2022 Volvo XC90 Recharge

The SUV segment is growing in popularity in the USA, even more so with the focus on alternative fuel sources nowadays; the Volvo XC90 Recharge Hybrid enters the fray with a combination of sophistication, frugality, and the highest safety standards synonymous with the Swedish brand. With accommodations for up to seven passengers, the plug-in family carrier promises to check all of the boxes needed to be a class-leader - but does it? Under the hood of the luxury midsize cruiser, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is supplemented by an electric motor for combined outputs of up to 455 horsepower, which is delivered consistently to all four wheels. And, while the on-the-road experience is pleasant, competitors from BMW have offered far more sporting potential in the past, while other rivals from Lexus presented a whole lot more reliability. But, the Swedish brand has upped the ante with the XC90 year on year and the result is an incredibly well-rounded package with top-notch safety ratings, ample power, sublime ride quality, and understated luxury.

If you're looking for a sport-utility vehicle that will roast tires, carve corners, or confidently take on any unbeaten path, then you're better off looking at the competition. But, if you're looking for something more opulent than just your average crossover with a frugal powertrain, plush ride quality, and oodles of class, you've found it. Still, performance from the Recharge is satisfying, with an early-five-second sprint to 60 mph while still offering combined gas mileage returns of up to 27 mpg/55 MPGe, and a much longer 35-mile all-electric range with the extended-range battery.

With an interior crammed to the brim with creature comforts, conveniences, and driver assists, the XC90 offers a roomy, lounge-like cabin, especially in 6-seater configurations. The safety review of the Volvo XC90 Recharge Hybrid from the NHTSA yielded a full five-star score, and the IIHS gave it a Top Safety Pick+ award, identifying it as one of the best in the class. Although bearing a hefty price tag, we believe it's worth every penny.

Prospective buyers can get their hands on the Volvo XC90 Recharge Hybrid at a price of $64,800, the cost of the Inscription Expression in 7-passenger guise. For an additional $500, you can opt for the six-seater layout instead.

For a sportier upgrade and enhancements to the spec sheet, the R-Design will set you back $70,500, and can only be had with seats for seven. At the top-end of the spectrum, the seven-occupant Inscription has an MSRP of $71,100, with five hundred bucks needed on top of that to drop seating to six.

For the Inscription Expression model, the new extended-range battery costs $1,800. That drops to $1,000 in the case of the R-Design and Inscription variants.

These are excluding US taxes and licensing, as well as Volvo's $1,095 destination fee.