The unique Volvo XC90 caught round for 14 years, and on the premise of the superb second-generation mannequin’s displaying, it could seem the MkII goes to do a lot the identical.
It first hit international markets in 2015 and arrived in Australia for the 2016 mannequin yr, with a big replace in 2020 bringing in mild-hybrid drivetrains and revised seems.
Nonetheless, regardless of the approaching arrival of the all-electric Volvo EX90, the second-generation XC90 is continuous to supply the Scandinavian firm’s prospects the possibility to stay with combustion energy for his or her massive seven-seat luxurious SUV in the event that they need to.
One other tweak of the front-end design (primarily new ‘Thor’s hammer’ daytime working lights, diagonal-slatted grille, and creased bonnet) combines with an up to date, bigger infotainment system working Google software program, however drivetrains are unchanged – and we suspect we’ll solely get the T8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) right here this time.
We drove the most recent model of the XC90 in its native Sweden to seek out out if it nonetheless feels up-to-date, or whether or not it’s previous its greatest.
How does the Volvo XC90 evaluate?
View an in depth breakdown of the Volvo XC90 in opposition to equally sized autos.
Volvo
XC90
How a lot does the Volvo XC90 value?
We don’t have confirmed costs for the 2025 Volvo XC90 but, however with the outgoing model costing $128,990 earlier than on-road prices in flagship T8 Recharge Final AWD plug-in hybrid type, we’d count on the brand new one to be in the identical kind of ballpark.
That’ll make it good worth alongside both the BMW X5 (from $134,900) or the Mercedes-Benz GLE (from $139,900), however each the Lexus RX (from $90,060) and Audi Q7 (from $117,284) are cheaper – though keep in mind the RX’s worth is for the five-seater mannequin (not the RX L), whereas the most cost effective Q7 is the 45 TDI diesel.
To see how the Volvo XC90 traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device
What’s the Volvo XC90 like on the within?
If you happen to’ve had the pleasure of sitting in any second-generation XC90 over the previous eight years, you’ll know what the 2025 mannequin yr automotive’s cabin is like. Which suggests it’s a luxurious mix of stable and complex supplies, specified by a wise and intuitive trend.
You can, when you have been being hyper-critical, say little has modified in eight years, and that may in flip lead you to suppose the Volvo’s passenger compartment seems dated, but when something, it appears to be ageing like a superb wine.
It nonetheless feels elegant and operates brilliantly, particularly in an age of touchscreen-everything relating to human-machine interfaces.
That stated, with regards to the infotainment, there may be now a bigger 11.2-inch central touchscreen with 21 per cent larger pixel density, delivering larger decision than the smaller 9.0-inch unit it replaces (although it’s not as large because the EX90’s 14.5-inch show) and nonetheless working Android Automotive software program with Google built-in, which Volvo says is less complicated to navigate by all its menus and subroutines.
This does work effectively, with swift responses to inputs and sharp graphical readability, after which the XC90’s relative ‘antiquity’ performs in its favour as a result of it avoids a number of the extra irksome idiosyncrasies of the electrical fashions – such because the fog gentle management ‘button’ being on the touchscreen within the EX30 – because of the reality it has correct, bodily switchgear dotted in regards to the inside.
There’s additionally a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and sharper air vents for the redesigned dashboard. In comparison with the prevailing XC90, there’s an additional centre console space for storing, one other cupholder and a relocated wi-fi telephone charger, in addition to a redesigned gear selector.
Extra sound insulation has been fitted to scale back street noise, however past that it’s the same old spacious XC90 cabin. Row two is beneficiant with leg- and headroom, and there’s loads of configurability round the way you need the rear pair of seating rows to be arrange.
Volvo all the time stated individuals 1.73 metres tall may sit within the two seats proper in the back of the cabin, though we’d say they’re nonetheless higher fitted to youngsters or younger youngsters on longer journeys.
Boot area is sizeable, with load volumes as much as the window line of 262 litres (with seven seats in use) or 668L (in five-seat mode), whereas the final word cargo space with all of the rear passenger seats folded down and the XC90 loaded as much as the roof measures in at a large 1959L.
What’s below the bonnet?
The acquainted T8 plug-in hybrid drivetrain, variously known as ‘Twin Engine’ and ‘Recharge’ throughout its life, continues in service for the MY2025 XC90.
This pairs a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, utilizing each a turbocharger and a supercharger, to the electrical motor and battery pack.
The engine alone delivers a wholesome 228kW and 400Nm, backed up by one other 107kW and 309Nm from the electrical motor, with an 18.8kWh (that’s the gross capability, of which 14.7kWh is usable) battery pack powering {the electrical} portion of the propulsion system.
