2022 Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge
The 2022 Volvo XC90 is an outstanding bet for anyone searching for a family SUV with three rows of seating. Despite having been around going on 8 years now, recent technical updates, particularly to the 2022 Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge Plug-in hybrid, mean it continues to be at the top of its game in 2022-23.
In fact, the Volvo XC90 was named Best Large Premium Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2023 by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada.
Not only does it have a capacious seven-seat cabin, but its luxurious features also make it feel much more like a luxury vehicle than a family people-carrier. Brimming with comfy seating for adults plus a generous trunk size, this SUV really hits all the marks when it comes to family SUV selection.
What’s New for 2022 (and beyond)?
Compared to its rivals such as the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Range Rover Sport, and Mercedes GLE/GLS, the XC90’s minimalist Swedish design has aged well since the vehicle’s launch in 2015. The XC90 is based on Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, which also used by a variety of other products including the S60, V60, S90, V90, and XC60.
For the 2022 model year, the XC90 also takes on the “Recharge” - seen previously on Volvo's electric XC40 and C40 Recharge electric models. This sets the stage for the upcoming EX90, the fully electric iteration of the XC90, aiding Volvo's overall commitment to sustainability and greener motoring.
Volvo says that by 2025, they aim to sell 1.2 million cars globally, with at least half being fully electric. By 2030, it plans to become a fully electric car company.
Back during its launch, Volvo caused a stir when they released a motor with both turbo and supercharging. For the T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid, things are simpler. It uses a 2.0L turbocharged engine for combustion power, with an electric motor for the rear wheels.
New for this model year, the 2022 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8’s plug-in hybrid powertrain has major improvements. The turbocharged T8 gasoline engine has been upgraded for higher fuel efficiency and performance. This results in higher engine power at low revs and take-off while simultaneously ensuring a more refined electrified drive with reduced tailpipe additions.
The addition of a long-range battery featuring a third layer of cells increases battery capacity significantly from 11.6 kWh to 18.8 kWh. There is also a more powerful rear electric motor producing an impressive 143 hp (up from 87 hp) for a combined total output of 455 hp, making it the most powerful Volvo in the existing line-up. 0-100 km/hr runs can be completed in about 5.3 seconds.
The all-electric range increases to 58-64 km on a single charge, and the new e-motor upgrade improves performance and drivability in all scenarios by providing 65 percent more rear wheel power. The only downside of this sort of electric all-wheel-drive configuration is that you might not be able to run in electric-only mode in slippery conditions (namely snow and ice), as the vehicle is effectively rear-wheel-drive.
The larger capacity battery offers several advantages when dealing with colder temperatures, allowing drivers to pre-heat or pre-cool the car remotely via the Volvo Cars app even when unplugged - maintaining decent all-electric driving range.
Cabin Comfort and Technology
The 2022 Volvo XC90's cabin remains largely unchanged, yet it still exudes quality construction with its spaciousness, solidity and overall pleasant atmosphere. Its longevity is a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship that went into producing such an impressive vehicle that could remain in style for eight years.
Upon entering the XC90, one is immediately greeted with luxurious leather and finely crafted wood panels, complemented by pleasant details such as a knurled ignition-switch knob. Alas, the beautiful textured drive mode selector is a fully touchscreen-only affair now.
Luxuriously soft leather seats and plush carpeting combine with fine-grained wood trims and chrome accents to create a sophisticated atmosphere.
Special touches like the Swedish flag stitched into the passenger seatback seam and "Since 1959" stamped onto the seatbelt buckles show attention to detail and honour Volvo's automotive history.
The front seats uphold Volvo's legacy of providing exceptional comfort, particularly with the massaging function; the spacious second row offers generous legroom. The third row can it shorter adults in a pinch too. There is enough room behind the third row for a modest amount of luggage.
Additionally, Volvo is one of few car manufacturers offering a built-in child booster seat. All in all, this SUV's interior provides a bright and airy atmosphere with large windows and slim roof pillars for optimal driver visibility.
Volvo’s tablet-styled portrait touchscreen is now the best that it has ever been with intuitive enough menus. The learning curve is still a bit steep when compared with other touchscreen infotainment systems out in the market, such as Stellantis’ Uconnect 5. Almost all audio, climate, navigation, phone, and vehicle settings are integrated via swipe-and-tap commands that are initially not particularly obvious. Fortunately, I found that after the initial learning curve, most functions are easy enough to find.
For Model Year 2023, Volvo Car Canada Ltd. announced that the entire lineup of Volvo cars in Canada would be equipped with Google built-in. YouTube video playback will also come to all Volvo cars with Google built-in, reflecting a continuation of the partnership between Volvo Cars and Google.
On the safety front, the 2022 XC90 comes supplied with an array of intelligent safety features, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, rear collision warning, rear cross traffic warning and lane keeping assistance.
Additionally, Volvo's Pilot Assist is offered as standard equipment - a combination of adaptive cruise control and steering assistance – for convenience in stop-and-go traffic at lower speeds.
How does it drive?
From its responsive cornering to its well-weighted steering, the XC90 is an engaging vehicle that offers a comfortable yet controlled ride. I would hesitate to call it sporty though.
The optional air suspension system addresses some of my previous concerns with previous XC90s that I’ve tested. The ride is noticeably more plush when equipped as such; call it firm yet well controlled. The air suspension can also be raised or lowered for better ground clearance, or ease when loading.
Despite not providing a super sporty feel, the Volvo's precise turn-in response and low effort steering provide increased driving confidence.
When dialed up to Power, the 2022 Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge is deceptively powerful - more so than a family seven-seater vehicle likely needs to be. The eight-speed automatic shifts smoothly and unobtrusively and the electric and combustion powertrains work well together at most times. Shift points are delayed, in Power mode, and a more intense exhaust sound is provided for enhanced driver enjoyment.
I noticed that occasionally under heavier throttle loads, the electric and combustion parts of the powertrain can feel a little unsynchronised at times. However, In day-to-day driving though, the transition is perfectly seamless.
Final thoughts
Since its launch in 2002, the Volvo XC90 has been a hit with families everywhere. Despite being in the last couple of model years before this second-generation XC90 goes into retirement, upgrades to the vehicle’s powertrain kept it still very competitive.
This luxurious seven-seater offers plenty of room and comfort for all occupants, and excels on longer journeys. Its spacious interior and superior refinement provide a calm and relaxing driving experience that is hard to beat.
