2025 Volvo XC90 Review: Luxury SUV Comfort With Plug-In Power
For the second generation, XC-90 is a seven seat luxury SUV
that is giving key rivals like Audi Q7 and the Land Rover Discovery
a lot to think about. Safe,
efficient, clever, practical and stylish. It has reestablished. The Swedish maker is a credibly
prestigious automotive brand. This significantly revised version
of a slightly smarter styling and the more up to date
cabin is well worth a look. This further improves version of the second generation
Volvo Xc90 aims to make the most of its sleek
Swedish design values. Here, we’re going to take a closer look. In well over two decades on
sale, Volvo Xc90 has created a niche for itself
that rivals have struggled to penetrate. It’s never been particularly sporty
or SUV like. Instead, its cool, laid back
Swedish vibe hit the perfect note, with many families who weren’t bothered
about those two extremes. In choosing their big seven
seat crossover, so much so that the original one model hung around
for absolutely ages. Launched in 2002
and sold right up to 2014, this Mach two version could have an even longer
production run. Originally launched in 2016
and then updated in 2019, you might think a full replacement
will be on the cards by now, but even with huge Chinese backing, Volvo simply
doesn’t have the funds to deliver that. At the same time
as developing similarly sized full EV models like the XC-90. So what we’ve got instead
is another light second generation XC-90 update,
which has brought a sharper look and updated cabin screen tech. Will it all be enough, though,
to keep this Mach two model current? Well, you can find out more by downloading
the car and driving app on here. By watching the industry’s
most comprehensive review, the car and driving road test and. It’s hard not to have a mild feeling of ecological insecurity these days
about driving a large luxury SUV. But in recent times,
the brands who make them have done much to advance the efficiency
of their products. Various types of electrification
are now the norm in this segment. And since the last time we filmed this
XC-90 at the time of its first facelift back in 2019, diesel powered with Chester
almost completely sustain. This model line has been banished. Even adding mild hybrid
tech to the old two liter diesel unit wasn’t enough to save it. Mild hybrid tech is retained
for the mainstream B5 petrol version of this model, which makes the usual
two liter four cylinder Volvo engine with the 48 volt battery,
a car’s kinetic energy recovery system and an ISG and integrated starter
generator. This all wheel drive setup
puts out 250 horsepower with 360 Newton meters of torque
and 62 from rest, occupies 7.7 seconds en route to the 112 miles
an hour top speed that all Volvos share in the B5 XC-90. Every time you brake
or take your foot off the throttle, the key is set
up, captures surplus energy, and stores it as electricity
in an extra battery provided in the boot. That additional electricity
can be used to boost acceleration. Help the stop start system
or power ancillary functions. The objective here
wasn’t to provide a Prius like periods of electric only driving, but instead
to make the engine more efficient via smoother transitions
between driving, cruising, and resting. That’s all been aided by revisions to the automatic gearbox
and by the implementation of the brand’s first brake
by wire system, as usual with an ex C90. The alternative is the brand’s
rather sophisticated T8 plug in hybrid powertrain,
which is what we’re trying here. As before, this T8 engine is both
turbocharged and supercharged, and it combines 310 horsepower of engine
output with a 145 horsepower electric motor to deliver a total of 455
horsepower output, with a thumping 709 Newton
meters of torque. This allows 62 to be dispatched
in just 5.4 seconds, although the 2295 kilo curb weight rather blunts
the urgency of that performance. We had hoped for a bigger battery
as part of this update. In order to give this T8 an EV,
a drive range closer to plug in hybrid rivals
in this segment from Mercedes and BMW, but the same 18.8kW hour
lithium ion battery pack remains, offering up to 44.1 miles of air e r rated pure electric driving range
when it’s fully charged in this T8, there are five drive modes hybrid power, pure off road and all wheel drive. Across the XC-90 range. There are no changes
to the handling dynamics as part of this update, apart
from a set of tweaks which have been made to soften
the passive suspension setup. Few customers will actually appreciate
that because above base trim, that set up has been ditched in favor
of the far super Active four C chassis package
that gives you full corner adaptive dampers
and electronic air suspension, which say that this setup is almost
