Close X
Monday, March 17, 2025
ADVT 
Reviews

2025.5 Volvo XC90: What’s Old Is New Again

Benjamin Yong Darpan, 14 Feb, 2025 09:44 PM
  • 2025.5 Volvo XC90: What’s Old Is New Again

Approaching the decade mark, the second-generation Volvo XC90 may be getting a little long in the tooth. However, the range-topping crossover gets a ‘2025.5’ model year inside-out refresh (not to be confused with the 2025 released last year) that’s certifiably beautiful, helping cement the vehicle’s flagship status.   

“Here you see some of the features with the XC90—some of my favorites with this car are the new grille and also the new exterior color. It's called Mulberry,” says Thea Burlin, Volvo Cars Color and Materials Designer, during a recent product briefing and media drive event in Scandinavia. “For the interior, my favorite part is the new Herringbone Weave, which is [found on the] Premium Textile seat.”  

From far away, the SUV still embodies the brand’s classic silhouette but move closer, and the subtle aesthetic improvements quickly become evident. The LED headlamps take on a more streamlined shape, barely larger than the integrated Thor’s Hammer signature daytime running lights. They flank the flush grille referenced by Burlin, housing unique polished asymmetrical diagonal slats that help the front end stand out on the road. Below, the restyled bumper swaps out the horizontal side air intake for vertical units, and the lower intake is quite a bit wider.  

Elsewhere, the taillights are slightly darker than before, with fresh wheel designs up to 22 inches. The aforementioned cab-sauv-like Mulberry paint is stunning, though the T8-powered press vehicles we drove sprayed in the earth-toned Bright Dusk looked great as well against the dark blue backdrop of the resund strait.  

Venture inside, and the bigger 11.2-inch infotainment portrait display, now freestanding rather than inset into the dashboard, immediately pops out. Vertical air vent blades complement the upright visual elements of the exterior. Boasting a higher resolution and shared interface with the EX lineup of electrified SUVs, the Google built-in software is updatable over the air and is loaded with native apps. Apple CarPlay is supported for those who prefer the iOS user experience.   

The trademark Orrefors crystal gear knob is standard equipment installed on an upgraded center console, allowing additional adjacent space for (2+1) drink containers and more convenient placement of the wireless phone charging pad underneath the screen.   

A heavy emphasis is placed on using sustainably sourced materials throughout the cabin, from the untreated wood trim to the Nordico synthetic leather made using recycled PET bottles and cork. The dash is upholstered with a fine fabric reminiscent of what might be seen on a nice European coat. The speakers on the available Bowers & Wilkens audio system wear new delicate alloy mesh covers, and the stereo can be configured to sound like a recording studio, intimate stage, Gothenburg Concert Hall, or jazz club, depending on mood and music choice.  

Crystal clear concert hall tunes provided the perfect soundtrack to our coastal cruise between Copenhagen, Denmark, and the southern part of Sweden. The enhanced suspension sporting Volvo Frequency Selective Damping technology—capable of scanning the driving surface up to 500 times a second to match stiffness to current conditions automatically—wasn’t worked very hard on the smooth pavement we glided over, but still yielded a composed, comfortable ride even on the curviest of sections.   

The powertrain offerings remain the same. The T8 plug-in utilizes a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, electric motor, and 14.7-kilowatt hour battery pack good for 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque, and a combined travel range of 800-plus kilometers (or approximately 70 in zero emissions mode). Whisper quiet at start-up, and even highway motoring is pretty serene thanks to acoustic foam-filled pillars and other improved sound insulation found elsewhere.    

A fully gas-powered B6 is available, propelled by a 2.0-litre turbo-and-supercharged inline-four mild hybrid setup making 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both models are all-wheel drive and mated to eight-speed automatic transmissions.  

Deliveries of the 2025.5 Volvo XC90 are expected to begin sometime this first quarter, with prices TBA.   

Highlights (T8): 

MSRP: $TBA  

Motor: 2.0-litre Turbocharged four-cylinder with electric motor   

Horsepower: 455 (net)     

Torque (lb-ft): 523 (net)  

Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic  

Layout: Front-engine, All-wheel drive     

Fuel economy: 8.9 L/100 km mixed city/highway (manufacturer estimate)  

MORE Reviews ARTICLES

Edmunds' family SUV test: 2025 Ford Explorer vs. 2025 Honda Pilot

Edmunds' family SUV test: 2025 Ford Explorer vs. 2025 Honda Pilot
The 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Honda Pilot are midsize SUVs with three rows of seating, available all-wheel drive, and cabins peppered with storage cubbies. In other words, they’re both highly practical means of running errands, coping with a commute, or tackling long road trips. But which one is the better buy?

Edmunds' family SUV test: 2025 Ford Explorer vs. 2025 Honda Pilot

Certified pre-owned vs. used: Edmunds explains which is better

Certified pre-owned vs. used: Edmunds explains which is better
Buying a certified pre-owned vehicle, commonly called a CPO vehicle, has benefits and drawbacks. Understanding the differences can help you make an informed choice that aligns with your budget, priorities and desire for peace of mind. Here Edmunds editors take an in-depth look at the benefits, limitations and considerations for each.

Certified pre-owned vs. used: Edmunds explains which is better

VinFast VF 8 Plus: A New Electrified Player On The Scene

VinFast VF 8 Plus: A New Electrified Player On The Scene
You may have seen an unfamiliar-looking crossover in passing wearing a “V” on the grille and wondered what that was. Well, it’s actually the newest EV to join the Canadian market: the Vietnamese-made VinFast VF 8. The SUV’s unique styling is a result of a partnership involving two Italian design firms, Pininfarina and Torino Design, both putting their mark on various Ferraris, Alfa Romeos and others.

VinFast VF 8 Plus: A New Electrified Player On The Scene

Edmunds' hybrid SUV test: 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid vs 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Edmunds' hybrid SUV test: 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid vs 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Hybrids are hot right now, and you have lots of choices if you’re considering a hybrid SUV. For years, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has been the go-to model for hybrid SUV shoppers. Toyota faces ever stronger competition these days, and one of the latest newcomers is the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. Edmunds compared both compact hybrid SUVs to find out.

Edmunds' hybrid SUV test: 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid vs 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Edmunds Top Rated vehicle awards are out for 2025

Edmunds Top Rated vehicle awards are out for 2025
There are six main categories: best car, SUV and truck, and electric versions in the same categories. This year, there are some new champions, while others are repeat winners. The starting prices listed below include destination charges.

Edmunds Top Rated vehicle awards are out for 2025

Edmunds highlights the top car-tech trends from CES 2025

Edmunds highlights the top car-tech trends from CES 2025
CES, formerly known as the Consumer Electronics Show, in Las Vegas continues to provide a sneak peek at future technology. The annual showcase includes advanced automotive tech in an industry striving to reduce pollution and increase occupant safety while also providing greater convenience and entertainment for road warriors.

Edmunds highlights the top car-tech trends from CES 2025

PrevNext