2025 Volvo XC90 review: Quick drive

The unique Volvo XC90 stuck around for 14 years, and on the premise of the superb second-generation model’s showing, it will appear the MkII goes to do much the identical.

It first hit global markets in 2015 and arrived in Australia for the 2016 model yr, with a big update in 2020 bringing in mild-hybrid drivetrains and revised looks.

Nevertheless, despite the approaching arrival of the all-electric Volvo EX90, the second-generation XC90 is constant to supply the Scandinavian company’s customers the prospect to stick to combustion power for his or her large seven-seat luxury SUV in the event that they need to.

One other tweak of the front-end design (primarily latest ‘Thor’s hammer’ daytime running lights, diagonal-slatted grille, and creased bonnet) combines with an updated, larger infotainment system running Google software, but drivetrains are unchanged – and we suspect we’ll only get the T8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) here this time.

We drove the newest version of the XC90 in its native Sweden to seek out out if it still feels up-to-date, or whether it’s past its best.

How does the Volvo XC90 compare?

View an in depth breakdown of the Volvo XC90 against similarly sized vehicles.

Volvo

XC90

How much does the Volvo XC90 cost?

We don’t have confirmed prices for the 2025 Volvo XC90 yet, but with the outgoing version costing $128,990 before on-road costs in flagship T8 Recharge Ultimate AWD plug-in hybrid form, we’d expect the brand new one to be in the identical form of ballpark. 

That’ll make it good value alongside either the BMW X5 (from $134,900) or the Mercedes-Benz GLE (from $139,900), but each the Lexus RX (from $90,060) and Audi Q7 (from $117,284) are cheaper – although keep in mind the RX’s price is for the five-seater model (not the RX L), while the most cost effective Q7 is the 45 TDI diesel.

To see how the Volvo XC90 lines up against the competition, try our comparison tool

What’s the Volvo XC90 like on the within?

Should you’ve had the pleasure of sitting in any second-generation XC90 over the past eight years, you’ll know what the 2025 model yr automobile’s cabin is like. Which implies it’s a luxurious mix of solid and complicated materials, specified by a wise and intuitive fashion.

You might, if you happen to were being hyper-critical, say little has modified in eight years, and which may in turn lead you to think the Volvo’s passenger compartment looks dated, but when anything, it appears to be ageing like a high-quality wine. 

It still feels elegant and operates brilliantly, especially in an age of touchscreen-everything in the case of human-machine interfaces.

That said, with regards to the infotainment, there may be now a bigger 11.2-inch central touchscreen with 21 per cent higher pixel density, delivering higher resolution than the smaller 9.0-inch unit it replaces (though it’s not as big because the EX90’s 14.5-inch display) and still running Android Automotive software with Google built-in, which Volvo says is less complicated to navigate through all its menus and subroutines.

This does work well, with swift responses to inputs and sharp graphical clarity, after which the XC90’s relative ‘antiquity’ plays in its favour since it avoids a few of the more irksome idiosyncrasies of the electrical models – comparable to the fog light control ‘button’ being on the touchscreen within the EX30 – resulting from the actual fact it has proper, physical switchgear dotted in regards to the interior.

There’s also a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and sharper air vents for the redesigned dashboard. In comparison with the prevailing XC90, there’s an additional centre console cupboard space, one other cupholder and a relocated wireless phone charger, in addition to a redesigned gear selector. 

Additional sound insulation has been fitted to cut back road noise, but beyond that it’s the standard spacious XC90 cabin. Row two is generous with leg- and headroom, and there’s loads of configurability around how you wish the rear pair of seating rows to be arrange. 

Volvo all the time said people 1.73 metres tall could sit within the two seats right in the back of the cabin, although we’d say they’re still higher suited for youngsters or young teenagers on longer journeys.

Boot space is sizeable, with load volumes as much as the window line of 262 litres (with seven seats in use) or 668L (in five-seat mode), while the last word cargo area with all of the rear passenger seats folded down and the XC90 loaded as much as the roof measures in at a large 1959L.

What’s under the bonnet?

The familiar T8 plug-in hybrid drivetrain, variously called ‘Twin Engine’ and ‘Recharge’ during its life, continues in service for the MY2025 XC90. 

This pairs a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, using each a turbocharger and a supercharger, to the electrical motor and battery pack. 

The engine alone delivers a healthy 228kW and 400Nm, backed up by one other 107kW and 309Nm from the electrical motor, with an 18.8kWh (that’s the gross capability, of which 14.7kWh is usable) battery pack powering the electrical portion of the propulsion system. 

Volvo quotes a peak drivetrain output that’s the sum of its parts, so the XC90 T8 makes 335kW and 709Nm – enough to shunt this near-2.3-tonne SUV from 0-100km/h in only 5.4 seconds.