a must have with the XD 90. It noticeably improves ride quality,
and it compliments excellent cruising refinement too, which easily meets
the required executive standard. Despite this, Volvo’s
use of four cylinders in a segment where six cylinder
is really all the norm, a standard pilot assist system offers a degree of highway
orientated autonomous driving technology. Hardly anyone is going to be throwing
a car like this around, but customers won’t want a luxury SUV of this kind
to feel ponderous either. This one really doesn’t. And that’s thanks to its neat balance
between comfort and agility. And that’s aided by Volvo’s light, stiff,
scalable product architecture platform. It can’t match a Cayenne
or an X5 across twisty tarmac, but then you really wouldn’t expect it to
in gripping traction. Pretty good. The steering isn’t very still some,
though. Whichever of the two modes, soft or firm
you select, there is the potential
for a mild amount of off road prowess, but obviously your off piste ambitions
are going to be limited here by the 231 millimeter ride height,
and this T8 model won’t even be able to wade through water
if it goes above the bottom of the sills. More importantly,
perhaps, towing capacity for both variants is rated at 2.4 tonnes and. Not too
many exterior changes have been made to this further revised version
of the second generation XC-90. Not too many were really necessary
thanks to styling, which original design and this Gunnison described as timeless. The shape,
although it is substantial, is cleverly proportioned
to look as compact as possible. So many large luxury SUVs
appear bulky and intimidating, but this really isn’t one of them. But it has been cleverly evolved. Now, if you’re familiar
with the second generation C90, you’ll immediately spot the revised front
end of this updated model, which features a smarter grille flanked by a redesigned
Thor’s Hammer LED headlights. In addition,
there’s also a more sculpted bonnet, revised front wings
and a cleaner, simpler lower front bumper moved to the side, and the update changes
are less obvious, but an existing owner might note the smarter wheel designs sizes
now range between 20 and 22in. We’ve got the 21 inch rims here
on this T8 variant. There’s a fresh look
for the charging port. Two in profile. The sexy 90 continues to look
resolutely practical and unsporting, yet it still manages a sense of purpose
thanks to the strong upper shoulder line and the prominent lower crease too
that gives the flank some shape. Still a substantially sized thing, 4953 miles in length, although that’s a bit shorter than 8
or 90 Q7 or Land Rover Discovery moves to the rear. And there’s a look that if you know, your luxury SUV
could only belong to an insane 90. Thanks to these 3D taillights darkened. Now, as part of this further update,
these emphasize the distinctive body shoulder line,
and they border the tailgate flowing up into this smart roof
mounted spoiler. The most important updates, though, lie inside. This Volvo’s cabin has long been
one of the finest out there. It still is as what’s different here? Well, get comfortable behind the wheel
and the biggest change you’ll notice will be the more horizontal design of this
totally revised dashboard, which now incorporates
a new central touchscreen. This has grown from a 9 to 11.2 inches
in size. It’s more responsive, it’s higher resolution, and it borrows
its Google Automotive software from the system used in the XC-90,
enabling over-the-air updates. There’s an easier to access screen
operating system, too. In addition, the center console
has been redesigned too, and now features a two plus one cup holder
with room for an extra slim drinks cam. Plus, there’s a new wireless
smartphone charger which is more conveniently accessible. The ambient lighting system
and the 360 degree camera system
have both been enhanced as well. We liked the front of cabin experience, which was served up
by this second generation XC-90 when we first tested it back in 2015
and then again in 2019, we still do. It really is very nice indeed. Originally the work of British designer
Robin Paige, who created a cabin which is simple and elegant
and very uncluttered, you sit quite high with a commanding view ahead, and the wide
front seats are superbly supportive. Most models
get these lovely ash interior inlays and if you can stretch up towards
the top of the range, you’ll get this hide stitched
fascia and Nappa leather upholstery. And what is possibly the best audio system
in the whole SUV segment? This 18 speaker, 1400 watt
Bowers and Wilkins setup. You’ll feel very pleased indeed. Most models get this eye catching
or of course, crystal gear knob, but only this very priciest
variant gets a head up display. Both these features are carried over
from before, as is the 12.3in progressive driver
