Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025.5 Volvo XC90
Over the years, Volvo stayed true to the XC90’s mission as its flagship vehicle. Over time, electrification became part of the lineup.
Remember when Volvo won its first of two #VOTYs?
This was the one that started its back-to-back “dominance” of our Vehicle of The Year Award in 2016. The XC90 was the first of a new wave of models that would turn the fortunes around for the Chinese-owned Swedish automaker. This was built on a new platform that spawned the 90 and 60 Series models framing a lineup that enveloped SUVs, wagons, and sedans.
Over the years, Volvo stayed true to the XC90’s mission as its flagship vehicle. Over time, electrification became part of the lineup. Today, you have a choice of two mild hybrids and a plug-in version.
In the middle of the 2025 model year, Volvo rolled out an updated version of the XC90. The emphasis is on not only the electrified lineup, but of visual and functional cues. We figured we should see how has our #VOTY16 evolved into the 2025.5 XC90.
The main change is in the front clip. The new interpretation of Volvo’s signature design language adds a diagonal form framed by the brand’s swoop line and logo. The parallel diagonal lines go against that defining frame, which gives Volvo a more expressive visual than before.
The new front clip also houses a new generation of the “Thor Hammer” LED headlamp units. The hammer element is more defined, while ensuring proper illumination up front.
What has not really changed is its silhouette. It is “boxy,” but friendly to the eye. Glass area has always been large and that has not changed. That also includes the LED taillight design.
This Ultra trim level offers subtle chrome touches to go along with the 21-inch alloy wheels. You cannot mistake the XC90 for anything else on the road. The new front clip defines this idea even further.
There are two noticeable changes in the interior. One, is the new tablet-like infotainment screen that is attached where the old screen used to be. The system prioritizes Google built-in as its primary connectivity suite. You can also mirror Apple CarPlay. You now can change drive modes through this screen, instead of a separate button on the center console.
The other notable visual interior update is the speaker grilles for the available Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound system. The texture is luxurious with a finer mesh design. The speakers and the various one options have not changed, including preset sound profiles.
Aside from those two updates. the interior itself has not completely changed. A few minute tweaks here and there, but the essence remains. That includes a fully digital instrument cluster, the Orefors crystal shifter, the twist-knob starter and all other controls.
Perforated leather adorns the front seats. They offer a multitude of electrically assisted adjustments. The second- and third-row seats are also leather upholstered. Second row captain’s chairs offer comfort and adjustability. They also slide away for third-row access. Adults will enjoy the space in the first two rows. The third row is best for children.
Cargo space is quite generous for its size class. With the second- and third-row seats folded down, there is 85.7 cubic feet to fill up.
With a choice of electrified drivelines, our Ultra tester came with the T8 plug-in hybrid system. This driveline consists of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder internal combustion engine, an electric motor, an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery pack, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. Putting it all together, there is 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque between the two power sources.
Volvo’s latest generation of the T8 driveline is quite powerful. You definitely have acceleration when you need it and poised cruising on the highway. Transfer between the two power sources was seamless, but you have quicker take-off with energy in the drive battery.
What is more important is the T8’s efficiency. When we used our Level 2 charger at home, we returned 33 miles for a full state of charge. That was gone after 39 minutes of driving. Aw far as fuel economy is concerned, we averaged 25.7 MPG overall.
Practically every XC90 we worked with since the award-winning 2016 model have been blessed with the air suspension system. Not only does it work to keep the XC90 smooth and comfortable on the highway, it also adjusts the ride height automatically. You could go into the infotainment screen and make adjustments, but you’re better off letting the XC90 do that for you.
In turn, we found the handling tending towards the softer side. There was some lean and roll that was felt, but it was not as pronounced when doing evasive maneuvers and going through the turns. The steering system was found to be quite responsive. On center feel was good in keeping the XC90 within the lane.
The biggest disappointment was the brakes. The pedal felt spongy and too soft for even normal stops. Panic stops showed a different side with immediate response from the pedal. It stopped on wet surfaces pretty decently.
Volvo offers not only a choice of two mild hybrids and the plug-in hybrid for the 2025.5 XC90; you can also choose between three trim levels. Pricing starts from $58,540. This T8 Plug-In Hybrid all-wheel drive Ultra tester came with a sticker price of $88,895.
Nine years after awarding #VOTY16 to the Volvo XC90, this luxury three-row SUV continues to attract brand loyalists with a few twists to its signature style. It also engages us to consider the future with a lineup of electrified drivelines – this T8 plug-in hybrid included.
What has changed, really? Aside from electrification, not much. The new infotainment screen perhaps, but is that what makes it a Volvo at its core?
That’s the entire point: It’s a Volvo. Certainly, it is as far from the Amazons, the red blocks, and the first generation XC90. Yet, this 2025.5 XC90 still sticks to what it does best: It’s a Volvo for families.
DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Volvo Cars North America – our opinions are of our own.
All photos by Randy Stern