Volvo quotes a peak drivetrain output that’s the sum of its elements, so the XC90 T8 makes 335kW and 709Nm – sufficient to shunt this near-2.3-tonne SUV from 0-100km/h in simply 5.4 seconds.
| Specs | Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo/supercharged petrol + 107kW electrical motor |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated |
| Battery | 14.7kWh (usable) |
| Complete system energy | 335kW |
| Complete system torque | 709Nm |
| 0-100km/h | 5.4 seconds |
| High velocity | 180km/h |
| Pushed wheels | AWD |
| Weight | 2227-2297kg |
| Gasoline financial system (claimed) | 1.2-1.6L/100km |
| Gasoline financial system (as examined) | 9.2L/100km |
| Gasoline tank capability | 71 litres |
| Gasoline requirement | 95-98 RON premium unleaded petrol |
| Electrical rangeCO2 emissions | 63km |
| CO2 emissions | 30-36g/km |
| Emissions customary | Euro 6e |
The two.0-litre turbocharged B5 mannequin utilizing a 48-volt mild-hybrid petrol engine to supply as much as 184kW and 360Nm continues in different markets, but it surely was dropped from the 2023 Volvo Australia web site and we’re not but positive if it’s going to make it again to those shores. We’ll preserve you up to date on that entrance.
To see how the Volvo XC90 traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device
How does the Volvo XC90 drive?
Once more, familiarity may breed some contempt for the Volvo XC90 right here, have been it not for 2 issues: one, it has all the time been a refined delight to journey in; and two, there have been some suspension modifications to stipulate.
All fashions proceed with double-wishbone entrance suspension, however a brand new integral hyperlink has been constructed into the impartial rear suspension system to enhance the SUV’s stability and traction when towing.
If not fitted with elective air suspension, then frequency selective dampers (FSDs) present a level of adaptability to the floor terrain the XC90 is encountering.
Nonetheless, we’d say air suspension does the XC90 loads of favours, giving it a usually smoother and quieter journey high quality, with out sacrificing something important in the best way of physique management and dealing with.
Okay, because the XC90 is a big and heavy automobile with out an apparent emphasis on sportiness, it’s not probably the most thrilling factor within the corners, but it surely’s extra assured and succesful than it must be, whereas the snarling gargle of the twin-charged four-cylinder engine truly imbues spirited driving with a good soundtrack.
Mainly, the XC90 will hustle and hustle laborious if you would like it to, though uncommon would be the events when its driver is grinning broadly behind its wheel.
But for rolling refinement and luxury, this Swedish machine is nearly as good as something on this sector, if not higher than all of them. The air-sprung suspension is supple and polished, whereas minimal wind and tyre noise permeates the cabin. Doing a whole lot of kilometres in a single hit on this factor could be a breeze.
Maybe the one minor black mark to level out is real-world gas consumption, a typical PHEV weak point that’s certainly not particular to the XC90 T8. Official claims of petrol use are lower than 2.0L/100km, however we noticed 9.2L/100km throughout a combined route of simply 105km.
Within the Volvo’s defence, it nonetheless had 50 per cent of battery cost left on the finish and a claimed 30km of electrical driving functionality remaining, whereas the journey pc reckoned it had a mixed vary of 580km on its twin assets.
Additionally, 9.2L/100km isn’t too dangerous for a 2.3-tonne SUV with 335kW, however clearly it’s a way off the official quantity. A comparatively small (for a PHEV) 14.7kWh battery doesn’t assist with on a regular basis effectivity both.
What do you get?
Once more, we’re ready for confirmed specs for the 2025 XC90, however going by the Final specification of the present automotive, loads of tools will probably be fitted as customary.
Volvo XC90 highlights:
- 11.2-inch Google infotainment
- 12.3-inch driver show
- Head-up show
- 4-zone local weather management
- Third-row air-conditioning
- Heated steering wheel, entrance and rear seats
- 360-degree digicam
- Adaptive cruise management
- Full LED headlights
- Orrefors crystal gearshift
- Panoramic roof
- 22-inch alloy wheels
- Keyless entry with hands-free powered tailgate
- Wi-fi smartphone charging
Is the Volvo XC90 secure?
The Volvo XC90 was final assessed in 2015 and picked up five-star rankings from each ANCAP and Euro NCAP, though laws have tightened since then. Nonetheless, this can be a Volvo, and security is the corporate’s paramount function, so it’s a safe alternative for households wanting a seven-seat SUV.
Normal security tools contains:
- BLIS (blind-spot detection) and cross-traffic alert
- Hill Descent Management
- Hill Begin Help
- Clever Driver Info System (IDIS)
- Lane retaining support
- Oncoming lane mitigation
- Park Help, entrance, rear and sides
- Pilot Help
- Rear collision warning
- Street signal info
How a lot does the Volvo XC90 value to run?
Volvo Australia has a normal five-year, unlimited-distance guarantee, which is mirrored by the roadside help degree. However when you service the automotive yearly with Volvo, you’ll be able to prolong the roadside help to a most of eight years.
| Operating prices | Volvo XC90 |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, unlimited-kilometre |
| Roadside help | 8 years, unlimited-kilometre (if serviced by Volvo) |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years, 75,000 kilometres |
To see how the Volvo XC90 traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device
CarExpert’s Tackle the Volvo XC90
With out making drastic modifications to the automotive, it may have been the case that the Volvo XC90 would really feel outmanoeuvred by newer, extra technologically superior rivals.
And, okay, the battery pack within the T8 PHEV is one space the place that is true – round 20-25kWh is extra the norm for luxurious SUVs today.
However in all different facets, that is nonetheless one of many most interesting, most fascinating premium seven-seaters going. Opulent and swift, trendy and discreet, the XC90 is a Swedish masterpiece.
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