Our Rides: Swedish Luxury Redefined

It is worth repeating that we love Volvos. The Swedish company’s transformation from a leader in safety to an automaker that has added electrification and upmarket appeal to its reputation has been a magical one.

Currently, Volvo is developing a new wave of battery-electric vehicles to augment its core lineup. We were hoping to have one of those models in for a review, but it appears we will have to wait a bit longer.

In the meantime, the company is undergoing a new round of model updates to its core lineup. Part of it has been the elimination of models that have not sold as well as others, such as the S90 sedan and V60 and V90 wagons.

In turn, they are updating the remaining models in their lineup. The first of which is the gorgeous Mulberry Red 2025.5 XC90 seen on this page. While retaining its basic shape and lineup of revamped drivelines, the changes are both cosmetic and interactive.

It’s been several years since we brought you the XC90. We figured it was time for some catching up on Volvo’s three-row hybridized SUV.

This is the second update to the XC90 since the original 2016 model. The latest edition sports a new front clip, replete with a grille wearing a diagonal theme. The signature “Thor Hammer” LED headlamps were revamped with new lightning elements.

The basic shape remains the same. That includes a distinctive taillight design that runs along the rear clip, framing the rear window and liftgate. Its “formal” glass silhouette and large opening doors continue as it complements the new front fascia.

The XC90 tester is the top-shelf Ultra trim. Equipment includes extra chrome finishes on the outside, along with a set of 21-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels. In all, we appreciate the XC90’s style and its elevated front clip that denotes a new wave of Volvo style.

Inside, the old infotainment touchscreen is now replaced by a new tablet housing a larger monitor. This touchscreen integrates more functions through its menus, including drive modes. Google built-in’s architecture serves as the primary driver for all functionality on this system. Volvo’s native navigation system uses Google Maps to get directions to your next destination.

The grilles for the upgraded Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound System have been updated to a fine mesh design. The system still sounds wonderful with its preset audio profiles, including a concert hall or a studio.

What has not changed is a driver atmosphere that balances relaxation and engagement. The Orrefors crystal shifter takes center stage on the console, along with a twist-knob ignition switch.

Drivers and front seat occupants nestle into perforated leather seats, which are part of the Ultra trim. These seats are adjustable in multiple ways, including seat bolsters and thigh support. Second row captain’s chairs are also adjustable in many ways and can slide away for third-row occupants.

You can fold down the second- and third-row seats to make space for hauling around lots of cargo — up to 85.7 cubic feet worth. Pets would feel welcome in a nice space with the third-row seats down.

The 2025.5 XC90 is powered by an all-electrified lineup of power sources. It starts with two mild hybrid drivelines called B5 and B6. Our tester has the plug-in hybrid driveline known as T8. All of these drivelines start with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder internal combustion engine. In the case of our T8 plug-in hybrid, an electric motor, an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a charging port are added. All told, the T8 driveline offers 455 combined horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque.

Rounding out this driveline is an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

The T8 system starts with a fully charged battery. In our case, we had a full state of charge with a 33-mile range. After the battery runs empty, the internal combustion engine kicks in. You can set the regeneration of the battery on one of the screens of the infotainment system to send energy back into the battery while braking.

As far as fuel economy is concerned, we observed an average of 25.7 mpg.

With energy in the battery, acceleration is swift and instant. The transition between the two power sources was seamless. The ICE motor also exhibits strong performance. Highway cruising is nice and smooth, no matter which motor is on.

Smooth is one word to describe the XC90’s overall driving experience. Our tester came with an air suspension system that gives its ride quality its inherent smoothness. It also lowers and raises the ride height automatically depending on whether you are parked or on the road.

Handling was best described as luxurious. While there was not much lean and roll when the XC90 dealt with some evasive maneuvers and curves. There’s plenty of control, which translates into a solid steering system. With that, the on-center feel was quite good and some of the Volvo’s assistance systems kept the XC90 in the lane on the highway and around town. The system was very responsive from the steering wheel.

The one thing we wished would be better than expected was the braking system. Pedal feel was soft, and response to the wheels felt delayed a tad. In panic and wet stops, the system responded better.

With a choice of three power sources, the updated 2025.5 Volvo XC90 lineup is also available in three trim levels. Pricing for the entire lineup starts at $58,540. Our T8 Plug-In Hybrid all-wheel drive Ultra tester came with a sticker price of $88,895.

When we first encountered the Volvo XC90 several years ago, we truly loved it. This 2025.5 version has a lot of what we love about it. It plays in a space that offers the most in a hybridized luxury midsize three-row SUV — a narrow but robust field.

Just like most brands that love us and our community, Volvo knows what attracts us to their products. The updated 2025.5 XC90 attracts us to maximize our wants in a package that is itself attractive.