Volvo’s three-row SUV receives a minor refresh for 2025, but this second-generation model has already been on the market for a decade—an eternity in the automotive industry. Despite its age, the XC90 appears fresh as a daisy and demonstrates that the Swedes excel at building timeless machines. The only other vehicles with such long product cycles are well-established icons like the Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Wrangler, and Nissan GT-R.

This XC90 is technically a 2025.5 model, as the early 2025 models did not receive a refresh, but with it comes new looks and a revised interior. The manicured front hood and slimmer headlights provide softer energy, and while it’s not knee-quiveringly attractive (no SUV is), it’s not an aesthetic overload either. The updated grill works and revitalizes the silhouette with its cross pattern adorned like a freshly-tied bathrobe, and this Bright Dusk paint brings it all to life with faint pink tones shimmering on a warm silver backdrop. The tall rear lights remain unchanged, maintaining that signature stance that pays tribute to its progenitor. In short, the reinvigorated XC90 looks like it belongs in 2025.

The interior reminds us why the XC90 was such a game-changer back in 2015. Scandi-simplicity remains in vogue, much like the design philosophies of other Swedish brands, such as COS or IKEA. The use of light woods, bright leathers, and uncluttered surfaces instantly transports us to a calmer and more relaxed state of mind. But there aren’t any radical changes for 2025, more of a slight nip and tuck to the dashboard layout with a larger 11.2-inch touchscreen, more center console space, and a repositioned wireless charging pad.

The option for six or seven-seater configurations remains available, and all the switchgear and knobs have been retained as well, along with the accompanying ergonomics and functionality that they offer. You see, these touchpoints hark back to a time when tactility reigned over technology, and it appears that many automakers, including Volvo, have lost that focus. With the electric Volvo EX30 and EX90, there aren’t any physical switches or levers to open the glovebox or operate the steering wheel, mirror, or seat memory adjustments. Those functions have been delegated to the touchscreen. Volvo even cut back on installing individual switches to operate the rear windows.

It’s refreshing to use these robust and accessible physical switches again, not to mention the solid crystal Orrefors gear lever, which Volvo has unfortunately eliminated from all its new EX models. The XC90 also retains useful features, such as the headrest fold and the ability to adjust the passenger seat from the driver’s, but activating it requires navigating through a few sub-menus on the touchscreen. Rather, it’s the missing items from the catalogue that begin to antiquate the XC90, from the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay to fast charging capabilities.

The touchscreen interface has been improved to operate faster than before and is less prone to lag in hot conditions. It integrates seamlessly with Google, allowing you to use the Volvo just like you would with your Android phone or Google Home. You can ask Google to take you home, adjust the temperature, or find the nearest charging station using voice commands. This low learning curve makes it intuitive and straightforward to transition into the XC90. However, it’s disappointing that Volvo removed the home button from the screen, similar to Apple’s decision with the iPhone, as well as the drive mode selector located below the gear lever. Now, to access and cycle through EV or Hybrid modes, you need to tap a prompt on the touchscreen and select it from there. 

Every time we get behind the wheel of a Volvo, we are grateful for its sophisticated air quality sensor and purifier. While most cars come with basic cabin filters to block harmful particulates, the XC90 takes filtration to the next level. It not only filters but also monitors for harmful allergens and particulates both inside and outside the cabin, providing detailed information about the levels of pollen from trees, grass, and weeds. For someone who suffers from seasonal allergies, having the ability to monitor these invisible, irritating particles outside is a blessing.

The XC90 is available in both mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) trims. The B6 mild hybrid is good for 295 hp, 310 lb-ft, and 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, while the T8 PHEV we drove utilizes the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine but with an 18.8 kWh battery, rear-mounted electric motor, 8-speed automatic gearbox, and all-wheel drive. This powertrain generates 455 hp, 523 lb-ft of torque, and a 0-100 km/h time of 5.3 seconds. Volvo claims an electric-only range of 53 km, while our drive in the heat of summer yielded a respectable 50 km. BMW uses a similarly sized battery in their X5 xDrive50e, which generates a claimed range of 64 km, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE450e outranks them both with a larger 23.3 kWh battery and a claimed 77 km of range. 

The T8 powertrain operates gently and effortlessly under low demands, but when you ask more of it, there’s a brief delay before the engine wakes up and shifts into gear. The transition between electric and combustion power isn’t the quickest by modern-day standards. Nevertheless, we found it acceptable for this type of SUV, which is designed more for efficiency and comfortable cruising than for delivering rapid acceleration.

The ride, even with the optional air suspension, exhibits an underlying firmness likely due to the weight it’s managing. It feels firmer than the X5 and GLE, but is more absorbent and isolating than the Cayenne. Its relaxed gait and composure give us confidence at higher speeds, and there’s just enough body roll to make the road beneath feel alive. Otherwise, the XC90 rotates nicely, and the drive doesn’t feel all that different from the outgoing model, but its rough edges have certainly been polished out.

While the XC90 may not be the newest kid on the block, its decade of experience and refinement show its peers that timeless design and a honed focus on safety and ergonomics can make all the difference.

Specifications:

Model: 2025.5 Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV Ultra
Paint Type: Bright Dusk
Base Price: $95,900
Price as Tested: $104,055
Wheelbase(mm): 2,984
Length/Width/Height (mm): 4,953 / 2,008 / 1,771
Powertrain: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, 18.8 kWh lithium-ion battery, electric motor
Horsepower: 455 hp
Torque: 523 lb-ft
Drive Configuration: Front engine, rear electric motor, AWD
Observed Electric-only Range: 50 km
Tires: Pirelli Scorpion Verde All-Season; 275/40R21