2025 Volvo XC90 Review

2025 Volvo XC90 – Overview

Despite going a full decade without a complete redesign, the 2025 Volvo XC90 continues to be a compelling choice in the midsize luxury SUV market. A mid-cycle update arriving in the first quarter of the year breathes new life into this long-standing favorite—though early 2025 models won’t receive the facelift.

Buyers can choose from three available powertrains. The base B5 comes equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 247 horsepower. Step up to the B6, and you’ll find the same engine enhanced with a supercharger, raising output to 295 horsepower. Both variants feature a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for added efficiency. For those seeking more electrification, the T8 plug-in hybrid (reviewed separately) combines serious performance with eco-conscious credentials, offering a muscular 455 horsepower and an electric-only range of up to 33 miles.

Inside, the XC90 shines with its premium Scandinavian craftsmanship. Expect elegant open-pore wood inlays, supple leather upholstery, and refined metallic accents that elevate the overall ambiance. On the road, the XC90 delivers a pleasant driving experience, though the ride may feel firm over rough surfaces, particularly with the optional 22-inch wheels. Volvo claims the updated suspension improves comfort, but our initial impressions from a drive on Sweden’s smooth highways didn’t reveal a significant change.

Even so, the XC90’s design still looks contemporary, and its interior quality stands shoulder-to-shoulder with newer rivals. Thanks to its handsome aesthetics, sophisticated materials, and range of powertrains, the 2025 XC90 remains a top-tier contender among premium SUVs—holding its own against fresher competition like the BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne, Genesis GV80, and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.

When Is The 2025 Volvo XC90 Coming Out?

Volvo officially announced the 2025 XC90 would hit dealerships starting in late summer 2024, with a nationwide rollout continuing into early 2025. This launch aligns with Volvo’s broader goal to electrify its lineup — the 2025 XC90 arrives with updated hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains alongside mild hybrid options.

Potential buyers can expect early availability of higher trims with electrified powertrains, while base models will follow shortly after. Reservations and test drives began in mid-2024, allowing enthusiasts to secure their orders in advance.

What’s New for 2025 Volvo XC90 ?

Volvo has made a series of thoughtful updates to the XC90 for the 2025 model year, though things might get a little confusing for buyers. That’s because the refreshed version won’t arrive until the first quarter of 2025, while earlier 2025 models will still feature the previous design. Both will be sold concurrently until inventory of the outgoing version is depleted.

The updated XC90 brings a host of improvements, including a refreshed front fascia, a redesigned dashboard, upgraded interior materials, and enhanced sound insulation for a quieter, more refined cabin. The suspension has also been retuned to deliver a smoother ride, and a new 11.2-inch infotainment screen replaces the outgoing setup.

Trim-level changes round out the updates: the base Core trim now rides on larger 20-inch wheels (up from 19 inches), and the Plus trim gains laminated acoustic side glass for even better cabin quietness. The previous top-tier Ultimate trim has been renamed Ultra and is available with any of the XC90’s three powertrains.

Additionally, 2025 marks the introduction of Volvo’s all-new electric flagship, the EX90, which will join the lineup as a separate, fully electric alternative.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The 2025 Volvo XC90 starts at $58,695 and can climb to around $71,845, depending on the chosen trim and available options.

Volvo offers a generous level of customization, making it easy to tailor the XC90 to your needs. For the best balance of luxury, performance, and value, we recommend the Plus trim paired with the more powerful B6 engine, which delivers 295 horsepower. This configuration strikes a sweet spot in the lineup, offering strong performance without pushing the price too high.

We also suggest opting for the standard seven-passenger bench-seat configuration, which provides greater versatility and helps keep costs down compared to the optional second-row captain’s chairs.

While the refreshed version of the XC90 commands only a modest $1,000 premium over the carryover model, it’s the better choice for buyers who want the latest features and design updates. That said, if you’re looking to save some money, the early-production 2025 XC90s may be available with dealer discounts—making them a smart pick for budget-conscious shoppers willing to forgo the updates.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Both the B5 and B6 versions of the 2025 Volvo XC90 benefit from a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, adding a touch of electrification to enhance efficiency and responsiveness. The B5 setup features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 247 horsepower. Stepping up to the B6 adds a supercharger into the mix, boosting output to a more satisfying 295 horsepower.

Regardless of the engine, every XC90 comes standard with all-wheel drive and a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, ensuring confident performance across all trims and road conditions.

On the road, the XC90 favors a composed, comfort-oriented driving character. It exhibits noticeable body roll through corners—typical for a luxury SUV of its size—but the steering is precise and nicely weighted, offering a satisfying balance between light touch and firm control. Our test vehicle came equipped with the optional air suspension, which delivered a cushioned, refined ride and effectively absorbed most imperfections in the road.

