2023 Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge Review and Off-Road Test

Check out all the features, then go for a drive in the new 2023 Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge PHEV. We also test it's off-road trail mode!
#volvo #offroad #hybridcar
CONTENT
00:00 - Introduction
00:40 - Features
05:12 - Driving Impressions and 0-60 Test
15:20 - Off-Road Test (Chicken Run)
20:00 - Off-Road Logging Course
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[@ScoobyFermentation]

I have a 2022 and it’s over a year old and consistently get 38 miles all electric in the summer in MN.

[@benjamminwatts]

Great review! Love your content and how you're honest w capabilities. Looking forward to getting one of these and now know to keep it out of the sticky mud. Thanks!

[@NeilBradleyMS]

This was a really great video, thanks.

[@garethbater6900]

Xc90 is great on long distance highway journeys - cockpit is super comfortable - nice speed pick up for a big car - easy to drive - flick on the cruise control / lane assist - its effortless - doesnt have the latest generation or tablet / screen controls in the middle but you can pick it up quickly and its less complicated than the tablets in a lot of cars with more functions - you want a 7 seater / SUV with a load of room and super comfortable arm chair ride this is it

[@RichyHere]

Very detailed review thank you

[@theyungharrison]

I have the 2017 xc90 t6 r design , with almost 200,000km on it . Planning on upgrading to the plug in hybrid ones when I have the money 😅. People saying Volvos are not reliable are just trash talking

[@UnfinishedSymphony]

Thanks for sharing! I’ve been test driving the V90cc last week. Talking with the dealer about conditions, it turned out the xc90 is slightly cheaper in leasing rates although its msrp is 15000 euros higher. So now I’m tending for the XC, especially because the trunk is way larger and makes it suitable for occasional stealth camping in my woodland. And off-road capabilities are also better. Your video underlined my positive opinion on the XC. 👍 Regards from Germany.

Fantastic content. ☺

[@CaptNick-if3yy]

Great review. You explained the T8 powertrain very well. I have a 2022 T8 we drive in Maine, and I can confirm the vehicle performs great in pure EV mode for short daily commuting. I’m the Maine winters, I run dedicated studless snow tires - and have never had so much as a wheel slip. It’s not an off-road vehicle, so don’t expect 4Runner abilities. But for 99% normal driving in rural areas, city and highways it’s very competent. Having 455 hours and +500 lbs ft torque sure means you can put the rubber down in performance mode too for some fun. Otherwise in over 16 months ownership driving 17000 miles we average mid 30’s mpg on long drives. Around town we use pure EV mode. No mechanical issues either. Only complaint I have is the odometer doesn’t show EV miles driven, just a total mileage. So you have no clue how many miles have been driven on premium fuel or electrons. Otherwise thanks for your comprehensive review. We’ll done and very accurate.

[@CSAFMedia]

I'm hoping with AT/MT tires the XC90 22:46 would master this course. Would also like to see you keep a 'Dashboard' of tested cars and how they perform on your offroad courses with a final overall score and ranking, similar to a Doug Demuro scoreboard.

[@marceljohnson2215]

At $85k it should have a lot features standard than it does but it looks nice and great content as always

[@looncraz]

The best off-road mode... is constant AWD, confusingly enough. More power to the rear is what you needed and off-road doesn't give that.

[@petraws5911]

You could have used the constant awd mode just to see if its any better getting over those big rocks .

[@Wellspicedchaffinch]

Yeah or Power mode (also AWD).

[@hughfh]

Exactly what I was thinking. Does the constant AWD setting work as a stand alone mode or is it a supplemental function to the offroad mode, does anyone know? I can understand how it is automatically a part of Power mode but I'm referring to the Offroad mode primarily.

[@Kiss__Kiss]

Constant AWD? That's the mode I would use 100% of the time, If I was to ever buy one.

[@Wellspicedchaffinch]

It's not a very pleasant mode to use tbh. It feels gutless compared to Power (or Polestar) mode - which also provides permanent AWD and it's quite sluggish changing gears, yet high revving too. It's really odd. TBH using custom mode (Individual mode) to set the suspension to Hybrid mode (for comfort and ground clearance) and the power train to Power mode (for AWD and max power and engine braking) is a pretty great setup for around town and muddy country roads when conditions are bad.

