2025 Volvo XC90 Evaluate: Refreshed Swedish SUV

Whereas only a mid-cycle replace, the 2025.5 Volvo XC90 will get some high quality updates. However extra importantly, it retains a lot of what makes it a Volvo. As a Volvo spokesperson instructed me, consider the most recent XC90 as an “outdated good friend who retains getting higher.”

Volvo’s flagship debuted all the best way again in 2002. The second technology, which the 2025.5 is an iteration of, got here out in 2015. This car isn’t any spring hen, however gross sales proceed to be robust.

I flew midway across the globe to spend a number of days driving the most recent XC90 as a way to deliver you first-hand expertise impressions of this Swedish luxurious SUV. Whereas a lot of the expertise was chilly, windy, and moist, I used to be at all times very comfy inside each the B5 and T8 variations of the XC90 that I skilled.

In Quick: The XC90 has chiseled out its personal place out there and this newest refresh simply makes it higher. Whereas I’m not a fan of the bottom mild-hybrid powertrain or normal suspension, the 2025.5 Volvo XC90 T8 eAWD plug-in hybrid with air suspension is a three-row luxurious SUV worthy of consideration.

2025 Volvo XC90 Evaluate

This refreshed second technology XC90 three-row luxurious SUV is only a good car to spend time in. The design is clear and the 2025.5 updates make a high quality car even higher.

What’s New Outdoors?

Let’s dive proper into what’s new. The obvious updates are the brand new grille and lighting. These updates have additionally necessitated slight adjustments to the entrance air intakes, entrance bumper, hood, and entrance fenders.

The headlights are an up to date, fashionable tackle Volvo’s ‘Thor’s Hammer’ type lighting design that’s slimmer and stretches all the best way to the grille. The brand new headlights are a 15-segment matrix gentle expertise that’s mentioned to provide a “large and lengthy gentle sample.” I discovered them to work fairly effectively within the dreary grey fall climate I skilled in southern Sweden and northern Denmark.

Whereas the rear of the car doesn’t actually change, the taillamps have been up to date in expertise and tinted.

New 20 to 22 inch wheels, three new designs, additionally elevate the trendy look of this Scandinavian SUV.

There are each Darkish and Brilliant exterior trim choices on the most recent XC90. The brand new colour for 2025.5 is Mulberry crimson.

What’s New Inside?

A giant replace contained in the 2025.5 Volvo XC90 is the 11.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, with Google built-in. Whereas it seems to be a bit tacked onto the sprint, as an alternative of built-in into it, it’s functionally superb. It’s basically the identical as discovered within the newest EX30 and EX90 electrical automobiles, which is an efficient factor.

There’s a bar formed button slightly below the touchscreen that may at all times deliver you again to the house display screen, which is a really useful characteristic. By hitting the bar button once more the map will get greater on the display screen, which can be helpful. Drive modes are additionally simply accessible on the house display screen.

A brand new and improved encompass digital camera system is available in very useful when navigating tight city streets.

All XC90 fashions get a brand new recycled textile deco on the sprint, simply above new curved pure ash wooden trim. Between these two new parts is an ambient lighting system that appears nice, reflecting off the curved wooden.

The entrance cupholder within the console now holds two massive cups/bottles/cans and a thin can (assume Pink Bull can) and is roofed when not in use by an accordion type wooden cowl. It additionally has a vertical cellphone holder on the entrance. On the entrance of the console, past the cup holder and equipment selector, is now a big wi-fi cellphone charging pad.

A brand new mid-grade ‘Nordico’ upholstery choice seems to be like leather-based, however is manufactured from recycled plastic and pine resin.

Similar Similar

The 2 different inside choices carry over from 2024, a Napa leather-based or Textile. The leather-based choice is the one choice if you would like air flow and/or therapeutic massage in your entrance seats. The Textile choice solely is available in a darkish blue colour with a big Herringbone sample and is manufactured from 100% recycled polyester. I like the Textile appear and feel, however actually want it was supplied with therapeutic massage.

As earlier than, the U.S. market will get the XC90 in B5, B6, and T8 variations, in three trim ranges of every mannequin — Core, Plus, and Extremely —, and in 7 and 6 seat configurations. All 2025.5 XC90 fashions are AWD, have a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine and a really easy 8-speed automated transmission. The B6 mannequin will get an e-supercharger and the T8 mannequin combines that turbo gasoline engine with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system.

The B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains come normal with Normal and Offroad drive modes, delicate and agency steering modes, and mediocre efficiency (7.3 and 6.4 seconds to 60 mph, respectively).

The T8’s plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain however presents very competent efficiency with a 0-60 time of 5.1 seconds. With 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque on faucet, this luxurious SUV strikes its 4,910 pound weight across the metropolis and freeway with ease. That energy comes through an inline four-cylinder 2.0L turbo mixed with a rear electrical motor. It additionally presents 33 miles of all-electric vary. The PHEV will get Hybrid, Pure, and Offroad drive modes and Auto/Maintain/Cost battery utilization modes.

All 2025.5 XC90 coming to the U.S. market get a panoramic (glass) roof. The darkish tinting of the glass is sweet at decreasing solar glare, whereas an influence sunshade helps cut back the solar’s heating results when outdoors air temps get excessive.

