2025 Volvo XC90 Review: A Scandinavian Masterclass
We spent a full week with the 2025 Volvo XC90, driving it through city traffic, highway stretches, and even some countryside roads. The verdict? Volvo has fine-tuned an already exceptional SUV, adding sharper tech, refined materials, and a serene driving experience that comfortably places it among the top contenders in the luxury midsize SUV segment.
This year, Volvo hasn’t reinvented the XC90. Instead, it has polished what already works and integrated meaningful upgrades. The result feels intelligent, sophisticated, and decisively Scandinavian in its approach to performance and design.
A Subtle But Sharper Look
Volvo didn’t chase flashy exterior changes. Instead, it delivered what premium buyers actually want: refinement.
The 2025 XC90 sports a redesigned chrome grille with intricate detailing, and new LED headlights that look slimmer and more angular. These cues borrow inspiration from the upcoming EX90 electric flagship while preserving the strong identity of the XC90. We particularly loved how the “Thor’s Hammer” DRLs appear more pronounced, giving the front a bolder and more premium character.
The side profile remains unmistakably XC90 — upright, confident, and proportioned with grace. Volvo has updated the wheel designs across trims, and our test vehicle came with elegant 21-inch dual-tone alloys that matched beautifully with the car’s understated Crystal White Metallic paint.
While the rear sees minimal change, the small tweaks — including updated taillight detailing and a lower, wider rear bumper — subtly modernize the SUV’s aesthetic without compromising its timeless appeal.
Interior: Scandinavian Sanctuary on Wheels
Step inside the 2025 XC90, and you immediately feel a sense of calm and space. Volvo continues to lead in interior minimalism and material quality. This year, they’ve pushed the bar even higher.
The cabin now features a generous use of natural materials, including open-pore wood, wool-blend fabric panels, and recycled aluminum. Unlike faux luxury interiors overloaded with gloss and gimmicks, the XC90’s cockpit delivers tactile honesty — everything you touch feels deliberate and premium.
Front-row comfort is excellent. The seats, upholstered in fine Nappa leather on our Ultra trim test model, offered outstanding lumbar support, with heating, cooling, and massage functions all included. The 11.2-inch vertically oriented touchscreen now feels more intuitive than ever, powered by Google’s updated infotainment system. We synced our phones in seconds and navigated through Google Maps, Spotify, and vehicle settings with zero lag.
The second-row captain chairs provided limo-level comfort, and even the third-row seats felt more usable than in many rivals. Adults might find them snug for longer trips, but for kids or teens, they’re ideal. And thanks to the panoramic glass roof, the entire cabin feels bright and airy.
Volvo has also repositioned the wireless charging pad, improved storage ergonomics, and added extra sound insulation — particularly around the A- and B-pillars. During our drives, the cabin remained whisper-quiet, even at highway speeds. It felt like riding in a moving spa.
Driving Experience: Calm, Confident, and Capable
We tested two variants during our review period — the B6 AWD and the T8 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV). Both delivered refined, confident performance.
The B6 AWD, with its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine paired with an e-supercharger, produced 295 horsepower. Acceleration felt brisk for an SUV of this size. The throttle responded predictably, and the eight-speed automatic gearbox shifted seamlessly in both city and highway conditions. You never feel like you’re hustling the engine; instead, it delivers steady, usable power that matches the XC90’s luxury demeanor.
The T8 Recharge PHEV completely blew us away. With a combined output of 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque, this version felt effortlessly powerful. We accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in under 5.5 seconds, but the real magic came from its dual personality: punchy when you need it, but absolutely silent in pure EV mode, where we managed close to 32 miles of electric range — perfect for daily commutes without burning fuel.
Volvo also upgraded the suspension setup this year. The steel-spring configuration on the B6 absorbed road imperfections with ease, while the T8’s air suspension system added a floating quality to the ride. Over rough patches, it isolated us completely. Around corners, the XC90 remained planted, though not sporty — which is exactly how a luxury SUV should behave.
Steering felt light but precise. Parking and maneuvering in city traffic felt effortless despite the SUV’s size. We appreciated Volvo’s careful calibration that prioritizes smoothness over aggressive responses.
Safety and Family Friendliness: Volvo’s DNA
Volvo continues to lead the industry in safety, and the 2025 XC90 reinforces that legacy. The SUV comes packed with intelligent driver-assistance systems that work quietly in the background to enhance your awareness without overwhelming you.
Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear collision warning, and autonomous emergency braking all functioned with clarity and confidence. During our highway test, the Pilot Assist feature kept us centered in our lane and maintained a perfect buffer from surrounding vehicles — making long drives relaxing.
For families, the XC90 makes an exceptional case. The integrated second-row booster seat, multiple ISOFIX anchors, large rear doors, and wide-opening tailgate all make child transport and weekend trips easier. With all rows folded flat, we packed two bicycles, camping gear, and luggage with room to spare.
Trim Levels and Pricing
Volvo offers the XC90 in three main trims in 2025:
- Core (starting around ₹49 lakh ex-showroom): A well-equipped base model with the B5 mild-hybrid engine, Google infotainment, panoramic sunroof, and essential safety features.
- Plus (approx. ₹55 lakh): Adds features like 360-degree camera, upgraded audio, and more driver assists.
- Ultra (₹70+ lakh): The top-tier variant includes air suspension, massaging seats, premium audio by Bowers & Wilkins, and access to the T8 plug-in powertrain.
Buyers can now also explore Volvo’s subscription ownership model in select cities, which includes service, insurance, and road tax bundled into a single monthly payment.
Final Verdict: Luxury with a Conscience
The 2025 Volvo XC90 doesn’t shout for attention. It whispers quality. It embodies a philosophy that values comfort over noise, sustainability over excess, and intelligence over flash.
In a world where most luxury SUVs lean toward aggression, the XC90 stands tall as a refined, thoughtful alternative. It pampers families, rewards drivers with grace, and gently reminds you that true luxury lies in peace of mind.
If you seek a vehicle that can chauffeur your kids to school, cruise silently in electric mode, shield your family with top-tier safety, and make you feel good doing it — the 2025 Volvo XC90 delivers on every front.