display. It can display and minimalist
or nav map embellished forms, and on this T8 version,
if you select either the Pure or Hybrid drive modes, the right hand
virtual dial switches from being a rev counter into an eco
meter display. That’s neat, but overall,
you’d have to say that this screen setup isn’t quite as customizable
as you’ll find elsewhere in the segment. But what about this cabin’s major update the bigger Android
Automotive central screen? Well, it’s not as well integrated into the fascia
as the old, smaller Sensus monitor was. It’s now a bit more like glued on tablet,
but the continuing portrait format works well, allows you to easily reach
all four corners of the display
without too much of a stretch. There’s, Google Assistant voice
control here, and the onscreen buttons are properly large, so you could,
theoretically use them with a gloved hand. And there are fixed shortcuts
to key vehicle controls and also your most frequently used apps. Inevitably,
given the operating system, Android phone users will be more comfortable
with this interface. Then Apple Folk will be. They have to have a wired connection
for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, do two, physical buttons, sit outside
this touchscreen for key functions. But unfortunately, the screen controls
virtually all the climate features. If you have a Google account,
you can log in and access previously stored destinations on other devices
and use the, Google Play Store to download car
friendly Android apps like Spotify. As for interior practicality,
will you be storing most of your odds and ends either
in this reasonably sized, electronically operated glove box
or in the leather lidded storage box? Here between the seats, which incorporates
a couple of Usb-a ports. Ahead of that,
this smart sliding cover conceals a couple of cupholders,
a small tray, and a 12 volt port. There’s also a wireless charging
mat just ahead of the gearlever, a cubby by the driver’s right knee, and ticket
clips on both vanity mirrors. It is a pity, though, that
the door pockets are so relatively small and that there’s, no overhead compartment
for your sunglasses. Right. Time to take a seat in the second row. As usual with the next scene, 19 middle row passengers are well catered
for with individual seats which slide and recline
for greater comfort on longer journeys. Three adults could just about sit
side by side, although the center occupant has to put up with a narrower seat
on this prominent central tunnel. Most models get this huge
panoramic glass roof and plusher ones get integrated
rear door sun curtains too. On longer trips, you’ll appreciate
the incorporated B-pillar vents. The bright LED overhead
reading lights on this neatly designed
and beautifully stitched central armrest. It incorporates a pair of small pop up
cupholders, plus, beverages can sit in the provided
molded recesses in the little door bins. There are also seatback nets
and coin recesses in the door armrests. The transmission tunnel here
is thoughtfully covered with a rubberized coating,
which will be easy to clean. Just above that. Digital
climate controls and twin usb-C ports. Right. What about the third row? Well, as before,
and as usual in this class, getting to it takes a bit of muscular dexterity. So if you’ve tried
the very rearmost pews in the next 90 before, then you’ll know that as an adult, you’ll
only be able to install yourself here with any kind of comfort,
if you prefer, upon those ahead of you to move their seats forward a little. The chairs themselves are exactly the same
as those in the middle. So you’re not fobbed off
with a kind of fold out occasional seats
that you do get in some competitors? And these seats can accommodate
and up to 170cm tall. The two chairs back here are positioned
in so-called theater style, so slightly raised and set inwards
to offer a better view. And your direction of travel. Each seat also gets its own cup
holder and trinket tray. There are C-pillar vents,
a storage tray between the two chairs, and even ceiling
speakers, but there are no USB ports. Finally, let’s take a look at luggage
space. It’s access
for an electrically powered tailgate. You can operate either
by the boot button from the Keyfob, or if you happen to be approaching
the car, lying down with bags. You can even do it, by waving your foot
beneath the bumper. It rises to reveal a luggage area, which
you access via a rather high loading lip. Although, models with air suspension offer a neat set of buttons,
which will lower this by 50mm. Inevitably, capacity is going to be a bit
restricted with all seven seats in place. Although,
even in this configuration, there’s 244l of luggage space in this T8 model or 247 if you opt for the B5 mild hybrid version, enough for two large pushchairs