[@Kiss__Kiss]

@@Wellspicedchaffinch When modern vehicles have individual mode, it makes for a personal experience, I agree!! I tend to use individual mode, to custom tailor my Audi S4 as well.

[@DrivenHard]

That AWD system is perfect for the city and snowy conditions, that's about all.

[@v60polestar88]

Thats probably the only place most people would take a $85,000 SUV. You want to go on a serious trail you buy a Jeep. I hope you meant Jeep and not a Subaru

[@learnnthrivel]

Is there ambient lighting?

[@lenoost]

nice look xc90

[@danielgrenier2417]

Off-road with one of these? That's just NUTS! I have a 2023 XC60 Recharge and there is NO WAY that thing is going anywhere near off the road. In fact, I was stunned when I first saw the Off-Road mode. Who the hell takes these things in the bush anyway??? Not this guy!

[@eb-bt7wl]

22:45 hello! would it go over there with better tires? would it help? thanks for the video! awesome content!

[@MunteanuAdrianXD]

Be sure of that

[@haze1123]

Love your reviews. I'm trying to imagine the family with kids and a dog that wants light-colored wool seats. 🤔 Super nice vehicle, but Volvo reliability hasn't been very good for many years now.

[@ssr1680]

Volvo reliability is as bad as Jeep and Range Rover. XC 90 handling on curves is not good, handling on rough roads is bad and you feel it too! straight line drive is it's strength.

[@swpea2]

I’ve had no issues with mine at all. Better than Japanese Cars, especially Infinity

[@ssr1680]

@@swpea2 Awesome! But here in the Northeast people haven't been as lucky and even Consumer Report has acknowledged the problems with Volvo that is why their rated so low.

[@marcleibovic6879]

The crow fly distance, or the distance between 2 GPS coordinates, is the algorithm if you want coffee shop results fast. If you then want driving time each destination would suck up about a lot more time. So it goes

[@amrashraf9559]

Which is more solid and reliable , this xc90 vs the honda new pilot ?

[@TheCJUN]

It's nice

[@hederoth7883]

Are you not supposed to come to full stop at a STOP-sign in the US? 😊

[@mitchellpritsker448]

The Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge isn't meant for going offroad because be very very careful and it's not very good but for on road use yes it's nice.

[@Podcastforthewin]

Are Volvo still good? I remember at one point hearing they were well built, and nothing could kill them. But im thinking of the ones from the 70s

[@Probot4]

Well I just went to a dealership in Sweden and apparently you can not buy a Volvo without it being a plug-in hybrid here anymore. Bit sceptical about that.

[@matthewjohnson1211]

@@Probot4 As you should be…

[@TheCJUN]

​@@Probot4 Hybrids are great imo. I have a Mach-E today but XC90 is likely my next car.

[@Probot4]

@@TheCJUN Looking at this T8 test it's not performing as well as the standard Diesel/Petrol version.

[@TheCJUN]

@@Probot4 In what way specifically?

[@akilghosh]

Please review affordable versions of the cars too.

[@cedricjackson7521]

Good review but 21 inch all season tires not good for off roads

[@andreyivanov8591]

В чём разница 2015 и 2023 годов выпуска в XC90 ? Кроме того , что мощности стало поменьше. Софт остался такой же?

[@JRs-guitars]

You'd think that with these vehicles for the price and for having offroad modes they would come with at least mild all terrain tires. Otherwise...what's the point have even having off road mode..?

[@k0pper]

Gotta hit those EPA mileage requirements for your lineup and tires make a big difference and they're easily changed by the owner.

[@TheCJUN]

Probably better traction with studded tires.

[@AllenDulles2]

Why didn't you try the test with the 4WD setting on?

[@durgeshkumarpatel7186]

Closest location as a crow flies😂😂😂

[@rajindernijjer]

You didn't select perminate 4wd

[@rvenom5513]

$85k and no wireless CarPlay and with wool seats?

