2025 Volvo XC90 First Drive: Tech Updates Make This Luxe SUV Even Better On the Road 

2025 Volvo XC90
2025 Volvo XC90 Credit: Scotty Reiss

Let me start with this: There are a lot of new features in the renewed 2025 Volvo XC90, but the power train is not one of them. 

For the 2025 makeover, which is technically the 2025.5 model, Volvo gave the XC90 3-row SUV lots of new features, kept the ones we have come to love and maintains its power options of good, better and best for only a small bump in price over the prior model year.

I just spent two days driving the 2025 Volvo XC90, both the T8 plug-in electric hybrid and the B5 mild hybrid, playing with the new tech and exploring the updates. This is what to expect, and which model is my favorite. 

This story is 100% human researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. No AI was used. Additionally, I was Volvo’s guest for this test drive.

Taking Cues, But Not EV Technology, From the Electric Volvo EX90

A Girls Guide to Cars | 2025 Volvo XC90 First Drive: Tech Updates Make This Luxe SUV Even Better On the Road  - The 2025 Volvo XC90 in Bright Dusk
Credit: Scotty Reiss

A New Exterior Design Is a Modern Take on the Classic

A Girls Guide to Cars | 2025 Volvo XC90 First Drive: Tech Updates Make This Luxe SUV Even Better On the Road  - The front grille on the 2025.5 Volvo XC90
Credit: Scotty Reiss

A New Interior Showcases Volvo’s Design Prowess

A Girls Guide to Cars | 2025 Volvo XC90 First Drive: Tech Updates Make This Luxe SUV Even Better On the Road  - The front seat in the 2025 Volvo XC90
Credit: Scotty Reiss

Interiors Made From Renewable, Sustainable Materials

A Girls Guide to Cars | 2025 Volvo XC90 First Drive: Tech Updates Make This Luxe SUV Even Better On the Road  - The cardamom interior in the 2025 Volvo XC90
Credit: Scotty Reiss

A More Beautiful, Better Designed Center Console

A Girls Guide to Cars | 2025 Volvo XC90 First Drive: Tech Updates Make This Luxe SUV Even Better On the Road  - Orrefors crystal tops the gear selector in the Ultra model of the 2025 Volvo XC90
Credit: Scotty Reiss

Multiple Screens Keep Your Eyes on the Road

A Girls Guide to Cars | 2025 Volvo XC90 First Drive: Tech Updates Make This Luxe SUV Even Better On the Road  - The interior of the 2025 Volvo XC90 Plus model
Credit: Scotty Reiss

Captains Chairs, Now With Arm Rests

A Girls Guide to Cars | 2025 Volvo XC90 First Drive: Tech Updates Make This Luxe SUV Even Better On the Road  - Volvo EX90 center row captains chairs
Credit: Scotty Reiss

Still Great Seating for Kids Car Seats

A Girls Guide to Cars | 2025 Volvo XC90 First Drive: Tech Updates Make This Luxe SUV Even Better On the Road  - The rear seat of the 2025 Volvo XC90 with the center booster seat
Credit: Scotty Reiss

Three Engine Options: Pick Your Power and Electric Boost 

A Girls Guide to Cars | 2025 Volvo XC90 First Drive: Tech Updates Make This Luxe SUV Even Better On the Road  - The rear of the 2025 Volvo XC90 shows off the split caliper tail lights
Credit: Scotty Reiss

Driving the Volvo XC90 B5 and T8

A Girls Guide to Cars | 2025 Volvo XC90 First Drive: Tech Updates Make This Luxe SUV Even Better On the Road  - THIS is the way to take in the ocean breeze in Sweden in the Volvo XC90
Credit: Scotty Reiss

Which Model is My Favorite? 

A Girls Guide to Cars | 2025 Volvo XC90 First Drive: Tech Updates Make This Luxe SUV Even Better On the Road  - The 2025 Volvo XC90
Credit: Scotty Reiss

2025.5 is Technically The Model Year, So Look Closely When Shopping

A Girls Guide to Cars | 2025 Volvo XC90 First Drive: Tech Updates Make This Luxe SUV Even Better On the Road  - Cargo space is impressive behind the 3rd row in the 2025 Volvo XC90
Credit: Scotty Reiss
Journalist, entrepreneur and mom. Expertise includes new cars, family cars, 3-row SUVs, child passenger car seats and automotive careers ... More about Scotty Reiss
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