a compelling purchase in the current market.
Within the plug-in hybrid luxury SUV segment, key competitors include the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring and the Range Rover P400e. The Aviator Grand Touring offers significantly more power (494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque) and arguably better value, albeit with a less understated aesthetic. The Range Rover P400e embodies ultimate luxury but at a considerably higher price point, starting above $90,000.
The as-tested 2021 Volvo XC90 Recharge Inscription, fully optioned, reaches a substantial $81,840. While a $5,419 tax credit for PHEVs helps offset the cost, this price is still considerable. More affordable non-hybrid XC90 models, starting around $49,695 for a base front-wheel-drive T5, offer a more value-oriented proposition. Mid-range XC90 trims provide much of the style and technology without the premium price of the Recharge model. The limited all-electric range and moderate fuel economy of the Recharge variant make the less expensive gasoline-powered XC90 models potentially a more sensible choice for many buyers seeking a comfortable and capable cross-country SUV.
Stay tuned to our TFLnow channel for an upcoming video review for a more detailed visual perspective.