[@phatgringo2.0]

Yep Volvo is a joke now. Sustainable materials are all made from petroleum whereas leather simply came from dead cows that people would have eaten anyways.

[@jx3studios771]

Leather seats are available

[@mthokozisiluthuli3645]

love the wool seats but you need leather if you have kids🤦🏼

[@Anuhassss]

Constant awd is better trust me we went on a trail likes this it works better this unfair test i beg u do a redo

[@mtt3870]

Why can’t Toyota come up with a setting like that (other than the Rav-4)

[@fartman10284]

My Highlander Hybrid is a Trail Mode. Ryan iirc, has tested the HiHy with the trail mode with success

[@rishpat743]

Volvo only does even number of degrees for temperature, which is why it changed to 68, instead of 67.

[@Wellspicedchaffinch]

Not in UK :-) we have 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5 etc etc.

[@diliplahiri9052]

What is the chickens name

[@Mubarakonly00]

😅

[@moloono1]

“4 corner air suspension…” oof. My wallet just cringed.

[@davidthomas9267]

looks good, but not something I would consider buying!!

[@GVJ-007]

Y

[@amrashraf9559]

Why?

[@figaro410]

No legs torso proportionate review of sitting in the backseat?

[@drivingsports]

We already have another review of the XC90 with a different powertrain - that covers all the interior details.

[@figaro410]

@@drivingsports it’s 2023, you can’t expect me to remember past yesterday bro!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@khangaming5067]

Please reply sir..... Please do an off road test for lexus lx 570.... Big fan sir.

[@moloono1]

He already did. Just search through his videos.

[@sirbum1918]

Yeah, stop signs are just a suggestion.

[@Nomoreidsleft]

I owned a XC90, and I am wincing at this. No way I would take it into that course. It's basically toast, after this. Hope no one ends up buying it second-hand. Definitely not a way to treat an XC90.

[@drivingsports]

Press cars often end up getting crushed or are auctioned as test units.

[@reshad711]

@@drivingsports Hello, I have a question in China they assemble Volvo hybrid and electric cars. Will you buy a Volvo car made in China if yes why if not why?

[@moes548]

@@reshad711I’ve had a 2022 Volvo for 9 months. I got rid of it. It was made in Sweden but all the parts were made in China. If you do buy, expect the car to only last 5 years max. There is also a lot of time that will be spent repairing a new car.

[@reshad711]

@@moes548 So it’s not worth buying if the quality of the technical one is very expensive or not of high quality, but in China they sell this model, but with a hybrid, you say you used it for 5 years and sold it now. What did you buy?

[@moes548]

@@reshad711 I only had the car for 9 months. I got tired of taking it back to the dealer to get it fixed. About once every other week I was at the dealer. The dealer and Volvo were very helpful and accommodating. Customer service was on spot! However during my 9 months the main computer system failed, Apple car play never worked, the GPS system failed, and also my electrical system needed to be repaired. All covered by warranty. I didn’t think my car would last longer than 5 years because it just seemed like something new always came up and when. I got rid of mine the transmission was shifting weird and thought it was time to let it go. I did love the ride! It’s by far the best ride I’ve driven. I would just stay away from Volvo. They have to much tech and it doesn’t seem like they have figured anything out. They just release cars and kinda hood it works out IMo. Anyways, I ended up getting a Mazda CX-90. It was cheaper with almost all the bells and whistles and I have had this car for about 7 months now and haven’t needed to do anything besides basic oil changes. As of now there isn’t anything wrong but it’s a very good alternative to the Volvo. I’ve even found on Reddit and other forums that people who have left Volvo went to Mazda which was funny to read. Long story short, Volvo is an nice ride. If you have the time to get it fixed and money isn’t a problem to cycle through the car then you know know what you’re getting into. If it’s longevity that you’re looking for then I’d consider something other than a Volvo

[@dukedutch1981]

