2025.5 Volvo XC90 Plug-In Ultra AWD: The Brand’s 6-Seater Flagship SUV/Crossover

 

Highlight: All-wheel drive is standard on the vehicle.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $88,695 (Base Trim Plug-In MSRP): $73,195

Seating Capacity: 6 (Test Vehicle)

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a backup camera; collision avoidance features; a blind spot system; driver alert control; lane keep assist; forward collision warning; a tire repair kit; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (Test Model): 21-inch wheels; 6 bucket seats; panoramic sunroof with sunshade; Nappa leather seats; ventilated front seats; a four-zone ventilation system; heated steering wheel; heated front and rear seats; a keyless ignition starter; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; and a variety of driver modes

Options: HUD (heads up display); laminated glass; side door windows; rear side door blinds; passenger memory, front seat; power cushion extension, front seats; power adjustable side support; ventilated front seats; Harmon Kardon Premium sound system; 360-degree camera; and park assist, front, rear and side

Other Trim Levels:

A gasoline only product

An all-electric model (eg. EX90)

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a Harman Kardon audio system with AM/FM/HD/SiriusXM

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes 

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Electric Battery Warranty: 8-year/100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower (Test Vehicle): 2.0-liter turbocharged, 4-cylinder /455-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Electric Driving Range: 33 miles (fueleconomy.gov)

Standard Fuel Mileage: 58 MPGe/27-MPG (test model)

Towing: 5,000 lbs (test model)

What’s New:  The brand’s flagship plug-in vehicle receives its second model year update. For 2025, the vehicle wears a new grille and revised infotainment center.

Why:

Sophisticated design

7 occupant seating available

Leather seating

Plug-In

New infotainment system

Ventilated/Heated front seats

Power cushions for front seats

A high-quality infotainment system

A power panoramic roof

A heads-up display system

A radar-activated co-pilot assist highway driving assist system

A high level of self-driving aids

21-inch wheels available

Google Built-in incorporated into redesign infotainment center

But:

A manual operated tilt-telescopic steering wheel

No spare tire (After running over metal debris on the expressway, we experienced first-hand the downside of not having access to a spare or compact tire.)

Difficulty accessing third-row, requires one to step on fixed center cup holders in the second row

Third-row seat isn’t comfortable

Seats and suspension system seemed to be very firm

The radar-activated cruise control system is overly sensitive (often time requiring both hands on steering wheel when co-pilot assist is activated)

Didn’t have access to use the navigation system as a guide without signing in to Google

Road sign information wasn’t always accurate

No hands-free steering application .. as of now

Verdict: Volvo’s flagship SUV/crossover competes in the midsize luxury segment due to its size and proportions. While the European brand outfits the vehicle with three-rows of seating, the third-row is only suitable for kids. Volvo should consider dropping the third-row and/or adding an extended version similar to what Lexus once offered on its popular RX before they dropped and added an all-new TL model. The Lexus TL is based off of the Toyota Grand Highlander and designed to be a true three-row vehicle.

Moreover, while the current Volvo platform and overall design theme has been around since about 2016, the vehicle has received two updates to the grille and front fascia since that time. In fact, this is why we believe the folks from Volvo is referring to this year’s XC90 as a 2025.5 model, as opposed to a 2025 model.

In fact, this year’s model receives its second refreshed grille and headlights update as opposed to a total redesign. Added to the updated fascia, the brand's flagship receives a revised infotainment system. Google Built-in as well as a repositioned wireless charging pad has been incorporated into the driver's center console and the infotainment system.

Furthermore, while Volvo has invested in a newly designed EX90, the brand's first all-electric flagship SUV, the company has opted to continue updating the XC90 gasoline and plug-in models. The plug-in model we tested is capable of driving up to 33 miles on a full charge before a gasoline engine kicks in. 

Lastly, when Volvo does offer a new design, we're hoping hands-free highway steering is available to replace the overly sensitive co-pilot steering assist system. And, after experiencing a flat tire after running over metal debris while running errands on a Sunday drive, we immediately realized the importance of having access to a compact tire. Due to what we believe or weight and fuel-efficiency regulations, Volvo's engineering team opted not include either one in the vehicle. 

Thus, this means Volvo customers are required to be reliant on Volvo's roadside assistance services and a flatbed truck. Being that this was on a Sunday, the Volvo dealerships were closed, and we had to wait to replace the tire on Monday, when the dealership reopen. This left us without access to transportation. Volvo should take this inconvenience into consideration as they are determine if a compact or full size tire should be included in the XC90 and other vehicles. 

Plug-In Competition: BMW x5 xDrive45e and Jeep Grand Cherokee Plug-In