What’s the Best 2023 Volvo XC90 Trim? Here’s Our Guide

Drivers have the choice of two powertrains on the XC90 Core. The entry-level B5 mild hybrid model features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is rated at 22/28 mpg city/highway, and all XC90 models regardless of powertrain come with a 5,000-pound towing capacity.

The XC90 can also be equipped with a more powerful available B6 mild hybrid powertrain. This setup employs a 2.0-liter turbo- and supercharged inline-four to make 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. With this powertrain, the XC90 feels surprisingly quick. Fuel efficiency worsens slightly, though, at an estimated 20/26 mpg city/highway. Every 2023 XC90 receives an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Even though it's the entry-level model, the XC90 Core boasts a generous amount of standard features. Power-folding side mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated front seats, four-zone climate control system, and third-row A/C vents are included. Its infotainment system includes a 9.0-inch central display, 12.0-inch gauge cluster screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and 10 speakers. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic monitoring, lane keeping systems, parking sensors, and rain-sensing wipers are standard, along with a second-row bench for seven-passenger seating.

With the B5 powertrain, the XC90 Core is priced at $57,095. With B6 motivation, the sticker goes up another $4,900 to $61,995.

In Plus and Ultimate trims, Volvo offers six-passenger seating with optional second-row captain's chairs for an additional $4,000. Technology gains at this model level include a standard 360-degree camera system, ambient lighting, headlight washers, heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. Leather upholstery is also standard on the XC90 Plus, replacing the Core model's faux leather.

Exterior changes include an upgrade to 20-inch wheels from the Core model's 19s and adds Matte Tech Gray protective lug nut caps that were silver-colored previously. The XC90 Plus also gets a different front grille that uses more chrome and silver instead of black like on the base model.

The XC90 Plus with the B5 powertrain goes for $60,995, $3,900 more than the Core B5. The B6 variant comes with a $64,495 MSRP, an increase of $2,500 over the Core model. For that amount, the SUV continues to move further upscale with more technology and premium styling.

The 2023 XC90 Ultimate is offered only with the B6 mild hybrid powertrain. Its exterior is distinguished by matte silver bars in the grille, chrome lug nut caps, and 21-inch wheels.

In our First Test, we praised the XC90 Ultimate's class-leading interior materials. Volvo adds standard rear-door sun shades, a tailored dash, and Nappa leather upholstery. A crystal gear selector knob is the finishing touch. At this trim level, standard technology features expand to include ventilated front seats, a head-up display, and 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system. Pricing starts at $70,295 for the XC90 Ultimate.

XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid models are the most powerful and live at the top of the lineup. They're offered in the same trim levels—Core, Plus, and Ultimate—and with the same equipment as the mild hybrid variants but feature Volvo's T8 powertrain. It marries the XC90's 2.0-liter turbo- and supercharged inline-four with an electric motor to produce 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is rated at 55 mpg-e combined.

Recharge models are the most expensive in the XC90 lineup. Pricing starts from $72,995 for the Core, $74,695 for the Plus, and $80,495 for the XC90 Recharge Ultimate.

The sweet spot in the XC90 lineup is at the lowest trim level. Although the Recharge offers EV range, the mild hybrid four-cylinder returns good fuel economy and boasts adequate power. We would skip the six-passenger configuration to keep the price down, and the XC90 Core base model comes well equipped with most of the features customers want. Some competitors might be more athletic, but the Volvo's practicality and feature-per-dollar value are hard to resist.