The two.0-litre turbocharged B5 model using a 48-volt mild-hybrid petrol engine to supply as much as 184kW and 360Nm continues in other markets, however it was dropped from the 2023 Volvo Australia website and we’re not yet sure if it’s going to make it back to those shores. We’ll keep you updated on that front.

To see how the Volvo XC90 lines up against the competition, try our comparison tool

How does the Volvo XC90 drive?

Again, familiarity could breed some contempt for the Volvo XC90 here, were it not for 2 things: one, it has all the time been a refined delight to travel in; and two, there have been some suspension changes to stipulate.

All models proceed with double-wishbone front suspension, but a brand new integral link has been built into the independent rear suspension system to enhance the SUV’s stability and traction when towing. 

If not fitted with optional air suspension, then frequency selective dampers (FSDs) provide a level of adaptability to the surface terrain the XC90 is encountering.

Nevertheless, we’d say air suspension does the XC90 loads of favours, giving it a generally smoother and quieter ride quality, without sacrificing anything significant in the best way of body control and handling.

Okay, because the XC90 is a big and heavy vehicle without an obvious emphasis on sportiness, it’s not essentially the most thrilling thing within the corners, however it’s more assured and capable than it must be, while the snarling gargle of the twin-charged four-cylinder engine actually imbues spirited driving with a good soundtrack. 

Principally, the XC90 will hustle and hustle hard if you happen to want it to, although rare can be the occasions when its driver is grinning broadly behind its wheel.

Yet for rolling refinement and luxury, this Swedish machine is pretty much as good as anything on this sector, if not higher than all of them. The air-sprung suspension is supple and polished, while minimal wind and tyre noise permeates the cabin. Doing lots of of kilometres in a single hit on this thing can be a breeze.

Perhaps the one minor black mark to indicate is real-world fuel consumption, a typical PHEV weakness that’s on no account specific to the XC90 T8. Official claims of petrol use are lower than 2.0L/100km, but we saw 9.2L/100km across a mixed route of just 105km.

Within the Volvo’s defence, it still had 50 per cent of battery charge left at the top and a claimed 30km of electrical driving capability remaining, while the trip computer reckoned it had a combined range of 580km on its dual resources. 

Also, 9.2L/100km isn’t too bad for a 2.3-tonne SUV with 335kW, but obviously it’s a way off the official number. A comparatively small (for a PHEV) 14.7kWh battery doesn’t help with on a regular basis efficiency either.

What do you get?

Again, we’re waiting for confirmed specifications for the 2025 XC90, but going by the Ultimate specification of the present automobile, plenty of apparatus can be fitted as standard.

Volvo XC90 highlights:

• 11.2-inch Google infotainment
• 12.3-inch driver display
• Head-up display
• 4-zone climate control
• Third-row air-conditioning
• Heated steering wheel, front and rear seats
• 360-degree camera
• Adaptive cruise control
• Full LED headlights
• Orrefors crystal gearshift
• Panoramic roof
• 22-inch alloy wheels
• Keyless entry with hands-free powered tailgate
• Wireless smartphone charging

Is the Volvo XC90 secure?

The Volvo XC90 was last assessed in 2015 and picked up five-star rankings from each ANCAP and Euro NCAP, although regulations have tightened since then. Nevertheless, this can be a Volvo, and safety is the corporate’s paramount feature, so it’s a secure selection for families wanting a seven-seat SUV.

Standard safety equipment includes:

• BLIS (blind-spot detection) and cross-traffic alert
• Hill Descent Control
• Hill Start Assist
• Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS)
• Lane keeping aid
• Oncoming lane mitigation
• Park Assist, front, rear and sides
• Pilot Assist
• Rear collision warning
• Road sign information

How much does the Volvo XC90 cost to run?

Volvo Australia has a typical five-year, unlimited-distance warranty, which is mirrored by the roadside assistance level. But if you happen to service the automobile yearly with Volvo, you’ll be able to extend the roadside assistance to a maximum of eight years.

To see how the Volvo XC90 lines up against the competition, try our comparison tool

CarExpert’s Tackle the Volvo XC90

Without making drastic changes to the automobile, it might have been the case that the Volvo XC90 would feel outmanoeuvred by newer, more technologically advanced rivals. 

And, okay, the battery pack within the T8 PHEV is one area where that is true – around 20-25kWh is more the norm for luxury SUVs nowadays.

But in all other features, this remains to be considered one of the best, most desirable premium seven-seaters going. Opulent and swift, stylish and discreet, the XC90 is a Swedish masterpiece.

Inquisitive about buying a Volvo XC90? Get in contact with considered one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

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