2025 Volvo XC90 Sharpens it’s Case as Brand’s Flagship Hybrid SUV

A new Volvo XC90 is due to arrive early 2025, and while this new model isn’t a total evolution, changes are very extensive thanks to numerous aesthetic, comfort, and performance improvements.

Volvo fully anticipates the XC90 to continue carrying the torch as the brand’s flagship hybrid SUV offering. While it will team up with their upcoming all-electric EX90, the XC90 will remain “a crucial driver of volume and profit for Volvo Cars through the coming years.” To meet this expectation, Volvo has kept much of the XC90 formula the same (i.e. still an upscale midsize utility with up to seven seats), finding improvements in other sectors– enough to stake their claim that this is the “best-ever Volvo XC90.”

To that end, the 2025 model is still built atop the XC90’s current SPA1 platform; and dimensionally speaking, it remains 195 inches long on a 117.5-inch wheelbase. The B5 and B6 powertrains are slightly more efficient thanks to a new combustion cycle, but the B5’s mild-hybrid-assisted power plant still generates 247 horsepower, with torque climbing up to 266 lb-ft from 258 lb-ft. The B6 remains the same, rated at 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft, as does the T8 plug-in hybrid system, putting down 445 horses and 523 lb-ft with the added advantage of 32 miles of pure electric range. The T8’s electric motor is powered by a battery pack with 14.7 kilowatt-hours of usable storage. Mild or plug-in, both hybrids are given an eight-speed automatic, delivering power to the standard all-wheel drive system.

Upgraded suspension will make the everyday ride more controlled and comfortable; a double-wishbone setup is mounted up front, joined by a new integral link in the rear, to be specific, bolstered by a Frequency Selective Damping technology. Flexibility of the chassis can be furthered by optional air suspension, providing more clearance when needed and otherwise smoothing out bumpy roads.

The XC90’s exterior is self described as “contemporary” and “confident,” falling more in line with Volvo’s all-electric portfolio (see: the EX90, which we recently had a chance to take out on a First Drive). The front end features a revised “Thor’s Hammer” headlight design and air intake, flanked by new taillights and underscored by new wheel designs. And while the Mulberry Red lacquer, if applied, will denote the ‘25 model year, the interior sees far more apparent improvements.

The cabin’s forward end has been redesigned, starting with a horizontal dashboard profile defined by typical Volvo minimalism, broken up by a new 11.2-inch infotainment screen. This interface is larger and crisper than the outgoing 9-inch unit, sporting a new layout and, once more, mimicking systems found in EV models. Considering the implanting of vehicle functions and built-in Google systems, the screen benefits from a new layout requiring fewer taps to access said functions. Beneath the dash is a redesigned central tunnel, moving the wireless device charger and providing a “2+1” cupholder– that additional “+1” being designed for smaller containers.

Configured for either six or seven occupants, the XC90’s seats are adjustable; the front two seats are heated, ventilated and massaging, while rear seating is heated. Those rear rows can be folded flat to provide up to 66.2 cubic-feet of storage; all seats up, you’ll have approximable 12 cubes of storage behind the third row. Seating and other interior elements hinge on sustainably sourced materials, including the new Nordico and Herringbone Weave upholstery.

Your rearmost passengers will be entertained by the panoramic glass roof, extending up to the front row for your co-pilot to admire the view (and you too, though we’d advise against that when in motion). This glass roof can be opened, but should the fresh air not be as fresh as you had hoped, seal up the cabin and allow a new air purifier to clean your XC90’s microbiome. This filter can also pre-clean the air, working along with the HVAC to achieve the optimal temperature, before hitting the road. And on the road, the air is further “decontaminated” from noise pollution, as Volvo has filled the A- and B-pillars with foam and improved other sound insulation elements.

Your passengers may rest easy thanks to the quiet ride, and you, the driver, will feel a little less of an edge, as it wouldn’t be a Volvo without an emphasis on safety. And to that effect, the XC90 is equipped with radars and front cameras linked to the onboard safety suite. While the example of emergency braking and steering to avoid moose, as seen in Sweden and elsewhere, may not be as pertinent for some, swap this large beast for a man made metal one and you can see the advantages for daily driving. Same can be said for standard Pilot Assist, using acceleration, braking and steering inputs to keep the vehicle centered and up to speed.

The 2025 Volvo XC90 is available for order today, with production ramping up soon and deliveries reaching the first customers by the end of the year, starting at $59,745. We’ll have a more indepth video tour of the XC90 soon, so stay tuned!