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Since the Volvo XC90 was first unveiled to the public in January 2001, it has been a favorite among midsize SUV lovers and Volvo loyalists alike for its commitment to style, safety, luxury, and comfort. In 2023, the Volvo XC90 is well into its long-running second generation and fresh off its 2020 model year facelift. This 2020 model year facelift modernized the XC90 with new front and rear fascias and premiered some new standard equipment for this SUV.

Today, the XC90 stands as Volvo’s largest SUV in production, with seating for seven passengers. However, this Volvo SUV is still a midsize vehicle, an automotive segment full of fierce competition from the Genesis GV80, BMW X5, and Porsche Cayenne. Still, the Volvo XC90 looks to continue its success by offering trim levels that give drivers a ton of features that are tough to find in just about any other vehicle today. Here is everything you need to know about the Volvo XC90’s base and fully loaded top-of-the-line models.

2023 Volvo XC90 Core: Price, specs, and features

A Volvo XC90 Recharge luxury midsize SUV model in Denim Blue driving past the sea in a fog
Volvo XC90 Recharge in Denim Blue | Volvo Car Corporation

The 2023 Volvo XC90’s base model, or “equipment level” according to Volvo, is called the Volvo XC90 Core, which is priced at $57,095 MSRP for the standard mild-hybrid engine model and $72,995 MSRP for the available full-hybrid drivetrain model.

The XC90 comes standard with a B5 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine, producing around 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. On the base model, you can also upgrade to the B6 engine, which is slightly tuned for performance and produces around 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The engine found in the XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid model is the T8 eAWD, which uses a combination of gas and electric power to produce around 455 horsepower and an impressive 523 lb-ft of torque. With this PHEV option, drivers also enjoy 35 miles of all-electric, zero-emission driving. All of these drivetrains are paired with an automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard.

In the interior of the XC90 Core, passengers are treated to heated synthetic leather upholstery alongside third-row air conditioning and an integrated CleanZone air purifier. Technology is also impressive for Volvo XC90 with integrated Google Assistant, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth audio. Found on the roof o the Volvo XC90 is a large laminated panoramic sunroof, giving passengers a clear view of the sky from any seat in the cabin.

2023 Volvo XC90 Ultimate: Price, specs, and features

The fully loaded 2023 Volvo XC90 model is called the Volvo XC90 Ultimate, and with this Ultimate model name comes a vast array of upgrades and features over the Core model. The Volvo XC90 Ultimate starts at $70,295 MSRP for the mild hybrid model and $80,495 MSRP for the Recharge plug-in hybrid model. All three powertrain options from the Core model return for the Ultimate model.

The interior of the XC90 Ultimate makes the Core model look like an economy car, with premium, nearly infinitely adjustable seats found in the Ultimate model. The XC90 Ultimate also comes with a Grey Ash interior decor, tailored dashboard and door panels. The heated seats from the Core model are now found in the Ultimate model‘s front and rear seats, and front seat ventilation has also been added. Behind the steering wheel, drivers will be happy to find a heads-up display in the front windshield, giving drivers vital information without glancing away from the road. A 360-degree camera is also included with park assist for front, rear, and side parking. The audio system of the XC90 Ultimate features a Harman Kardon premium sound system with an air-ventilated subwoofer. Additionally, if you thought the Core model’s three-row climate control system was impressive, the XC90 Ultimate brings even more to the table with a set of rear seat sun curtains.

There’s an XC90 luxury SUV for every need

If the 2023 Volvo XC90 Core is a little too basic for you, but you are looking to save some money by not going with the XC90 Ultimate model, there is one model in the middle that may be perfect for you; the Volvo XC90 Plus, which starts at $60,995 MSRP for the mild hybrid model and $74,695 MSRP for the Recharge PHEV model. This model splits the difference between the Core and Ultimate models with solid features for the price, including heated rear seats, 360 camera, park assist, headlamp cleaners, heated steering wheel, and some unique exterior styling. While there may be no sun curtains for the rear passengers and the seats may not be the best Volvo produces, the Plus model offers a ton of features for a slight upgrade in price. Regardless of which Volvo XC90 model you choose, you are bound to find yourself behind the wheel of a great SUV that will last a lifetime!

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