Don’t buy! I’ve had XC90 T8 few years now and even though I originally loved it, that love disappeared throughout the time! I’ve never been to the garage so many times in my life!! Only now after few years I had one of the Volvo mechanics saying outright to me… Don’t buy a new one! Volvo don’t have quality like they used to. We’re seeing many issues across the board and especially the T8. It’s fair the day that Volvo pushes out max, max ,max out of a 2.0 liter 4 cilinder, but maybe it’s to much. Engine failures, blown up turbo (7k) repair, engine overheating, sensor issue etc etc… I came back to Volvo after years of BMW, but I probably won’t be back for years again. Such a shame for such a beautiful car and concept 😔

[@fartman10284]

The XC90 doesn't have a good success rate off-road on this channel

[@kurakuson]

Looks like Free-Range chicken.

[@Pedroaghyu]

Can reviewers start talking about the cost of replacing the batteries, your car is worth nothing when the batteries wear out unless you replace them. I heard they can cost 20 to 40 thousand

[@drivingsports]

Batteries reduce to roughly 80% after a decade. It’s not an issue for most buyers as that is still very usable range. You are as likely to need a battery replacement during ownership, as you are a turbo replacement.

[@ChenChangChenChen]

There's 8yr warranty on battery.

[@East17A]

unfortunately not cheap to own or to maintain either!! in a world that claims to concern about the environment, I would think Volvo and others will consider building reliable Vehicles as a part of their mission... but this is business as usual!! it's all about the money. then it is for the environment.

[@wildbill23c]

They intentionally build vehicles to fall apart within a few years to get people back on the lot to buy another plastic box on wheels for 80% more than the vehicle is worth.

[@East17A]

@@wildbill23c not just that keeping people in auto dept due short life reliability of their vehicles is very unethical business model.

[@wetali91]

Like for chicken 😊

[@jeeefthegreat7555]

Savagegese owned one personally for a year ... and says it's total garbage.

[@IshtiaqAlam]

He had a B6. Not T8 Recharge.

[@jeeefthegreat7555]

@@IshtiaqAlam Same car, same design, same manufacturing, saaaaaame problems.

[@jx3studios771]

@@jeeefthegreat7555not the same problems, he owned an earlier model. This is a facelift and most problems are gone

[@moes548]

He had an older model. I had the newer model and it was crap too. Tech is pretty bad in the car. Car is no good

[@KeikoFXDesigns]

Leave it up the Russians with that Volvo lol. They'll put it through hell lol

[@nikolayrayanov2895]

I'd get the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV instead of this and invest the difference in money into something else.

[@marek19]

People buy Volvos for safety.

[@aab5831]

85 k $. That is very expensive car I guess it’s because they put transmission made of crystals and I’m not sure that original crystals or no

[@samuelgermond2866]

its not the car its the-

[@SS-wm1wy]

Too much gloss black plastic on the inside. It should be a crime to put this inside any car, or on the outside like mirror caps, or gloss black wheels. No real buttons, Ewww.

[@ivanlowjones]

Who would legislate the crime of too much gloss black interior plastic?

[@MunteanuAdrianXD]

So if you don’t like something that thing should be a crime? You are so smart

[@RolexGMTII]

The vented seats are a waste.

[@garrettw99]

PHEV is “in fact” the best of both worlds? I think of it as the worst of both worlds. It is only best in terms of range anxiety. It is generally the worst in terms of efficiency, driving dynamics, interior packaging, reliability, powertrain complexity, etc.

[@TheCJUN]

It was a bad combination, heavy battery high fuel consumption with short electric range. Now with improved batteries, it's a good choice.

[@ziv2liv]

I don't know why anyone would still buy Volvo. They are horribly expensive to maintain, and quite unrliable. I used to own a Jeep Grand Cherokee and moved to Toyotal 4Runner seven years ago and my Wife used to drive a Volvo XC60 and moved to Lexus NX in 2018...

[@amrashraf9559]

Are lexus and toyota more reliable than volvos ?

[@ziv2liv]

@@amrashraf9559 YES! And it more expensive to maintain.

[@tinker1148]

Lol you told it 67 degrees and it set to 68 degrees lol! So no; it’s definitely not smart!