or ten carry on suitcases. Plus you get compartment areas in the side
cargo walls, a 12 volt socket, retractable shopping bag, hooks, for
silver tie down points and an underfloor compartment which is rather compromised
in size on this T8 model. There’s also this useful flap
which opens on the boot floor to stop items sliding around
and which can be closed to place slim items away from prying eyes,
or to keep muddy boot marks out of sight and out of mind. Most of the time, though, of course, you will probably be running this car,
with those third row chairs folded down. Now, unlike in a Q7 or discovery,
the folding process isn’t power operated, but it’s easy to do. As you can see with one hand. Flattening these rear most seats in the
T8 model frees up 650l of space to the window line, or 653l with the B5. Either way, you can improve on the figures
we’ve quoted by sliding the second row seats forward. If you have uncomplaining
middle row passengers on board, or by making the second row seat backs,
rather more upright. Getting more room, of course, means
folding the middle row on this model. That frees up 1130l up to the window line. It’s 1139 and the B5. All those figures are
very cost competitive and. All XC-90 variants still come with seven seats, automatic transmission
and all wheel drive. And as we filmed in summer
2025, prices were starting from around 65,500 pounds for the 250 horsepower mild hybrid B5 petrol model, there’s a choice of three core trim levels
Core Plus or in this case, ultra. And as we told you elsewhere in the film,
there are only two drivetrains on offer both petrol powered. The B5 Mild Hybrid
and the T8 plug in hybrid. As for rivals, well, it’s now hard to find a direct
match for this 1690 A Land Rover Discovery
has a starting price about the same as next in line to B5,
but that car’s only available in diesel form,
as, mainstream versions of Land Rovers. Defender 110, which started from around
62,000 pounds at the time of this test. This Q7 seems at first glance
a closer match, but the standard 55 TFSi petrol
Q7 has a lot more power. 340 RPS than a comparable 90 B5, and costs over 6,000 pounds more. The Q7 isn’t a proper match for this
Volvo in EV form either, because the Audi can’t offer seven seats. Other models in the segment
you might usually turn to, the BMW X5,
the Mercedes GLE, Porsche’s Cayenne, the Jeep Grand Cherokee
and the Volkswagen Tuareg. They will all be discounted
by most XC-90 customers because they only have five seats as well. So in the search for alternatives,
you might end up having to look at larger upper spec versions of mainstream
brand models instead,
which really competes in the class below. I’m talking about here cars
like the Mazda six eight, Kia Sorento and the Hyundai Santa Fe. So there is now
nothing quite like an ex C90. If that’s your conclusion
to after looking at those alternatives, then you’re going to need to know
just how generous Volvo has been here with the standard specs. So let’s take a look at that. Right now. All X 90s
come with wheels at least 20in in size and have matrix LED headlights,
roof rails, front and rear parking sensors, auto headlamps and wipers,
a power operated tailgate, keyless entry, heated windscreen
and an anti-theft alarm. Driving stuff includes the brand’s
Pilot Assist semi-autonomous drive system, adaptive cruise control to hill
descent control and drive mode settings. With adjustable steering force inside. On mainstream maxi 90s,
there’s quilted nautical upholstery and all versions get powered. Heated front seats
with lumbar support and memory settings, plus heated rear seats, too. You can also tick off
electronic climate control with third row air conditioning and auto dimming interior
mirror, heated front seats and the steering wheel, a wireless
charging mat, a rearview camera, and the 12.3in progressive drive display
for the instruments. The other key cabin screen is the 11.2in
center console touchscreen. And this is your access
point to this car’s clever Google Automotive Services
enabled infotainment system. From here or via voice control,
you can access a ten speaker, 220 watt high performance sound system
with DAB digital radio. Plus, there’s navigation with Google Maps,
unlimited mobile data for four years, and a whole host of internet
based products and services. Plus, as they expect phone mirroring. Although the Apple CarPlay system
is only of the wide kind, as before, all XC-90 owners get free
use of the brands. Volvo on Call app two most XC-90 customers upgrade from base
core trim. Mid-range plus spec gets you
the brand’s active four C chassis, and that means adaptive dampers
and electronic air suspension. And at this level two,
you also get a panoramic sliding roof, a 360 degree surround view parking
camera system and of course, crystal clear knob
