2025.5 Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid Ultra Review

The 2025.5 Volvo XC90 PHEV arrives as a well-timed refresh to a model that’s been in its second generation since 2015 (we wrote about it here) bringing some updates to keep it competitive in the evolving luxury SUV landscape. With a revised front fascia, updated lighting elements, and an enhanced plug-in hybrid system that delivers smoother power delivery, Volvo has sharpened its flagship SUV without losing the core identity that’s made it a favorite for nearly a decade. Inside, the XC90 continues to impress with Scandinavian minimalism, now paired with upgraded materials and an even more intuitive Google-based infotainment suite.

In this review, I’ll cover its performance, features, and safety specs to help you decide if it’s right for you. Read on to see if this hybrid SUV lives up to your expectations.

What’s New for the 2025. 5 Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid Ultra

I recently had the opportunity to review the new 2025.5 Volvo XC90 for a week, and the headline is definitely the new Ultra trim—now the top model in the lineup. This premium version replaces the previous Ultimate trim and kicks off pricing at $95,400.

Powering the XC90 is the reliable T8 AWD drivetrain, pairing a gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering satisfying overall performance.

At its core sits an 18.8 kWh lithium-ion battery, giving you up to 53 kilometers of electric-only driving—perfect for short commutes or quick errands around town. You’ll find five distinct drive modes to match whatever road you’re tackling: Hybrid for typical daily drives, Pure for fully electric cruising, Power for an extra kick, Off-road for rougher routes, and Constant AWD whenever roads get slick or tricky.

The XC90 Ultra doesn’t just raise the bar for plug-in hybrids—it completely redefines what luxury SUV owners should expect.

2025.5 Volvo XC90 Canadian Pricing and Trims

In Canada, the 2025.5 XC90 Plug-In Hybrid Ultra starts at $87,550 for the base model, with three trim options that add luxury features like Google built-in tech and premium leather seats – check out our full price breakdown to find which version fits your budget and needs.

Available Trim Levels

Volvo’s XC90 Plug-In Hybrid comes in three clear-cut trims: Core, Plus, and Ultra. I recently drove the premium Ultra version, priced from $95,400 and it definitely delivers the luxury feel.

For budget-friendly buyers, the Core model starts at $87,550—an easier entry into Volvo’s hybrid lineup. Sitting comfortably between them is the Plus trim, starting from $91,400, with extra comfort features beyond the base.

These prices do not include $2,770 for Freight & PDI, Dealership Charges of $695, $100 AC tax, and $26 tire tax. And of course we can forget the dreaded sales tax.

Each level adds its own layer of luxury and tech. The Ultra trim impressed me with its built-in Google infotainment system and high-quality cabin finishes. Used XC90 T8 models share many similarities but miss out on the refined details found in the latest versions.

Volvo designed these trims thoughtfully, each step-up adding more comfort and tech, while keeping the same plug-in hybrid engine standard for every model.

Our review 2025.5 Volvo XC90 Ultra had a price tag of $104,055 before tax. The price includes options like the Protection Package ($855), Lounge Package ($1,700), Bower & Wilkins audio system ($3,750), and Active Air suspension ($2,350). The price all include Freight & PDI and the other fees mentioned above.

Related: 2023 Volvo XC90 T8 Review

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

While the exterior of the XC90 sees some changes, under the hood things stay the same. The 2025.5 Volvo XC90 Plug-in hybrid is equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor. The gasoline engine produces 312 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and the electric motor produces 143 at 5,900 rpm. The combined output is 455 horsepower. The gasoline engine produces 295 pound-feet of torque between 3,000 – 5,400 rpm, while the electric motor produces 228 pound-feet between 0 – 3,280 rpm, for a combined output of 523 lb.-ft. Power is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed Geartronic automatic transmission. This combination sets this plug-in hybrid SUV apart in terms of performance; the XC90 T8 can sprint to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, which is a time you’d expect from the average sports car.

Hybrid Powertrain

I’m genuinely amazed by everything Volvo has included in the updated XC90 Plug-In Hybrid Ultra for 2025.5. Its T8 powertrain blends gas and electric power, pushing out an impressive amount of combined power from such a small engine. A decade or so ago, these types of power figures were associated with exotic cars.

Those performance figures easily surpass the standard B5 model, which generates only 247 horsepower from its smaller 2.0-liter turbo engine. Volvo also equipped this XC90 with an 18.8 kWh lithium-ion battery, letting the electric motor work smoothly alongside its gas counterpart for improved gas mileage.

Volvo has crafted the transition from hybrid to electric mode to be silky smooth—without rough gear changes or awkward pauses from the automatic transmission. Few luxury SUVs deliver so much sheer power while still offering such impressive fuel efficiency.

