If you’re looking for a luxury SUV that combines safety, performance, and top-notch design, the 2025 Volvo XC90 is a model worth your attention. Volvo has always been known for its safety, and the XC90 lives up to that reputation with a host of upgrades for the 2025 model year. In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at everything this SUV has to offer—from pricing and engine options to interior quality and safety features.
Overview of the 2025 XC90
The 2025 Volvo XC90 comes with several exciting updates, continuing Volvo’s legacy as a leader in automotive safety. The XC90 has earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus, the highest safety rating available, making it a formidable contender against rivals like the Genesis GV80 and BMW X5.
In this review, we’ll explore everything from acceleration and braking to steering feel, sound systems, and more. So, let’s jump right into the details.
2025 Volvo XC90 Pricing Details
As with most luxury vehicles, the 2025 XC90 is available in several trim levels, each offering unique features and configurations. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing:
- Core B5 Trim: Starting at $58,869
- B5 Plus Trim: Starting at $61,900
- Ultimate Trim: Starting at $67,500
Each trim level offers different engine configurations, which we’ll discuss next.
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Engine Configurations
The 2025 Volvo XC90 offers two engine configurations to suit different driving needs. The B5 trims are equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with a mild hybrid system. This setup delivers 247 horsepower at 5500 RPM and 258 lb-ft of torque at 1500 RPM.
It features an 8-speed automatic transmission, with a 0-60 mph time of approximately 7.3 seconds and fuel efficiency rated at 22 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway.
The second engine option, available in the B6 configuration, is a more powerful version of the same engine. It produces 295 horsepower at 5700 RPM and 310 lb-ft of torque at 2200 RPM, also with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
This engine boasts a quicker 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds and fuel efficiency of 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway.
Acceleration and Driving Modes
Before we dive into the acceleration test, it’s worth noting that the 2025 XC90 comes with some new driving modes. These include an off-road mode, a steering feel firm mode, a suspension feel firm mode, and an air suspension button for enhanced driving dynamics.
During our test, the XC90 demonstrated impressive acceleration with smooth, buttery shifts, making highway merging effortless. The B6 engine configuration provides a luxury-like driving experience, combining quick acceleration with refined shifts for the best of both worlds.
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Braking Performance
Braking is a critical aspect of any vehicle’s performance, and the XC90 doesn’t disappoint. The SUV is equipped with 13.6-inch ventilated front discs and 12.6-inch ventilated rear discs.
It has an impressive 60-0 mph stopping distance of 113 feet, a figure typically seen in sports cars. The braking feel is firm and responsive, ensuring quick stops—a crucial feature for a safety-focused brand like Volvo.
2025 Volvo XC90 Suspension and Handling
The XC90’s suspension system is designed for a smooth and comfortable ride. It features an unequal-length control arm front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension, with front and rear stabilizer bars.
The ride quality is exceptional, absorbing bumps with ease and providing a luxurious driving experience. While the steering feel in the firm mode may seem slightly unnatural to some, the overall handling is precise and responsive. The cabin remains incredibly quiet, adding to the vehicle’s luxury appeal.
One of the standout features for 2025 is the addition of an air suspension, which allows drivers to adjust the suspension settings for either comfort or firmness. This ensures the best possible ride quality, regardless of road conditions.
2025 Volvo XC90 Exterior Design
The 2025 Volvo XC90 is as visually impressive as it is functional. The model we reviewed was finished in Vapor Gray, a stunning color that accentuates the vehicle’s sleek design. The XC90 is still built and assembled in Sweden, a rarity in the US market.
The front end features LED headlights with Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights, automatic high beams, and a choice of either a bright or dark finish for the grille. LED fog lights with a cornering function add an extra layer of safety during nighttime driving.
The side profile of the XC90 includes silver roof rails, optional crossbars, chrome window surrounds, and body-colored power-folding side mirrors.
One of the unique design elements is the body-colored side skirts and fender surrounds, which give the vehicle a clean, elegant look. The 21-inch multi-spoke diamond-cut machine-finished alloy wheels add a high-end touch, making the XC90 stand out from the crowd.
2025 Volvo XC90 0-60 Time
The 2025 Volvo XC90 shows a notable improvement in its 0-60 mph times compared to previous models. The B6 engine configuration, producing 295 horsepower, accelerates from 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds, which is quicker than the B5 configuration’s 7.3 seconds.
This is a subtle yet significant enhancement over past iterations, particularly when comparing it to the 2020 model, which had a similar powertrain but slightly slower acceleration times due to less refined technology and tuning.
