2025 Volvo XC90: is still one of the best luxury midsize SUVs in the United States. Volvo has made this family-friendly car even better with a mid-year refresh (2025.5). It now has updated styling, better technology, and better performance, making sure it stays competitive even though it has been on the market for ten years since its second-generation debut. The XC90 is a great choice for people who want comfort, efficiency, and practicality because it has Scandinavian design, the latest safety features, and flexible powertrains. Take a closer look at what the 2025 Volvo XC90 has to offer in the US.
An overview and the company’s place in the market
The Volvo XC90 is a three-row, midsize luxury SUV that is both stylish and useful. This makes it a popular choice for families and luxury lovers. The XC90 is a great deal compared to other SUVs like the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Lexus TX, and Acura MDX. The B5 Core AWD model starts at $58,695, which includes a $1,295 destination fee. The Kelley Blue Book says that the top-of-the-line T8 Ultra Bright Theme plug-in hybrid (PHEV) starts at $82,790, but you can get it for $2,518 to $5,482 less than the MSRP.
The 2025.5 refresh of the Volvo XC90 includes small changes to the outside, a new interior, and better technology. This keeps the XC90 looking new compared to newer competitors and the brand’s all-electric EX90. U.S. News gave it an 8.8 out of 10 and put it at number seven in the luxury midsize SUV category. This shows that it has a good balance of comfort, fuel efficiency, and safety.
Design and Style
The outside of the XC90 is a lesson in how to be elegant without being flashy. The new front fascia on the 2025.5 model has a new grille design, updated “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights, and new taillights. Volvo’s philosophy is “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” so these changes are small. The XC90’s elegant sheetmetal and chrome accents still turn heads. Standard 20-inch wheels (up from 19 inches) give the car a more modern look, but bigger 22-inch wheels may make it less comfortable to ride on rough roads.
The inside of the XC90 is a great example of Scandinavian craftsmanship. The open-pore wood, soft leather, and one-of-a-kind Orrefors crystal gear shifter (only available on the Ultra trim) give the room a light, high-end feel. The new dashboard has a bigger 11.2-inch portrait touchscreen that responds better and has 21% more pixels per inch. It is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors. The infotainment system that runs on Google includes Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Apple CarPlay. However, Apple CarPlay is only available through a wired connection, which is a small drawback compared to the EX90. The 12.3-inch digital driver display makes it easier to use by showing navigation maps for convenience.
There are six- or seven-passenger seating arrangements that can be changed. Adults will have plenty of room and comfort in the first two rows. The third row is best for kids because it is small and hard to get to. There is a lot of room for cargo, with 15.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with it folded, and up to 85.7 cubic feet with both rear rows down. This makes it great for family vacations or moving gear.
Powertrains and Performance
The 2025 XC90 comes with three different powertrains, all of which come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Some of these are:
The B5 Mild Hybrid has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. It makes 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It gets 23 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg overall, which makes it a good choice for its class. The B5 has a Miller combustion cycle that is more efficient for 2025, which improves fuel economy. It takes about 7.7 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph, which is fine for everyday driving but not as powerful as some competitors.
The B6 Mild Hybrid adds a supercharger to the B5, which increases the power to 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The car gets a little less gas mileage: 20 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg overall. It speeds up faster (about 6.8 seconds to 60 mph), which makes it feel more lively, especially with the optional Polestar software upgrade that makes the throttle response sharper.
T8 Plug-In Hybrid: The T8 has a 2.0-liter engine that is both turbocharged and supercharged, as well as a 145-hp electric motor and an 18.8-kWh battery. It makes 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds and has a range of up to 32 miles on electric power alone, with a combined 58 MPGe. The real-world electric range might be closer to 30 miles, but it’s great for short trips and cutting down on pollution.
When properly equipped, all models can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is great for small boats or trailers. The Ultra trim comes with an optional air suspension that makes the ride more comfortable and lets the back of the car drop by up to 2 inches to make it easier to load cargo or hook up a trailer. The XC90’s steering is precise, and its suspension absorbs most bumps in the road. However, larger wheels can make the ride rougher.
Safety and Tech
The XC90 is still very popular because it is safe. It won a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and a five-star NHTSA rating (with four stars in the rollover test). Pilot Assist (lane centering and adaptive cruise control), blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert are all standard driver-assistance features. The IIHS gives the LATCH system for child seats a “Acceptable” rating because it is a little hard to get to the anchors.
The new infotainment system is one of the best features. It has better responsiveness and Google-based apps like Maps and Assistant. The built-in Wi-Fi and Find Parking app make it easier to connect, and the optional 14-speaker Harman Kardon or $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins audio systems provide great sound quality. But not having a physical cursor controller for the touchscreen can make it harder to navigate while driving.
Trims and Prices
There are three trims of the XC90:
Core ($58,695): Comes with a full set of safety features, 20-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, the CleanZone air quality system, and Google-based infotainment.
Plus ($64,645 with B6): Adds laminated acoustic glass for a quieter cabin and more luxury touches.
Ultra ($82,790 for T8 PHEV): Comes with air suspension, ventilated seats, a head-up display, and high-end upholstery choices like wool-blend fabric.
The updates for 2025.5, which will be available in the first quarter of 2025, cost $1,000 more but come with new styling and tech improvements. Models from early 2025 that don’t have the refresh may be cheaper at dealerships.
What Customers and Experts Say
Experts say that the XC90 has a smooth ride, a high-end interior, and good safety ratings. However, they also say that it doesn’t handle or use infotainment systems as well as newer competitors. Reviews on sites like Edmunds give it an average of three stars, with some owners saying they are worried about its reliability because of problems with the electrical system or the check engine light. One person who owns an X said that their 2017 model has had ongoing mechanical problems, but others say that the XC90 feels luxurious and drives smoothly.
Conclusion: The 2025 Volvo XC90 is still one of the best luxury midsize SUVs on the market because it has a great mix of style, safety, and efficiency. The mid-year refresh makes it more appealing with new technology and small changes to its design, making sure it can compete with newer models. It might not handle as well as a BMW X5 or be as tough as an Audi Q7, but its focus on comfort, practicality, and Scandinavian style makes it a good choice for families. The XC90 is a good choice for people in the US who want a versatile and luxurious SUV because it has a good price, good fuel economy, and a good track record. The T8 PHEV is great for people who want a long electric range, and the B5 and B6 mild hybrids are good choices for people who want value and efficiency. To learn more and customize your XC90, go to a Volvo dealer or visit volvocars.com.
