1 / 1Illustrative AI renders — not manufacturer photographs.
Volvo XC90
Three rows of Scandinavian calm and safety
Volvo XC90 review
The Volvo XC90 is a three-row luxury SUV that leans on understated Swedish design rather than chrome and noise. The current generation, refreshed for 2025, pairs mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains with a quiet, well-built cabin and a strong safety reputation. It seats up to seven, drives with relaxed composure, and now runs Volvo's updated infotainment. It competes with German rivals while feeling deliberately calmer and more family-focused than sporty.
On the road the XC90 prioritizes serenity over excitement. The B6 mild-hybrid four-cylinder makes 247 hp, which is adequate rather than thrilling, and the eight-speed automatic shifts smoothly in everyday driving. Ride quality is the highlight, especially on the optional air suspension, soaking up broken pavement while keeping body motions in check. It is not a corner-carver, but few buyers in this class want one; the payoff is a hushed, composed cruiser that makes long highway trips genuinely restful.
Inside, the XC90 still feels special years after its core design debuted. Materials are excellent, the open-pore wood and wool-blend trims look distinctive, and the driving position is commanding and comfortable. The 2025 refresh brought a larger 11.2-inch portrait touchscreen running Google built-in, with Apple CarPlay support and crisper graphics. The trade-off is that more functions now live in the screen, and the menus take some learning. The two front rows are spacious; the third row is best treated as occasional or child seating.
The plug-in hybrid T8 adds meaningful electric-only range for commuters and strong combined output, though it is pricey and trims a little cargo space. Fuel economy from the mild-hybrid is decent for a heavy seven-seater but not class-leading. Safety remains a core strength, with a deep roster of standard driver aids and consistently strong crash-test results.
Value is where opinions split. The XC90 undercuts some German rivals on price while feeling just as premium, but options add up quickly and the platform, though polished, is no longer the newest in the segment. For buyers who value calm, safety, and design over outright tech novelty or sportiness, it remains a compelling pick.
Pros & cons
What we like
- Calm, comfortable ride quality
- Distinctive, high-quality interior
- Strong safety credentials
- Quiet, refined highway manners
- Plug-in hybrid option available
What could be better
- Third row tight for adults
- Options inflate the price quickly
- Not engaging to drive
- Infotainment has a learning curve
Volvo XC90 price & variants
| Variant | Fuel / Transmission | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| B6 Core Best value | Mild HybridAutomatic | $59,000 |
| B6 Plus Bright | Mild HybridAutomatic | $63,500 |
| B6 Ultra | Mild HybridAutomatic | $67,500 |
| T8 Plus PHEV | Plug-in HybridAutomatic | $71,000 |
| T8 Ultra PHEV | Plug-in HybridAutomatic | $74,000 |
Key specifications
Model Overview
Engine & Transmission
Dimensions & Capacity
Fuel & Performance
Comfort & Convenience
Safety
Volvo XC90 colours
Crystal White PearlExpert rating breakdown
Owner reviews
A peaceful daily driver
I bought the B6 Ultra mostly for school runs and weekend trips, and the cabin quietness still impresses me. It is not fast, but it never feels strained, and my back thanks me after long drives. The screen took a couple weeks to get used to.
Great family hauler with caveats
Three kids fit fine across the second row, and the build quality feels worth the money. My only gripes are that the third row is really only for the little ones and fuel economy is just okay. Still, I would buy it again.
T8 makes my commute cheap
The plug-in covers my daily commute on electric most days, so I rarely visit a gas station. Charging at home is easy and the power when both motors kick in is genuinely strong. Wish the cargo floor was a bit lower with the battery.
Alternatives to the Volvo XC90
Hyundai Palisade
4.4$37,000 – $54,000Starting MSRP
Rivian R2
4.3$45,000 – $68,000Starting MSRP
Audi Q5
4.2$45,000 – $58,000Starting MSRP
BMW X3
4.4$50,000 – $65,000Starting MSRP
Volvo XC90 — frequently asked questions
How many people can the XC90 seat?
Most versions seat seven across three rows, and a six-seat layout with second-row captain's chairs is available on some trims.
Is the XC90 available as a plug-in hybrid?
Yes. The T8 plug-in hybrid offers meaningful electric-only range for commuting plus strong combined output, alongside the standard B6 mild-hybrid.
Is the third row usable for adults?
It works for short trips but is best suited to children or occasional use. Adults will find legroom and headroom tight on longer journeys.
How is fuel economy?
The B6 mild-hybrid returns roughly 23 MPG combined, which is reasonable for a heavy seven-seat luxury SUV. The T8 can be far cheaper to run if charged regularly.
Does it support Apple CarPlay?
Yes. The updated infotainment runs Google built-in and also supports Apple CarPlay, with wireless smartphone charging available.
How safe is the XC90?
Safety is a core strength, with a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance features and consistently strong crash-test performance from major testing bodies.
Image is an AI-generated illustration. Specifications and prices are indicative and may vary by variant and city — please confirm with an authorized dealer. Last updated 2026-06-26.