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### FYI: Exploring the Pros and Cons of the 2023 Volvo V90 T8 Recharge
Plug-in hybrids can be seen as either the ultimate compromise or a troublesome mix, and the 2023 Volvo V90 T8 Recharge exemplifies this dichotomy. While some may debate its merits, for those who can charge regularly, it might just be the ideal replacement for older combustion vehicles.
I recently upgraded from a 2001 Volkswagen Golf and a 2006 Land Rover LR3 to a used 2023 Volvo V90 T8 Recharge, logging over 3,100 miles in the past two months. The transition has significantly reduced my maintenance headaches and fuel expenses.
### Why Not Go Fully Electric?
My decision to choose the Volvo over an all-electric model was driven by practicality and budget. While a Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer was out of my price range, alternatives like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6 didn’t meet my family’s space requirements. The V90 emerged as a surprise, ticking all the necessary boxes for us.
### The Specs that Impress
The Volvo V90 T8 boasts a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a substantial 455 horsepower. It’s the most powerful vehicle I’ve owned, sharing its platform with Volvo’s XC60 and XC90 models. Although the old Sensus system has been replaced by Android Automotive OS, the infotainment experience isn’t flawless.
### Costs and Efficiency
For daily commutes and road trips, the V90’s hybrid power translates into considerable savings. Compared to my previous vehicles, refueling costs are halved when running mostly on electricity. Over 3,100 miles, I’ve used just 44 gallons of premium gasoline, achieving an efficient 50 mpg overall.
On electricity, the vehicle averages 3.65 miles per kWh. Even when the battery depletes on longer trips, fuel efficiency remains at 34 mpg.
### Real-World Electric Range
Officially, the V90 T8 offers an electric range of up to 54 miles on the WLTP cycle. In practice, this is accurate; I’ve even achieved a personal best of 71 miles on a warm day. Despite Volvo’s claim of a 14.9 kWh battery capacity, my observations suggest a more liberal battery usage of up to 18 kWh.
### The Annoyances
A few quirks persist, such as inactive buttons and a sometimes overzealous automated braking system in reverse. Navigating drive modes can be tedious, requiring multiple screen taps to switch from the default Hybrid to the preferred Pure mode. Additionally, Google’s voice assistant offers limited vehicle control.
### Appreciating the Ride
Despite minor annoyances, the V90 provides an exceptional driving experience with a quiet cabin, comfortable seats, and a refined suspension. It’s powerful yet subtle, attracting little attention—a feature I appreciate.
### Reliability
Thus far, the Volvo has proven reliable, with no mechanical issues. Scheduled maintenance is on the horizon, and preemptive fluid changes are planned, despite not being explicit in Volvo’s guidelines.
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Authored by William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi.