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2025 Volvo XC90 Rear Design and Cargo Space
Around the back, the XC90 features a body-colored shark fin antenna, a rear spoiler with an integrated brake light, LED taillights, and dual exhaust outlets.
The hands-free power tailgate is standard across all trim levels, making it easy to load and unload cargo. With all seats up, the XC90 offers 15.8 cubic feet of cargo space. This expands to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded down and 85.7 cubic feet with all rows folded, providing ample space for any adventure.
Third and Second Row Seating
The third row of the XC90 offers 31.9 inches of legroom, suitable for two passengers. The seats come with rear ventilation, cup holders, and a small storage area, complete with a quirky spider design—a fun Easter egg from Volvo.
The second row provides 37 inches of legroom and features four-zone climate control, heated rear seats (with the climate package), and optional captain’s chairs. The rear window sunshades add an extra layer of comfort for passengers.
Front Seats and Interior Quality
The front seats of the XC90 are eight-way power-adjustable with memory settings for both the driver and passenger. Leather seating and heated front seats come standard, with ventilated front seats available as an option.
Volvo’s attention to detail is evident in the Swedish flag detail on the passenger seat and the “Since 1959” lettering on the seat belt buckle—small touches that add to the vehicle’s overall charm. The steering wheel is tilt and telescoping, leather-wrapped, and heated with the climate package.
Gauge Cluster and Infotainment System
The 2025 XC90 features a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with a navigation setup front and center, making it easy to keep track of your speed, outside temperature, and other important information. The 9-inch tablet-style color touchscreen infotainment system includes Bluetooth, audio streaming, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a factory navigation system.
There’s even an app to check the air quality—perfect for those with allergies. The XC90 offers multiple sound system options, including the optional Bowers and Wilkins sound system, which delivers an unparalleled audio experience.
2025 Volvo XC90 Safety Features
Volvo’s reputation for safety is well-deserved, and the 2025 XC90 continues this tradition. As an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus, the XC90 comes equipped with front, side, and side curtain airbags, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more. These features ensure that the XC90 not only protects its occupants but also helps prevent accidents.
2025 Volvo XC90 Fuel MPG
The 2025 Volvo XC90 offers two engine configurations that balance performance and fuel efficiency. The base B5 engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with mild-hybrid assistance, delivering 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
This engine propels the XC90 from 0-60 mph in about 7.3 seconds, with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. This makes it a competitive choice for those seeking a luxury SUV with decent fuel efficiency compared to similar models in its class.
For those who desire more power, the B6 engine option combines both a turbocharger and a supercharger, increasing output to 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This setup reduces the 0-60 mph time to a quicker 6.4 seconds while maintaining a respectable fuel economy of 20 MPG city and 26 MPG highway.
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Competitors in 2025
As you consider the 2025 Volvo XC90, a few key competitors stand out in the luxury SUV segment. The 2025 BMW X5 is a prominent rival, especially with its xDrive50e PHEV variant. The X5 offers a powerful inline-six engine producing 308 horsepower, providing a more dynamic driving experience compared to the XC90’s base 247-horsepower I-4 engine.
The X5 also delivers a slightly better fuel economy on the highway and features a luxurious interior, though it seats only five compared to the XC90’s seven-seat configuration. For those looking at hybrid options, the BMW X5’s plug-in hybrid variant adds an extra layer of efficiency and power.
Another strong contender is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, known for its blend of technology and comfort. The GLE 450 model, with its turbocharged inline-six engine, offers 362 horsepower, surpassing the XC90 in terms of raw power.
The GLE also features a cutting-edge MBUX infotainment system with extensive customization options, making it a tech-forward choice. While the GLE typically seats five, it offers an optional third row, similar to the XC90, making it versatile for families.
Both the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE also boast slightly more cargo space than the XC90, which could be a deciding factor for those needing maximum storage capacity.
2025 Volvo XC90 Release Date
The 2025 Volvo XC90 is set to be unveiled on September 4, 2024. This updated version is expected to be a major refresh of the existing model rather than a full redesign. Volvo is focusing on enhancing the XC90’s hybrid powertrain as part of its broader shift towards electrification.
The refreshed XC90 will be available alongside the fully electric EX90, providing customers with a hybrid option as the company moves toward its goal of an all-electric lineup by 2030. While exact production details are still under wraps, the 2025 XC90 is expected to be available for purchase by the end of 2024.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Volvo XC90 is a top-tier luxury SUV that excels in safety, comfort, and overall quality. While there might be a couple of areas for improvement, such as the inclusion of a wireless phone charger, the XC90 remains a standout choice in its class.
Whether you prioritize safety, performance, or luxury, the XC90 checks all the boxes. Let us know what you think of the new XC90 in the comments below.
