2025 Volvo XC90

The XC90 looks best in lighter hues, which show off its muscular lines. It has broad shoulders and looks best — but rides worst — with the largest wheels Volvo offers. Shop accordingly, based on the quality of roads near you. (And if you live in Milwaukee, consider a Sherman tank.)

This is the Volvo that started it all for the brand, at least in recent memory. A broad grille flanked by jellybean headlights gives way to those blistered fenders. At the rear, though, the XC90 is arguably at its best. The big taillights that snake their way up (or down) the tailgate look great.

The XC90’s cabin is restrained, with a 9.0-inch touchscreen canted slightly toward the driver. Volvo is light on extra buttons and knobs, which gives this cabin a simple, but luxurious look. Remember that there’s luxury in space, after all. The lack of buttons focuses your attention toward the beautiful materials Volvo selects, so long as you skip the B5 Core that lacks leather and wood bits. 

How fast is the Volvo XC90?

It’s no slouch in any form, though the base B5 powertrain may struggle with a full load of passengers aboard. That engine is a 2.0-liter turbo-4 rated at 247 hp. It benefits from a mild-hybrid setup iwth a 48-volt starter-generator system that aids low-speed acceleration and reduces drag on the electrical system. 

Stronger but also a bit gruffer, the B6 version uses a supercharged and turbocharged version of that turbo-4, which retains mild-hybrid tech. At 295 hp, it’s notably quicker without exacting a big fuel-economy penalty. 

At the top of the lineup, the XC90 Recharge uses the B6 engine plus a bigger electric motor and an 18.8-kwh lithium-ion battery pack. Total output is a hearty 455 hp, and this model can travel on electricity alone for upward of 30 miles in real-world driving once it has been charged up. It’s the quickest and the greenest, albeit without the otherworldly rush of power you’ll find in, say, an AMG or BMW M model. 

All models use an 8-speed automatic transmission that behaves well but would benefit from paddle shifters for steep descents and the like.

No XC90 is as light on its feet as Germany’s best, but these big SUVs ride and handle well enough. They have a sedate feel, though the available air suspension is a must-have if you want to opt for larger-than-20-inch alloy wheels. 

Add the optional trailer hitch and the XC90 is rated to tow as much as 5,000 pounds. 

Row two is best for kids, though adults can squeeze back there for shorter drives. 

The cargo area is pretty big. Look for around 16 cubic feet behind the third row, which grows to upward of 40 cubes with the third row stowed. Maximum capacity is a reasonable 86 cubic feet, but the cargo floor itself is a bit high. 

Attention to detail is an XC90 highlight. Even base versions draped in synthetic leather have a bucks-up appearance. Top-end versions have gorgeous wood and metal, plus a crystal gear lever for a truly special feel.

All models have adaptive cruise control, active lane control, blind-spot monitors, and a great rearview camera, while a surround-view camera system is available.

Pilot Assist has a relatively natural feel to the way it keeps the XC90 centered in its lane and away from vehicles ahead. It’s not meant for long hands-off jaunts like Ford and General Motors systems, but it does an admirable job reducing driver fatigue at highway speeds. 

The cheapest plug-in version is about $73,000, though it comes with a few extra niceties like real leather seats and it may qualify for various incentives depending on where you live. 

Which Volvo XC90 should I buy?

We’d spend up for the B6 powertrain, which costs about $5,000 more but add a few niceties like full leather upholstery and real wood interior bits even in Core trim. That’s probably all the XC90 most of us need, though the $3,000 more for the Plus trim that buys a surround-view camera and a few other niceties might be worth it to you. 

The top Ultra trim level runs $70,000 or so, including upgraded seats with more adjustment and cooling, plus a wider range of cabin options. It’s worth skipping the mid-level version, we think, if your budget allows. 

How much is a fully loaded Volvo XC90?

A loaded-up XC90 Recharge in top Ultra trim can run $81,000 to start, though it’s the only version available with the absolutely fantastic tailored wool interior option. That’s a lot of money to spend on seats, but every bit of this SUV feels worth the substantial cash. 

It’s not hard to drop another few grand on features like a Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a suede-like headliner. 

Recharge models are estimated at a decent 27 mpg combined once the electricity runs out, too.