2025.5 Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90, the automaker's flagship three-row crossover, has gotten a significant mid-year update, receiving the 2025.5 designation. This refresh brings a range of exterior and interior enhancements that reinvigorate the XC90's timeless design while introducing cutting-edge technology and improved performance. The revised front end is defined by a reshaped air intake, a sculpted hood, and reworked bumper and fenders. The signature T-shaped "Thor's Hammer" headlights have been slimmed down and now extend to the front air intake, creating a high-tech look inspired by the brand’s electric vehicles.
Inside, the 2025.5 XC90 boasts a larger infotainment touchscreen with higher resolution and an enhanced user interface. Its occupants will also enjoy upgraded sound insulation and advanced suspension technology that reduce road noise and vibrations. Alongside all of this, the XC90 remains a capable performer, with the available upgraded powertrain able to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in as little as 6.4 seconds.
This overview highlights the 2025.5 Volvo XC90; the XC90 T8 Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) is covered separately.
Trims and Powertrain
The 2025.5 XC90 is available in three trims – Core, Plus, and Ultra – which all have the “B5” turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an output of 247 horsepower. The more powerful “B6” version of this engine produces 295 horsepower and is optional for every trim. Both powerplants employ a mild-hybrid system for enhanced efficiency. An eight-speed automatic transmission manages the standard all-wheel drive.
The B5 engine is EPA-rated to return 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, while the B6 translates into fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg around town and 26 mpg on the open road. The XC90 has 85.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity when both rear rows are folded. Its towing capacity reaches up to 5,000 pounds with the proper equipment.
Standard Features and Options
The XC90 Core boasts a long list of standard features, including a panoramic sunroof, quilted Nordico leather-alternative upholstery, a power tailgate, four-zone automatic climate control (with dedicated third-row air conditioning), heated front seats with power controls, a driver's memory system, and a comfort chassis with frequency selective damping suspension. This upscale base trim also has proximity keyless entry, a 12.3-inch driver information display, a tailored dashboard and door-top panels, power-retractable side mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, rear privacy glass, genuine wood cabin accents, ambient cabin lighting, USB ports, a cabin air purifier, windshield wipers with integrated washers, roof rails, an Orrefors crystal gear shift knob, wireless device charging, and 20-inch alloy wheels. The optional Core Climate Package adds a heated steering wheel, heated second-row outboard seats, and headlight washers.
The Plus adds the amenities of the Climate Package, as well as an integrated child booster seat and 21-inch wheels. As the middle trim, it’s eligible for an active air suspension and a digital rearview mirror. The XC90 goes further upscale with the Ultra, which has perforated Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with power lumbar and side bolster controls, a head-up display, a driver's seat power cushion extension, a front passenger seat memory system, and rear-door sunshades. The available Ultra Lounge Package will furnish massaging front seats and a Nubuck headliner. Six-passenger seating is optional on the Plus and Ultra, where the second-row bench seat is replaced with two captain's chairs.
Advanced Driver Aids
The XC90’s suite of advanced safety technologies includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, oncoming lane mitigation (to control unintended movement into an oncoming lane), blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, Pilot Assist (semi-autonomous hands-on driving), adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, road sign information, and slippery road alert. A surround-view monitor and perimeter parking sensors (front, rear, and sides) are standard with the Plus and Ultra. Volvo also gives every trim a complete airbag system, anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, hill descent control, and hill start assist.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2025.5 XC90’s revamped infotainment system is built around a free-standing center touchscreen. The 11.2-inch portrait-style display integrates Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Google Services are also built into the platform, enabling easy access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and other popular apps. The Volvo Cars app provides access to remote services and other features. A ten-speaker sound system is standard with the Core and Plus trims, while the Ultra moves up to a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system (optional for the Plus).
