Volvo's 2025 XC90 Hybrid elevates standards in luxury

Mid-size luxury hybrid sport utility vehicle buyers have it good. From the lowest entry-priced Lexus TX Hybrid ($70,010) to the highest-priced Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid ($99,195), brand loyalty reigns and poor choices are few.

The 2025 Volvo XC90, starting at the mid-range price of $73,195, represents the legacy of the Swedish manufacturer well. Although the current generation is several years old, it’s constantly evolved. Several makeovers have substantially changed the vehicle, including Volvo’s second facelift to the three-row SUV in September 2024.

Debuting as a 2002 model, the XC90 is now Volvo’s best-selling vehicle in the United States, with overall sales surpassing one million. 

Vehicle variety is ample. The XC90 is offered in three powertrains, including the T8 plug-in hybrid. All powertrains are available in the Core, Plus and Ultra trims, the latter renamed from Ultimate. The latest XC90 edition, designated as the 2025½ model and part of the generation debuting in 2016, has several exterior and interior updates. 

Volvo long ago dispatched its staid exterior; the latest modifications further modernize the vehicle’s appearance. Changes include redesigns for the mixed-crossed fascia, headlights and grille. A modified front bumper and updated tinted LED taillights add additional updates.

Interior upgrades include an 11.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, increased interior storage spaces and a repositioned wireless charging pad. The new dashboard features redesigned air vents made from recycled materials and increased sound insulation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and advanced voice recognition allowing hands-free control of various functions, are also new.

The reviewed T8 trim remains the flagship. It pairs a turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine, a rear-axle-mounted electric motor and a 14.7-kWh battery. The entire XC90 lineup is only available with eight-speed automatic transmissions and all-wheel drive. Charging the Volvo’s 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery pack, of which 14.7 kWh is usable, takes an estimated five hours on AC power. 

Volvo’s legacy is built on safety and steady, in-command driving. The XC90 confirms and justifies the reputation. The SUV advances smoothly and handles city and highway driving assignments quietly, with the all-wheel-drive system ready for handling inclement weather. The regenerative braking system is equally smooth and allows far less necessary braking at slow speeds approaching stop signs and stoplights.

Standard features include Volvo’s Pilot Assist for semi-autonomous driving, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping and the carmaker’s City Safety system, which includes automatic collision avoidance.

The Ultra trim adds nearly a dozen items, ventilated front seats to front-seat passenger memory and laminated glass side windows to a 360-degree camera view. (Volvo recently recalled more than 413,000 vehicles, including 2021-2025 XC90 models, for rearview camera delay issues.) 

The chassis lift system ($1,800) adjusts ride height and adapts shock absorbers to provide additional stability. Activating the off-road mode increases ground clearance when needed. When the engine is turned off, the system deactivates with an eerie sound.

As a luxury SUV, all seating is constructed of high-grade, comfortable leather. Seating, legroom and headroom are satisfactory. Third-row seating is not an afterthought, as is common, but is best reserved for children. The cabin also features a Bowers & Wilkins sound system ($3,200) and ambient lighting. The shifting knob is even offered in a Volvo Swedish signature — Orrefors crystal.

With its advanced trim starting base and options, the 2025 Volvo XC90 T8 offers top-level luxury and a steep price. But that’s likely to be comfortably acceptable by brand loyalists, and even some newcomers seeking a worthy change. 

Test drive

Devoe Volvo of Bonita Springs: 28470 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs; devoeauto.com

Volvo Cars of Naples: 5870 Naples Blvd., Naples; volvocarsofnaples.com

Volvo Cars of Fort Myers: 2600 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers; volvocarsfortmyers.com

Facts and figures

Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph, 4.8 seconds  

Airbags: 7

Gas mileage: 58 MPGe (combined); 27 MPG (gas only); 33 MPG, (electric only)

Horsepower: 455

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $80,700

Manufacturer’s website: volvocars.com

Price as reviewed: $88,695

Warranty: Bumper-to-Bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles; Power­train, 4 years/50,000 miles; Corrosion, 12 years/unlimited miles; Hybrid/Battery Components; 8 years/100,000 miles Roadside Assistance, 4 years/unlimited miles; Maintenance, 3 years/30,000 miles