The non-obligatory top-of-the-line Bowers & Wilkens sound system is kind of spectacular. A good way to expertise it totally is to make use of the demo app within the infotainment system, however it is just accessible whereas the car is in park. The sound stage choices and sound high quality are fine quality, as are the feel and appear of the chrome steel speaker grills. The 1,410-watt audio system has 19 audio system and a novel tweeter within the middle of the sprint, which is each cool-looking and a bit distracting.

Up to date Suspension

There are two suspensions on supply on the 2025.5 Volvo XC90.

The brand new base suspension is an FSD (frequency selective damping) setup with new softer springs, dampers, a thicker entrance anti-roll bar, and recalibrated software program for the steering. Volvo says all of this permits the wheels to maneuver extra freely however hold the physique extra managed. It says “every damper mechanically adapts its traits to present highway circumstances to optimize each consolation and stability, including to a extra assured and relaxed driving expertise on all roads.” I’m not all that satisfied, as I discovered the trip to be a bit sloppy and never all that comfy.

On the flip aspect of the coin, the carry over from 2024 non-obligatory air suspension with energetic chassis expertise I discovered to be nice over a variety of highway circumstances. Not solely did it permit me to extract probably the most efficiency out of the XC90 but in addition cruise in consolation. This non-obligatory suspension is on the market throughout all fashions within the XC90 lineup, and an improve I extremely suggest.

I’ve to notice that I appear to be within the minority amongst automotive journalists in terms of this opinion, as most that I belief don’t appear to assume the air suspension is value the additional price over the bottom suspension, particularly in its new type. So, my advice is to check drive each back-to-back at your native Volvo seller and make up your individual opinon.

2025.5 XC90: The Good

Now, let’s dive into what I discovered to be actually good in regards to the 2025 Volvo XC90, because it actually is a compelling car.

Even with the fitted winter tires, at occasions heavy rain, and a few tough rural Swedish roads the XC90 had a really quiet cabin. Volvo added foam insulation to the A and B pillars and extra insulation to the firewall for this newest replace, and it’s noticeable and appreciated.

Each contact level within the XC90 has been optimized for consolation. They’re almost all delicate and textured. You need to contact issues within the XC90. Even seize handles are coated in delicate leather-like materials that appears to be stitched on.

I like the brand new steering wheel design, because it’s comfy within the palms and appears sharp. It additionally telescopes method again, which is nice for tall folks like myself that don’t need our shins in opposition to the sprint. However, the steering wheel is simply manually adjustable, not energy adjustable such as you may anticipate in a luxurious car on this class, and like the electrical EX90 presents.

In addition to the nice new central touchscreen the XC90 additionally has a 12.3-inch driver show and non-obligatory head-up show (HUD). All these screens work effectively collectively, are excessive decision, and have impressively clear graphics, though they could be a bit busy at occasions.

2025.5 XC90: The Could possibly be Higher

Now, we additionally need to dive into a number of of the issues that I discovered with the 2025 Volvo XC90 that didn’t impress.

First, not one of the three out there powertrain choices will get spectacular gasoline economic system, though none are horrible. All require premium gasoline. The B5 will get 26 MPG, B6 23, and T8 27. Whereas 33 miles of electrical vary with the T8 PHEV could be very usable, it has been eclipsed by opponents and is one thing I assumed may see enchancment with this replace.

How in 2025 does this luxurious SUV not have wi-fi Apple CarPlay? It does have CarPlay, however you must plug your cellphone in to allow it. I did hear whispers that wi-fi performance is perhaps coming by the use of an over-the-air (OTA) replace quickly.

Whereas not surprising, the third row on this SUV is kind of small. it’s completely acceptable for teenagers, however is a really tight match for any common sized adults.

Whereas minor, its a significant oversight for my part. The solar visors don’t prolong to supply full protection of the aspect home windows. It is a fundamental performance factor that has been round ceaselessly, so could be very odd that Volvo wouldn’t supply extending solar visors on the XC90.

2025.5 Volvo XC90 Evaluate Wrap-up

Whereas base mannequin pricing begins slightly below $60k, a top-spec mannequin simply climbs over $80k. And, the highest spec PHEV with air suspension is the model I’d suggest contemplating.

The 2025.5 Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV with air suspension is only a very nice car to reside with. It’s quiet inside, presents comfy seats, an intuitive and poweful infotainment, and is mostly only a nice place to spend time in. It additionally has responsive driver controls, easy suspension, and is tremendous protected in all climate circumstances. High all that off with sufficient room to hold plenty of gear and/or household/pals and also you’ve received a fairly spectacular bundle.

Whereas the styling is a bit subdued and missing in aptitude, it’s cohesive and satisfying in and out. The 2025 XC90 is unlikely to show heads and entice a lot consideration however will please all of the senses of its proprietor and passengers.

Earlier than I go away you, I’ve to deal with the elephant within the room. Whereas they give the impression of being quite a bit alike and have very related names, the XC90 and EX90 are fairly completely different automobiles beneath the pores and skin. Though, with the XC90’s 2025.5 refresh it does get most of the similar options as its full-electric steady mate. The XC90 has window switches, which the EX90 doesn’t — I do know, loopy that’s one thing we’ve to speak about! Nevertheless, the XC90 is missing the EX90’s Lidar and energy adjustable steering wheel.