ash cabin inlays and a 13 speaker Harman Kardon 600 watt sound system
with Dolby Pro Logic two surround sound. A Plus Pro trim upgrade to this adds
larger 21 inch wheels, rear privacy glass, Nappa leather upholstery,
and both ventilation and powered side supports for the front seats. Beyond that, there’s only this top
ultra variant. This adds a head up display, massaging front seats,
laminated side and rear windows. Integrate heated rear door, sun curtains
and Volvo’s choicest audio upgrade. This is an 18 speaker Bowers and Wilkins
setup with 1400 watts of output. If you want to buy, and further down the range,
many of the plush model features can be added on as individual options
and on all models. You can, of course,
add a retractable tow bar. With this top ultra spec,
you can add even bigger 22 inch wheels. As usual in this segment,
you can also add roof crossbars and, side running boards, a load compartment
mat, mud flats, and pet accessories. Do remember, though, that
unless you opt for the only standard color in the range, Metallic Vapor
Gray on your XC-90, you’ll be paying Volvo
more for your choice of paint. Shade two on to safety
now here is an extraordinary statistic. Since the Volvo Xc90
went on sale in the UK back in 2002, not a single person has been killed
while driving one, nor has any passenger
been killed in an accident or an accident. It is, quite simply,
according to official government statistics, the safest car on the road. Today. The company continues the safety ambitions
with the most daring and far reaching safety
objective in the whole industry that no one should ever be killed
or seriously injured in a new Volvo. Now, meeting that objective means the need
for a whole new safety standard, of course. And sure enough, there is an exhaustive
list of standard kit to keep you safe. Emergency Brake Assist combines with the City Safety
with steering support system, which includes
pedestrian and cyclist detection. Front collision warning too with full auto
brake and rear auto brake. Another system
is the auto braking feature, which cuts in if a driver pulls out in front of oncoming
traffic. There’s also run off road protection
for if you drift onto the verge, oncoming lane mitigation
that stops you from dangerously pulling out to overtake and a lane
keeping aid to. Plus,
of course, there’s usual driver alert, speed alerts and traffic sign
recognition systems, plus a full complement of airbags,
including a driver’s knee bag. It is disappointing, though,
that there are just two Isofix child seat fastening points. A rival Audi Q7 has five. As usual with the brand, the front seat
frames have been designed to collapse in a way that would protect your spine
from severe damage, while at the same time, Volvo’s usual whip’s protection guards against whiplash on your neck and. Volvo recently abandoned plans
to go fully electric by 2030, and you can see why the mild, hybrid
and heavy versions of this XC-90 offer
as much electrification in this segment as many family folk
want for the time being. With a mild hybrid B5. The brand claims that the Advanced
Kinetic Energy Recovery Braking System, which was introduced with this revised
XC-90, offers drivers up to 15% fuel savings and emission reductions
in real world driving. This brake by wire system interacts
with the energy recovery system and reduces fuel consumption and emissions
by recovering kinetic energy and the braking, as the TP rated figures bow with the B5 petrol
version, expect up to 32.8 mpg and up to 193g per km of CO2. The efficiency figures for this
T8 plug in hybrid model see it deliver up to 30g per km of CO2 235.1 mpg on the combined cycle, and up to 44.1 air rated miles of pure
electric driving range. That is some way off
what you get with rival EV versions of the BMW X5
and the Mercedes GLA, but they are only five seaters,
and this Volvo’s heavy range figure is at least enough
to mean that, theoretically, you could use it every day
without ever visiting a fuel station, unless of course, you need it
to undertake a longer trip. That’s assuming, of course, that you keep,
the lithium ion battery fully charged up. Owners can buy a wallbox from Volvo,
which will charge their cars on 69 power in about three hours. But with 6.4kW charging on a typical home. Wallbox, you’re looking at about
five hours for a full charge from empty connecting up to a normal domestic
three pin, six amp supply. That is going to take you eight hours. Ultimately, to justify this T8 model. Substantial 9,000 pounds price premium over the conventionally engined
B5 mild hybrid variant. You’re really going to have to try
to plug it in at every opportune city. Otherwise, you’ll simply find yourself
running a heavy petrol powered SUV, although a decently combined
driving range should be possible from the 71 liter