Towing and Payload Capacity

This Volvo doesn’t just speed up quickly—it delivers serious strength in towing capability, too. The T8 model can easily handles up to a solid 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg).

That’s equal to several bigger SUVs, even surpassing many plug-in hybrids around today. You can even choose an electric-folding tow hitch that’s simple to use—just press a button inside the cargo space, no need to crawl below your vehicle.

Fuel Economy and Range

The XC90 Plug-In Hybrid Ultra delivers an impressive 53 kilometers of pure electric range and up to 3.8 Le/100 km combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient luxury SUVs I’ve tested.

Real-World MPG

When I picked up the 2025.5 Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid Ultra, the battery was fully depleted (the previous journalist didn’t find it necessary to charge it), so I had to drive it like a regular hybrid. The 40 kilometers I drove it, the onboard computer showed 9.0 L/100 km in combined city/highway driving. This is almost spot on the claimed combined number number, the claimed consumption numbers are9.1/8.6/8.9 L/100 km in city/highway/combined driving.

After the first day of hybrid driving, I was able to charge the batteries fully and the 53 kilometers range was more than enough for my daily commute of 30 to 40 kilometers. Unlike some of the other large plug-in hybrid SUVs, the XC90 T8 only used the battery power (if charged) even at highway speeds, unless you really punched the accelerator or changed the driving mode to the most powerful one.

Battery Life and Charging Options

The XC90 Plug-In Hybrid Ultra delivers impressive power from its battery system. During testing, the SUV easily matched the promised 53-kilometer all-electric range, even in mixed driving.

That mileage places this vehicle ahead of many luxury SUVs out there. Charging the battery is a smooth process—thanks to an onboard 6.4-kW charger—which connects without issue at home or public stations.

A Level 2 charger fills the battery in roughly five hours, ideal if you prefer overnight charging at home.

One thing I did notice is the increase in battery size, from last year’s 14.9 kWh unit to the new 18.8 kWh, however the all electric driving range is the same as last year’s model. Where does the extra battery capacity go? Unless, the 2024 model year showed the usable capacity and the 2025.5 shows gross capacity?

Now, let’s jump inside and see exactly why the XC90’s interior stands apart from other luxury SUVs.

2025.5 Volvo XC90 Exterior Styling

The 2025.5 Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid presents a thoughtfully refreshed exterior that harmoniously blends classic Scandinavian design with contemporary enhancements.

Front-End Refinements

At the front, the XC90 T8 showcases a redesigned grill featuring diagonal slats that converge into a distinctive “V” shape at the Volvo emblem, replacing the previous vertical design. Flanking the grill are slimmer “Thor’s Hammer” LED matrix headlights, which now extend further into the front fascia, offering a more modern and cohesive appearance. Complementing these changes are a sculpted hood and recontoured front bumper and fenders, contributing to a more dynamic and assertive stance .

Side Profile and Wheel Designs

While the XC90’s side profile maintains its elegant silhouette, new wheel designs ranging from 20 to 22 inches inject a fresh sense of dynamism. These wheels, available in various styles, enhance the SUV’s presence and align with its updated aesthetic .

Rear Enhancements

At the rear, the taillights have been subtly darkened, and the bumper has been revised to de-emphasize the tailpipes, resulting in a cleaner and more streamlined look .

Related: 2022 Volvo XC90 Review

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The XC90’s cabin blends Swedish luxury with smart design, featuring plush leather seats, real wood trim, and plenty of room for seven adults plus their gear.

Cabin Design and Materials

I really appreciate how Volvo designed the XC90 interior using premium materials that give off a cozy, welcoming vibe. Stepping inside, you’re met with smooth lines that flow naturally from the dash to each door, creating a luxury feel with every detail.

My attention immediately went to the beige interior, especially the trim made from recycled textiles—stylish yet eco-conscious at once. Volvo also thoughtfully updated the center console area, adding more practical storage options for everyday use.

Every detail inside this plug-in hybrid model clearly sets it apart from rivals like the BMW X5 or Mercedes GLE. Interior storage areas seem carefully planned, never feeling like an afterthought. Soft-touch surfaces cover nearly every area within easy reach, enhancing comfort throughout the cabin.

The changes on the interior are minor but they do give the XC90 a bit of a fresh look. The dashboard has slightly been tweaked, with different design HVAC vents, the dashboard trim is a bit different with more pieces, and a new 11.3″ infotainment system. The center console has been slightly modified, with a different armrest and cup holders.

