Volvo XC90 2025 test report

I drove the 2025 Volvo XC90 on a November day in Sweden (and a little in Denmark) on a Monday (and a little on a Tuesday). The seat time the Volvo team gave us on the press trip was enough to see that there are some styling differences between this year’s and last model, but they are quite minor. However, Volvo offers two powertrains for this XC90, its largest family hauler. The difference between the two versions is so big that they are almost different cars.

First, the similarities: There is a slimmer design of the headlights, which Volvo succinctly calls “Thor’s Hammer”, as well as a more streamlined front grille. It looks pretty good. Your interior can be made from either a pleasant blue herringbone polyester fabric or an elegant-looking and good-feeling “bio-attributed leather-free upholstery” called Nordico, made from recycled Finnish pine resin. Both are absolutely pleasant.

Both cars also feature an 11.5-inch center display, essentially an in-house iPad, eliminating some of the confusing interface features of previous models and bringing them up to date with Volvo’s new electric SUVs, which hit the market in 2024 . There’s also an optional booming Bowers & Wilkins sound system that’s as complete and immersive as any I’ve experienced in a car.

But these are essentially cosmetics. Under the hood, Volvo sells two completely different machines under the XC90 banner. First there is the B5, a “mild hybrid” that contains a small electric boost motor. Then there is the T8, a full plug-in hybrid. The B5’s engine produces 10 hp. The T8 has 107. That’s a huge difference that shows in the performance.

The cars have identical chassis, which remained unchanged from previous editions. They feature the same turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, identical transmissions and identical steering systems. But it looks like the B5 has a maximum of 250 horsepower, and the T8 can go up to 455. The plug-in accelerates from zero to 60 in 5.4 seconds, while the B5 takes 7.7 seconds. That’s slow for a modern car.

No sensible person takes a Volvo XC90 for a spin around the racetrack. This is the definition of an upscale family transportation company. But the difference couldn’t be greater. A Subaru Outback has a better pickup than the “mild hybrid” and is much cheaper. The added benefit is that the T8 can travel more than 50 miles on a pure electric charge. If you can charge it at home and at work, this is an everyday car that doesn’t need gas until you take it on a road trip. The B5 has no such option.

But if only it were that easy. The base price of the B5 is $58,450. With all sorts of additional options, including heated seats, a full suite of advanced digital safety features, and heated and ventilated Nappa leather seats, it’s $67,450. On the other hand, the T8 begins at $73,000, and the top end with add-ons comes to more than $80,000.

Usually there is speed or fuel efficiency, but not both. The XC90 highlights a particular problem with modern cars as they continue their long journey toward full electrification. Now you can achieve fuel efficiency And Speed, or you can have neither. Comfort and amenities are negotiable. However, if you want the two most desirable mechanical features in a car, you’ll have to pay for them. If you’re already looking at the XC90, you’re probably an avid Volvo enthusiast. And if you want this flagship family hauler at its best, then you’ll want to pay to hook it up. The T8 is much more fun to drive. It’s the same car, but it’s also better.