fuel tank that all exceed 90s now share. If on the move you want to prioritize
all electric progress, you can select a pure driving mode,
which prioritizes electric only operation and would be useful in an urban
environment, for example, in everyday use. Though, most T8 owners
will be driving in the hybrid mode that the car’s powertrain
automatically defaults to, that’s the setting in which the vehicle
will automatically alternate
between, petrol and electric power. While we can’t imagine any XC-90 T8 owner
ever actually achieving the brand’s officially quoted returns,
the important thing is that the government believes them so business users
will be able to write down as much as 100% of the cost of this car
against their tax liability, and the 40% taxpayer
could be driving an insane 90 T8, while incurring a 9% bike tax bill,
which is way below the 37% figure that’s applied to the alternative
B5 model. Maintenance should be relatively
affordable for a car of this kind, with intervals every year or 18,000 miles, 3 or 5 year servicing plans, pre-paid ones are available
to help you budget ahead. The warranty is usual. Three year, 60,000
mile package insurance is rated at Group 36 for the B5 version. Insurance for this,
Chevy is right to the Group 41. Depreciation
after three years and 36,000 miles is predicted that between 47 and 53%. Now, because the asking price is over
40,000 pounds, this C90 is subject to a 425 pound vehicle excise duty
surcharge of 620 pounds a year between years
two and six of ownership. It’s 195 pounds a year after that, and. This XC-90 is aging impressively well. You would expect that after a decade
on sale it would be feeling a bit. Yes, this year compared to key rivals. The fact that it’s not is a tribute to the
fundamental completeness of this marque. Two models, original design. Volvo hasn’t really done much to it
as part of the second update, but all that really needed improving was the cabin screen tech
that is now noticeably better. We would like to have seen an enhancement
in this t8 GB model’s EV driving range too,
but that doesn’t matter so much because, the only segment rivals which can better
it can’t offer seven seats. Of course, this Volvo isn’t perfect. There are still sharper handling choices and more capable off
roaders in this sector. And balancing these, virtues. So this actually sets its own class
standard. And in doing that, continues
to establish a family benchmark amongst luxury SUVs that rivals struggle
to match company founders. I saw Gabrielsson and Gustav Larsson
would have liked this car. More importantly, though, if you’re shopping in this sector, we think you will too. And.
🚙 The 2025 Volvo XC90 continues to define what a luxury seven-seat SUV should be, combining refined Scandinavian design with innovative electrified performance. In the UK, it’s offered as a plug-in hybrid with a 38-mile electric range, low tax rates, and strong power delivery thanks to its turbocharged petrol engine and electric motor combo. The smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive make light work of long journeys or school runs. With adaptive air suspension, a Google-based infotainment system, and a minimalist cabin with top materials, the XC90 balances premium feel, family practicality, and executive comfort brilliantly.
🛣️ Driving the XC90 is a calm, relaxing experience that suits the car’s stately nature. It prioritises comfort over cornering sharpness, with light steering and a gentle ride especially on air suspension. The hybrid setup gives effortless low-speed electric running and serious punch when both power sources combine. Regenerative braking is subtle and brake feel is natural, which adds to the refined experience. In town or on the motorway, the XC90 is easy to place thanks to excellent visibility and camera support. It may not excite like a BMW X5, but its sense of ease and composure is unmatched.
✨ Inside and out, the XC90 stays true to Volvo’s reputation for clean, elegant design. The cabin is a masterclass in modern minimalism with high-grade materials, tactile switches, and a portrait touchscreen that now runs Google Automotive services. Build quality is outstanding and every seat feels like a priority. Compared with rivals like the Audi Q7 and Land Rover Discovery, the XC90 brings a unique calm and clarity that many buyers love. It might be ageing, but updates and clever engineering keep it feeling relevant. For those wanting an understated but luxurious family SUV, it remains a top contender.
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⏳ TIMESTAMPS ⏳
00:00 Overview
00:33 Background
02:07 Driving Experience
07:07 Design & Build
18:01 Market Model & Range
25:38 Cost of Ownership
29:58 Summary
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