Passenger Space and Seating

The XC90 Plug-In Hybrid Ultra has two flexible seating choices, perfect for your family size. The six-seat layout provides comfortable captain’s chairs, while the seven-seat option easily fits bigger families.

The Ultra trim pampers passengers—with soft, ventilated Nappa leather seats that feel amazing during long rides. Honestly, my back appreciates Volvo’s thoughtful addition! Folks in the front and middle rows get plenty of space, but the third row has a few drawbacks.

Accessing the last row takes a bit of effort, as the second-row seats must fold forward—unfortunately, it’s not exactly a smooth action. Taller adults might struggle sitting back there on extended drives.

That third row suits kids better or quick errands around town. Large families filling all seats regularly might find this limiting. Luckily, the second-row seats slide forward or backward, helping to balance legroom with the vehicle fully occupied.

Cargo Capacity

I really appreciate how roomy the XC90 Plug-In Hybrid Ultra is inside. With both rear rows folded flat, there’s an impressive 1,959 cubic liters of cargo space—ideal for moving furniture or fitting lots of camping equipment.

Even after flipping up the second row of seats, you still get a spacious 975 cubic liters for suitcases and gear. And if every seat is occupied, there’s still a convenient 300 cubic liters in the back—enough for your shopping bags or a couple of carry-on suitcases.

Volvo thoughtfully included some clever hidden storage below the cargo floor, too, handy for charging cords or tools you don’t want sitting out.

Loading heavy stuff is much easier thanks to the XC90’s wide rear opening and a completely flat cargo floor. And those power-folding seats are a real lifesaver—you can fold down the back rows with a single button, instead of struggling awkwardly with manual levers.

Now let’s check out some smart tech Volvo put into this stylish Swedish SUV.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The XC90’s new Google Built-In system makes smartphone pairing a breeze while giving you access to maps, music, and more with simple voice commands. I found the 11.2-inch touchscreen crisp and quick to respond, though I still miss the days when knobs were standard in luxury cars.

Touchscreen Interface and Features

I’m really impressed by the new 11.2-inch touchscreen in Volvo’s XC90 Plug-In Hybrid Ultra. The display comes integrated with Google Built-In technology, making daily driving tasks simpler.

What I appreciate most is having Google Maps ready to use, without needing extra subscriptions or fees. There’s also a handy split-view option, letting me view maps on one half while checking audio settings on the other—the perfect setup for multitasking.

Voice commands respond quickly and clearly, which means I can adjust cabin temperature and airflow, all without lifting a finger from the wheel. Using this touchscreen honestly feels more like handling a familiar tablet rather than one of those typical car displays—it responds instantly to taps, swipes, and gestures.

A lot of controls that once needed physical buttons now appear neatly on the digital interface itself, leaving the dashboard uncluttered, sleek, and modern-looking.

Smartphone Integration

The Volvo XC90 features a large, 11.2-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay, providing quick, simple access to your phone. During my test drives, the system connected quickly—but required plugging in with a cable.

Most luxury SUVs today offer wireless integration, but the XC90 misses out on this convenient feature. Even so, the wired connection performed perfectly fine, handling music, maps, and messages without any noticeable slowdown.

Calls sounded crisp and clear through the car speakers, and incoming texts appeared neatly on the screen without causing too much distraction. For busy families who depend on their phones on the road, Volvo gets the balance right—easy, practical, and safe.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Volvo packs the XC90 with safety tech that makes me feel like I’ve got a guardian angel riding shotgun. The standard crash prevention system works with the automatic emergency braking to stop accidents before they happen.

Standard Safety Features

The XC90 Plug-In Hybrid Ultra is loaded with standout safety features perfect for busy roads. The standard automated emergency braking spots people and cyclists—great for crowded city streets.

Lane-departure warnings and lane-keeping assist also come standard, making highway drives easy and stress-free. Adaptive cruise control smoothly handles stop-and-go traffic, keeping a safe distance from cars ahead.

These advanced safety functions earned the XC90 the highest possible safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. A clear rear view camera simplifies tricky parking spots, and blind-spot monitoring flags cars hiding beyond my mirrors.

The collision warning system alerts me early about possible crashes, giving me extra time to act. Overall, the advanced driver-assistance features add significant safety layers, making the XC90 Plug-In Hybrid Ultra a reliable, comfortable SUV choice.

Advanced Driver-Assistance Technologies

The XC90 Plug-In Hybrid Ultra comes packed with smart features to keep me protected on the road. Volvo equipped this SUV with a forward collision warning system that alerts me if it senses a possible crash ahead.

