The 2025 Volvo XC90 gets a refresh, not a redesign, but it does serve to extend the XC90’s life cycle
Here’s the thing, though: the 2025 XC90 is not very new at all. It carries over the same dimensions and powertrains that were offered in 2024. The changes to the 2025 model constitute more of a refresh, intended to breathe some modernity into this decade-old platform. It doesn’t make sense for Volvo to invest much development into its gas-powered vehicles until we all have a better idea of how market demands are going to change in the coming years.
This explains why Volvo introduced the 2025 XC90 to us as being like “catching up with an old friend.” There are a few key improvements, particularly the updated infotainment system and the newly available air suspension. But because the 2025 XC90’s fundamentals remain the same, it doesn’t get the sorts of usability updates that can only come from a full redesign. This shows in areas like second and third row functionality and features.
We sampled two versions of the 2025 Volvo XC90 on this test drive, which started in Copenhagen, Denmark, and crossed the very cool Öresund bridge into southern Sweden. The B5 powertrain we drove is not coming to Canada, but we revisited the T8 plug-in hybrid, now sporting 22-inch wheels and a new air suspension.
What type of vehicle is the 2025 Volvo XC90?
The 2025 Volvo XC90 is a mid-size three-row SUV. It’s intended for families who want an SUV with a premium feel but who don’t need the huge space or tow ratings of a larger utility vehicle. In Canada, the XC90 is sold in two versions: the B6 mild hybrid, and the T8 plug-in hybrid.
What’s new on the 2025 Volvo XC90?
Many of the updates on the 2025 Volvo XC90 are cosmetic, though there are a few that go deeper. On the outside, a new grille design features dramatic, opposing lines, and it’s flanked by slimmer T-shaped headlights and punctuated with the latest Volvo logo. The front bumper, fenders, and hood have all been tweaked. Darkened taillights have been added, and new wheel designs are available.
For the interior, new available colourways use responsibly sourced textiles. Trendy fabric inserts, standard ambient lighting, and available new finely cut speaker grilles for the upgrade audio systems match with the real open-pore wood to create a clean Scandinavian aesthetic. The cabin is quieter thanks to better sound insulation. Available second-row captain’s chairs on the Ultra trim now have cup holders integrated into armrests. (Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see these during our test drive.)
The previous model’s embedded 9-inch infotainment system has been replaced with a 11.2-inch free-standing touchscreen running the Google Built-in operating system. A reworked wireless charging pad is standard.
Mechanically, there are few major updates to the XC90 for 2025. The most important one is a newly available air suspension, which will be offered on both models.
How much power does the 2025 Volvo XC90 have?
The two available powertrains in the 2025 Volvo XC90 are unchanged from previous model years. In the B6 mild hybrid, a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine produces 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The T8 plug-in hybrid drops the supercharger and adds an electric motor for combined power output of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The T8 is rated for up to 53 kilometres of electric-only driving. Both versions use eight-speed automatic transmissions and come with standard all-wheel drive (AWD).
What is the fuel economy of the 2025 Volvo XC90?
The 2025 Volvo XC90 B6 mild hybrid is rated at 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving, 9.0 on the highway, and 10.4 combined. These are reasonable figures for a gas three-row SUV, but they do represent an increase from the 2024 model (which was rated at 10.9/8.6/9.8).
In the 2025 Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid, fuel consumption is estimated at 3.8 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres combined when the driver uses the available 53 kilometres of electric-only range. In hybrid mode, its ratings are 9.1 L/100 km city, 8.6 highway, and 8.9 combined. These figures are unchanged from the previous model year.
2025 Volvo XC90 driving impressions
We can’t speak directly to the drive feel of the 2025 Volvo XC90 B6 since it wasn’t available during this test drive. The B5 doesn’t feel underpowered and our previous experiences with the B6 have been positive, so we have reason to believe it will meet the needs of most drivers.
The XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid continues to be a solid offering. The powertrain delivers plenty of might when called upon and manages its range well. It has plenty of available drive modes, letting the driver choose when to power down versus driving more efficiently or holding the electric charge for later use. When the charge is depleted, the T8 continues to be pleasant to drive in hybrid mode.
The available air suspension costs $2,350 extra in Canada. It automatically manages ride height, which is 22.3 centimetres without it but can vary from 21.2 to 25.2 centimetres when the air suspension is equipped. The dampers keep the car rolling smoothly across a variety of road conditions, plus they’ll lower the car at higher speeds for better stability and fuel economy or raise it in off-road mode to help clear obstacles. There’s also a button in the cargo area that will lower the car to make loading heavy items easier. It’s a great new feature that’s well worth the investment.
How many passengers can fit in the 2025 Volvo XC90?
When equipped with a bench in the second row, which is divided into a 40-20-40 split, the 2025 Volvo XC90 seats up to seven passengers with three in the second row and two in the third. Where captain’s chairs replace the second-row bench, seating is reduced to six.
One of the legacy holdovers in the 2025 XC90 is that its cabin is not optimally designed for families. For example, it’s not possible to keep a car seat in place when pulling forward the second-row bench seat to access the third row. (We haven’t tested this with the captain’s chairs, so they may be set up differently.) And once the second-row seat is pushed forward, there’s an awful lot of hardware sticking up on the track that little feet could get caught on.
Once your passengers are seated in the third row, they’ll find space is appropriate for kids but both leg room and head room are on the tighter side for adults. However, this also isn’t an ideal space for car seats since the two third-row positions don’t have anchors. This means you’d therefore max out at two anchored car seats in the XC90, while additional seats will need to be secured with seat belts. On the plus side, there’s an actual cup holder and vent on each side in the third row, as well as some small, covered storage bins. You’ll likely need to give younger third-row passengers a hand getting out since the second-row seats are too heavy for most children to move on their own.
2025 Volvo XC90 technology features
One of the most important changes in the 2025 Volvo XC90 is the infotainment screen. The previous model’s 9-inch screen has been replaced with a 11.2-inch touchscreen running the Google Built-in infotainment system. This helps native apps like navigation run much more smoothly. Volvo has also reconfigured the screen’s functions so the home screen is always one click away via a touch point at the bottom. With a swipe up, you can have a set of tiles showing you a variety of information. Swipe down and the screen declutters and displays a larger map, which can also be shown in the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Speed and navigation prompts can be projected on the windshield via the available head-up display. Over-the-air updates let the car download software changes remotely.
The downside to the new screen is that it’s still arranged in portrait orientation. Many of the car’s most important functions like climate and heated seat controls are at the very bottom of the screen. With no buttons or haptic feedback to fall back on, this means drivers need to take their eyes fully off the road to make adjustments. It’s a significant potential distraction point.
How much is the 2025 Volvo XC90 in Canada?
Pricing for the 2025 Volvo XC90 has not yet been announced as of this writing. This information will be released closer to the on-sale date, which is currently targeted for January 2025. For 2024, the XC90 B6 started at $71,550 before fees for the Core trim and peaked at $83,600 for the Ultimate trim with captain’s chairs. On the 2024 XC90 T8, pricing started at $83,500 for the Core model and topped out at $95,100 for the six-seat Ultimate model. We expect modest increases for 2025 across the line-up. The Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid is priced too high to qualify for federal or provincial/territorial EV rebates in Canada.
Is the 2025 Volvo XC90 worth it?
Pros
✔ Classy appearance updates
✔ Now uses Google Built-in infotainment
✔ Optional air suspension is a great addition
Cons
✘ Portrait-oriented screen can be distracting
✘ Third-row space is tight
✘ Less functional than average for larger families
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