2025 Volvo XC90 PHEV
For 2025, Volvo simplifies the name of its flagship plug-in hybrid (PHEV) crossover, transitioning from the XC90 Recharge to the XC90 Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV). This family-oriented seven-seater combines 32 miles of battery-only range with extended hybrid operation, making it suitable for both daily commutes and long-distance travel. The sophisticated powertrain delivers substantial performance, accelerating the vehicle from zero to 60 mph in five seconds, while battery-electric operation supports zero-emissions use during shorter trips.
Beyond its efficiency, the XC90 PHEV emphasizes premium amenities across its revised trim range, which now tops out with the Ultra, the new name for what was previously called Ultimate. Each trim level includes leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and quad-zone climate control, with a cabin that showcases Scandinavian design principles through clean lines, premium materials, and thoughtful details.
Trims and Powertrain
The 2025 XC90 Plug-In Hybrid comes in Core, Plus, and Ultra trims. Power comes from Volvo’s T8 system, pairing a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with plug-in electric technology, producing 455 horsepower. An eight-speed automatic transmission manages the standard all-wheel-drive system. The EPA has estimated that all trims achieve 27 mpg (combined city/highway) during hybrid operation and 58 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) in electric-only operation. The 18.8-kWh battery allows up to 32 miles of electric-only driving and requires about 5 hours to charge using a Level 2/240-volt connection. This vehicle has a total range (gasoline and electric) of 530 miles on a full tank and charge. Its available cargo space will reach up to 85.7 cubic feet when the second and third rows aren’t needing for passengers; towing capacity maxes out at 5,000 pounds.
Standard Features
While the Core starts off the trim range, it’s far from a base-level package, with standard equipment that includes a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and four zones of climate control with separate third-row air conditioning. It also has heated power front seats, a driver’s position memory system, a power liftgate, proximity keyless entry, a 12-inch digital instrument panel, power-folding side mirrors, auto-dimming mirrors, rear privacy glass, walnut interior accents, ambient cabin lighting, USB ports, and 20-inch alloy wheels. The optional Climate Package will add heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and headlamp washers. The Plus trim gets the contents of the Climate Package as standard equipment, along with an integrated child booster seat, enhanced interior lighting, and illuminated door sills.
The range-topping Ultra presents the most lush XC90 PHEV experience thanks to perforated Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with power lumbar and side bolster controls, power cushion extension for the driver's seat, a head-up display, a passenger-seat memory system, rear-door sunshades, an Orrefors crystal shifter, tailored dashboard and door panels, and 21-inch wheels. The optional Lounge Package further upgrades the Ultra with a Nubuck headliner and massaging front seats. The Plus and Ultra come standard with a seven-passenger seating configuration, which can be changed to a six-passenger setting via optional second-row captain's chairs.
Advanced Driver Aids and Safety Technology
Car buyers expect plenty of safety features in any Volvo, starting with airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, hill descent control, hill start assist, and a rearview camera. The 2025 XC90 Plug-In Hybrid is also set up with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, oncoming lane mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving support, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, and slippery road alert. The Plus and Ultra also get a surround-view camera system and perimeter parking sensors covering the front, rear, and side zones.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A 9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen is the infotainment hub in the XC90 Plug-In Hybrid. The system supports Google built-in services (with popular apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant), Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth. Remote features are accessible through the Volvo Cars smartphone app. The Core and Plus have a ten-speaker audio system, while the Ultra is upgraded to a Harman Kardon arrangement with 14 speakers (this is also optional for the Plus).
