2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge vs. 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e Comparison - Kelley Blue Book (2024)

If you’re looking for a midsize SUV with presence, power, and opulence but also value, it’s time to focus on luxury hybrid utes like the 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge and the 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e.

This duo of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) provides plenty of performance, which is especially helpful when around town running daily errands or scooting home from the office. With the ability to drive electric-only mode for dozens of miles, buyers may go months before filling the gas tank.

Let’s dive in and get a closer look at these two hybrid luxury SUVs.

2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge

If there was ever a vehicle that lives up to the Volvo ethos, it’s the XC90 Recharge. It features spirited yet efficient performance courtesy of the hybrid powertrain. The Swedish brand has been a technological leader for decades.

It’s laden with safety and comfort technologies. The interior features the contemporary, clean look associated with the brand. With room for seven, which the hybrid X5 doesn’t offer, it’s the brand’s flagship utility vehicle. Its spacious cabin, commanding performance, handsome exterior, and strong safety scores make it a tough combo to top.

Pricing starts at $73,195, including destination fees.

Volvo XC90 Recharge Highlights

Hybrid power:Putting out 455 horsepower, it can travel up to 32 miles on electricity alone. The EPA gives it a 58 MPGe combined fuel economy rating, which translates to low fuel costs. No need to rush to the gas station as you can recharge the battery in about four hours at home using a 240-volt charging system.

A reputation for safety:The XC90 secured a 5-Star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) tests are a little more demanding, and it gave the XC90 its highest award, Top Safety Pick+. Volvo knows where its bread is buttered — safety first.

Loud luxury:Not even the slightest musical nuance will escape passengers courtesy of this SUV’s 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. Already a leader in the segment, it updated the system for 2024 with new laminated side windows to keep road noise out and make it even quieter — or louder.

Check this week’sFair Purchase Priceor see the Volvo XC90 Recharge modelsfor sale near you.

2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e

When you take one of the top-selling luxury SUVs in the U.S. and make it a plug-in hybrid, you get a class-leading vehicle, and that’s exactly what the 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e is. The brand’s style, performance, luxury, and functionality now also enjoy better fuel economy and the torque benefits of an electric motor.

The new model focuses on driver performance and passenger comfort. Drivers benefit from an all-new curved display with a massive 14.9-inch center screen as well as the company’s Highway Assistant hands-free driving system. Pricing for the hybrid starts at $73,495, including destination fees.

BMW X5 xDrive50e Highlights

39-mile electric range:Don’t want to use any gas today — or most days? No problem, as it can travel farther than most PHEVs in electric-only mode and a bit farther than the XC90 Recharge. If you have a 240-volt charger at home, you can charge it back up slightly quicker than the Volvo.

Plenty of room:Larger SUVs often come with a third row, which isn’t always very helpful, but BMW focuses on ensuring there’s plenty of space for five adults and everything they need to bring with them.

Tech-focused:Highway Assistant is the brand’s hands-free driving system. It allows the driver to take their hands off the steering wheel when driving on limited access highways at speeds up to 85 mph. This reduces driver fatigue on long trips.

Check this week’sFair Purchase Priceor see the X5 xDrive50e modelsfor sale near you.

Similarities

Powerful, handsome, and with plenty of leading-edge technology, make these top choices when searching for a luxury hybrid SUV.

Conclusion

The Volvo XC90 provides comfort, safety, improved fuel economy, and performance. It also features seating for seven. The BMW X5 xDrive50e offers all that the XC90 Recharge does, but just a bit more, except it only seats five. However, it does all that for approximately the same starting price. So, how often do you need to carry seven people around?