However, we did notice some chassis noise over sharper bumps, hinting at room for improvement in ride quality. Volvo appears to have addressed this in the refreshed 2025 model, which includes revised suspension components and new dampers engineered to better isolate the cabin from rough pavement. We look forward to evaluating these updates more thoroughly on less-than-perfect roads.

0–60 MPH Times

While we haven’t yet tested the latest 48-volt hybrid versions of the XC90’s B5 and B6 powertrains, Volvo provides factory-estimated performance figures. The B6 variant is expected to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, offering solid acceleration for a midsize luxury SUV. The B5, with its lower output, is estimated to reach 60 mph in 7.3 seconds—respectable, but more relaxed in character.

These figures suggest that while the B5 is tuned more for efficiency and smooth cruising, the B6 delivers the extra punch drivers may want for confident merging and passing.

Towing and Payload Capacity

If towing is on your agenda, it’s important to know the limits tied to each XC90 powertrain. The maximum towing capacity for the 2025 Volvo XC90 is 5,000 pounds, but that figure applies only to models equipped with the 295-hp B6 engine. Opting for the base 247-hp B5 powertrain reduces towing capability to a maximum of 4,000 pounds.

So, whether you’re hauling a small camper, a boat, or a pair of jet skis, you’ll want to choose the B6 if you need the full towing potential the XC90 can offer.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Aside from the plug-in hybrid variant, the Volvo XC90’s four-cylinder engines deliver fuel efficiency that closely matches many six-cylinder rivals in the luxury midsize SUV segment. The 247-hp B5 powertrain earns an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Meanwhile, the more powerful 295-hp B6 model is rated slightly lower at 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

For comparison, the six-cylinder BMW X5 xDrive40i posts EPA ratings of 23 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, illustrating that the XC90’s smaller engines hold their own in fuel economy.

For the latest and most detailed fuel economy information on the XC90, you can visit the EPA’s official website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Volvo XC90’s cabin is a study in understated luxury, combining elegant design with premium materials to create a welcoming and refined atmosphere. The refreshed 2025 model elevates the experience further with upgraded interior finishes, a redesigned dashboard, an updated center console, and new textile upholstery options that add both style and comfort.

Seating configurations are flexible, offering 5-, 6-, or 7-passenger layouts to suit a variety of needs. However, adults may find the third row cramped and uncomfortable for longer trips, making it better suited for children or occasional use.

Thanks to the XC90’s broad, boxy profile, cargo space is generous and practical, making it easy to haul bulky gear. That said, while storage compartments throughout the cabin are thoughtfully placed, they don’t quite match the cavernous capacity offered by some rivals.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2025 Volvo XC90 offers a sleek and intuitive infotainment experience. Early 2025 models come equipped with a crisp 9.0-inch tablet-style touchscreen, while the refreshed version upgrades to a larger, more immersive 11.2-inch display. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is standard across all trims, and those seeking extra convenience can opt for an available head-up display.

The system runs on Google’s Android Automotive platform, providing seamless integration and a user-friendly interface. iPhone users will appreciate that Apple CarPlay comes standard on both the main screen and the digital cluster. Built-in Google Maps navigation and Google Assistant voice controls allow for effortless interaction and hands-free operation.

Audio quality is well catered for, with a standard ten-speaker stereo powered by a 220-watt amplifier. For audiophiles, Volvo offers two premium upgrades: a 600-watt, 14-speaker Harman/Kardon system, or the top-tier Bowers & Wilkins setup, which boasts an impressive 1410 watts through 19 speakers, delivering a truly immersive sound experience.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Volvo’s reputation for safety excellence continues with the XC90, which comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies designed to protect you and your passengers on every journey.

Key standard safety features include:

• Automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, helping to avoid or mitigate collisions in critical situations.

• Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist that alert you if you drift from your lane and gently steer the vehicle back to maintain proper lane position.

• Adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering function, which not only maintains a set speed and following distance but also helps keep the XC90 centered in its lane during highway driving.

For detailed crash test ratings and safety scores, you can visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Volvo XC90 offers a warranty package that’s fairly standard compared to other luxury SUVs in its class. However, it stands out by including complimentary scheduled maintenance, which adds extra value for owners.

• Limited warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

• Powertrain warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

• Complimentary scheduled maintenance: 3 years or 36,000 miles

This maintenance coverage helps keep ownership costs down by covering routine service visits during the initial years of ownership.

2025 Volvo XC90 Specifications

Final Verdict

The 2025 Volvo XC90 is a compelling luxury SUV that balances performance, safety, and sustainability. Its Scandinavian design ethos translates into an elegant yet functional cabin, and its electrified powertrain options underscore Volvo’s commitment to a greener future. Whether you prioritize fuel efficiency, power, or cutting-edge tech, the XC90 offers configurations that cater to diverse needs.

Its top-tier safety features, smooth ride, and upscale interior make it an excellent choice for families and professionals alike. While pricing skews toward the premium end, the value offered in terms of comfort, technology, and brand prestige justifies the investment.

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