The Volvo XC90 isn’t out here begging for attention. It doesn’t need to. It’s the SUV that shows up in tailored wool, parks itself with dignity, and will still absolutely crush a snow-covered backroad without losing its cool.
For 2025, the XC90 sticks to what it does best: blending top-tier safety with Swedish style, all while sneaking in some legit performance—especially if you opt for the T8 Recharge. It’s not the flashiest rig in the luxury SUV lot, but it’s one of the smartest buys out there if you care more about real-world class than spec-sheet showboating.
Let’s get under the skin of this silent powerhouse.
💥 Powertrain Specs
The XC90 lineup gives you three flavors—from mild hybrid smoothness to plug-in hybrid muscle. And no matter what you choose, you’re getting that trademark Volvo poise with just enough punch to keep things interesting.
| Powertrain | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | 0–60 mph | Drivetrain | Fuel Economy / EV Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B5 | 2.0L turbo I4 (mild hybrid) | 247 hp | 258 lb-ft | 7.3 sec | AWD | 26 mpg (combined) |
| B6 | 2.0L turbo & supercharged I4 (mild hybrid) | 295 hp | 310 lb-ft | 6.4 sec | AWD | 25 mpg (combined) |
| T8 Recharge | 2.0L turbo I4 + electric motor (plug-in hybrid) | 455 hp | 523 lb-ft | 5.4 sec | AWD | 27 mpg / 32 mi EV |
The T8 Recharge? It’s a sleeper. That thing’s got more torque than a Macan GTS and pulls like a freight train off the line—without making a sound.
Ride and Handling: Plush and Predictable
The XC90 doesn’t pretend to be an off-roader or canyon carver. What it does is ride smoother than your kid’s bedtime lullaby.
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- Optional air suspension soaks up potholes like they never happened
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- Steering is light, but not vague—perfect for tight streets and highway cruising
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- AWD is standard across the board, giving you year-round grip without drama
This SUV’s more about gliding than gripping. It’s a rolling fortress designed to make your life easier—not messier.
Interior: Minimalism, Done Right
Volvo interiors hit different. They don’t chase trends. They set them. Everything inside the 2025 XC90 is clean, intuitive, and tactile—no gimmicks, just smart luxury.
Cabin Highlights
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- 11.2-inch Google-powered touchscreen (finally smooth and snappy)
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- 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
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- Available Bowers & Wilkins sound system that’ll ruin you for stock speakers
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- Optional second-row captain’s chairs for true six-seat comfort
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- Crystal shift knob on Recharge models—yeah, it’s extra, but you’ll love it
Fit and finish? Near flawless. And unlike some luxury SUVs, you don’t need a degree in aerospace engineering to figure out the controls.
Size and Practicality
If you’ve got a crew to haul, the XC90 does it better than most—without looking like a brick on wheels.
| Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 195.0 in |
| Width | 79.1 in |
| Height | 69.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 117.5 in |
| Curb Weight (T8) | 5,324 lbs |
| Cargo | 15.8 cu ft (behind 3rd row), 85.7 cu ft (max) |
It’s roomy, no doubt. Adults can fit in the third row without needing chiropractor visits afterward. And the cargo space? Massive.
Tech and Safety: Still the Benchmark
This is Volvo, after all. Safety tech isn’t just thrown in here—it’s engineered like a mission-critical system.
What you’re working with:
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- Pilot Assist (semi-autonomous highway driving)
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- Adaptive cruise + lane centering
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- Blind spot monitoring with steer assist
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- 360° camera system
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- Rear collision mitigation
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- Parking sensors that actually make sense
It’s not trying to drive for you—it’s just there to catch you when you get distracted. And honestly? That’s the sweet spot.
Pricing Breakdown
You’ve got options, and Volvo kept the lineup tight without nickel-and-diming you for every feature. Pricing’s reasonable, especially considering how stacked the Recharge models are.
| Trim | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| B5 Core AWD | $58,695 |
| B5 Plus AWD | $61,995 |
| B6 Core AWD | $63,595 |
| B6 Plus AWD | $65,595 |
| T8 Recharge Core AWD | $71,900 |
| T8 Recharge Plus AWD | $75,045 |
| T8 Recharge Ultimate AWD | $82,405 |
The sweet spot? T8 Recharge Plus. Big power, solid range, no need to max out on extras unless you’re feeling bougie.
Final Verdict: Jake’s Take
“The XC90 is for people who want luxury, power, and peace of mind—without screaming about it.”
It’s not trying to be a Cayenne. It doesn’t need to be. The XC90 plays its own game, and it plays it damn well. Safe, stylish, surprisingly quick when you want it to be—and most importantly, it’s got soul.
If you’re tired of the German song and dance, this Swedish sleeper might be your next best move.