Lane-departure warning vibrates gently to let me know if I’m drifting across lines without signaling—then lane-keep assist nudges me smoothly back into position. Adaptive cruise control maintains a comfortable distance from the vehicle ahead, even in heavy stop-and-go traffic.

Together, these safety technologies help stop accidents before they can even happen.

Volvo shows its commitment to safety in every inch of the XC90’s thoughtful design. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave this SUV perfect scores, thanks in large part to its smart safety systems.

On my recent test drives, the traffic sign recognition picked up speed limit signs I’d overlooked, while the cross-traffic alert stepped in to prevent me from reversing into a passing vehicle.

Automatic emergency braking remains ready at all times, prepared to halt the SUV if it senses an unavoidable collision. These thoughtful features help make driving calmer, safer, and more enjoyable—whether commuting daily in city traffic or taking a weekend road trip.

NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings

Happy to share some good news—the 2025.5 XC90 Plug-In Hybrid Ultra just aced its safety tests. Volvo’s SUV received a full five-star score from NHTSA, meeting strict federal crash standards.

And the IIHS gave the 2024 version their top award, “Top Safety Pick+”, the highest recognition possible. IIHS praised its moderate overlap front test results, showing the XC90 keeps front-seat passengers safer in common crashes.

My research backs up Volvo’s strong reputation for safe, dependable cars, rating the XC90 an impressive 9.3 out of 10. Families can relax knowing this SUV includes helpful standard details—like headlight washers to boost visibility on rainy or snowy drives.

Plus, regenerative braking helps preserve battery life and boosts braking power as you lift your foot off the accelerator. Strong safety scores help Volvo stand out clearly from competitors such as the Acura MDX and Porsche Cayenne.

Comparison with Competitors

I compared the XC90 against its main rivals to see how it truly measures up. The Lexus RX offers better fuel economy but lacks the Volvo’s third-row option, while BMW’s X5 and Mercedes GLE bring sportier drives but cost thousands more.

2025 Lexus RX Plug-In Hybrid

The 2025 Lexus RX Plug-In Hybrid holds its ground against rivals like the Volvo XC90. Lexus equips this upscale SUV with a powerful hybrid setup, balancing solid performance and impressive fuel savings.

Inside, the RX greets you with soft leather seats and tech-forward features that rival—and even surpass—what you’d find inside Volvo’s XC90.

On smooth city streets or winding country roads, the Lexus RX handles curves smoothly, quieting outside noises effortlessly. Although its battery-only driving range doesn’t quite match the XC90’s, the RX earns better mileage overall in hybrid driving mode.

2025 BMW X5 Hybrid

I recently checked out the 2025 BMW X5 Hybrid, comparing it closely with the Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrid. BMW’s hybrid SUV emerges as a solid competitor in luxury SUVs—combining impressive horsepower with excellent gas mileage.

BMW took a different approach from Volvo’s 523 horsepower engine, emphasizing balance between speed and efficiency instead. Inside, the X5 Hybrid feels just as luxurious as the XC90, but its cabin styling sets it apart—something that certain buyers might really enjoy.

Cargo room also compares closely, offering enough space for weekend getaways or transporting your sports gear. Safety features stand out in both SUVs, but BMW’s infotainment responded quicker during my testing than Volvo’s Google-based system did.

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE Plug-In Hybrid

The BMW X5 Hybrid brings together German luxury with strong performance, but the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE Plug-In Hybrid offers something a bit different. Mercedes approaches upscale, eco-friendly driving by pairing a gasoline engine with electric motors.

This combination provides powerful performance without the environmental worries. Inside, the GLE PHEV’s stylish cabin is loaded with advanced tech, making every outing feel special.

Inside the cabin, Mercedes features a user-friendly touchscreen compatible with both Apple and Android devices. Its safety package includes automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, helping to keep passengers safe.

Although Volvo’s XC90 is cheaper, the GLE delivers comparable luxury and fuel economy for a higher price. The GLE Plug-In hybrid offers a longer electric-only drive—up to 77 kilometers, significantly more than the XC90 T8.

Conclusion

The 2025.5 Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid Ultra sets itself apart from other luxury SUVs, thanks to its powerful yet eco-conscious design. During my test drive, the high-quality cabin materials and easy-to-use Google built-in infotainment system genuinely impressed me.

It’s a Swedish beauty that offers solid electric driving range along with the premium comfort you expect from Volvo. Compared with competitors such as the hybrid Lexus RX and BMW X5, this XC90 hits the sweet spot—comfort, dependable safety, and excellent fuel economy.

For shoppers who want luxury without harming the environment, this plug-in SUV checks all the boxes.

2025.5 Volvo XC90 T8 Photo Gallery

People Also Ask