Volvo’s electrified SUVs have enjoyed comprehensive success in the 2022 What Car? Electric Car Awards, collecting three category wins. The results, announced on Wednesday, 31st August, maintain Volvo’s impressive track record in the competition and reaffirm the across-the-board strengths of its Recharge plug-in hybrid petrol-electric models.
The XC40 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T4 was once again the emphatic winner of the Best Hybrid Small SUV award, retaining its title for the second year running. The judges commented that “no rival can match its all-round ability”. Highlighting an all-electric range that is easily sufficient for local trips, they remarked on the “impressively economical 1.5-litre petrol engine” and the car’s “comfortable ride and spacious, well-finished interior”. They also pointed out how, unlike in many rival models, accommodating the plug-in hybrid technology does not compromise space in the load compartment.
Practicality, spaciousness, advanced safety features and a “plush interior” were key factors in the XC60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T8’s success in the Best Used Hybrid Large SUV category. The judges also considered the XC60 to be superior to its rivals in the used car market, declaring it “more affordable and offering stronger performance, despite having a competitive electric range”.
The XC90 remains the undisputed leader in the Best Used Hybrid Luxury SUV class, the seven-seat Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T8 taking the title for a second successive year. The result marks three honours in three years for the XC90, the Volvo range-topper having won as a ‘new’ model in 2020. The XC90 continues to impress the What Car? judging panel, who praised its “outstandingly quick acceleration”, generous pure-electric driving range and “seriously tempting prices” for pre-owned examples.
