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YARMOUTH PORT, Mass. – Large, luxurious, spacious, powerful and somewhat frugal, the restyled 2025 Volvo XC90 T8 AWD Ultra plug-in hybrid brings the characteristics Volvo aficionados want in a three-row sport-utility vehicle (SUV) with the ability to do daily activities on electric power and having the reassurance of gasoline-fueled power when taking longer trips.
This flagship hybrid Volvo can travel more than 30 miles on pure electric power before the internal-combustion engine (ICE) joins the fray. And for 2025 it does it with a redesigned exterior and interior for a bolder statement and look.
Powertrain shows its stuff
Pressure on the accelerator results in passengers being pushed back into the seats while the 5,064-pound, 195-inch SUV rapidly moves away from rest. The transverse-mounted, 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine features an aluminum block and head, overhead cam arrangement and direct injection.
The ICE produces 310 horsepower which moves through an automatic eight-speed transmission to the front wheels.
Powering the rear wheels is the electric motor being fueled by an 18.8kWh lithium-ion battery and producing 145 horsepower. Total powertrain output is 455 horsepower and 523 pounds-feet of torque which, according to Car and Driver testing, allows the XC90 PHEV to accelerate from 0-60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds – a very strong result for a vehicle this size (and quicker than Volvo’s claim of 5.1).
Pure electric power can be the means for most daily driving and, like well-engineered EVs, the Volvo XC90 PHEV AWD Ultra can operate in “one-pedal” mode. Simply two pulls on the transmission selector putting the SUV in “B” turns on the aggressive regenerative-braking system and allows for the one-pedal operation – which I love.
Keeping the XC90’s battery charged was simple – I would plug it into my Autel MaxiCharger AC Wallbox Home Level 2 unit and a few hours later, full charge (time depending upon how depleted the battery had become).
I was unable to get an accurate reading on fuel economy, but the flagship Volvo seemed to have no trouble going the predicted 32 miles on pure electric power. The federal Environmental Protection Agency rates the SUV at 27 miles per gallon overall (26 urban, 27 highway).
Comfortable, competent platform
The XC90 is a solid vehicle which resonates in the calm, quiet interior and sure-footed handling I experienced. No, the SUV is not a nimble sports car, but the well-engineered chassis along with Volvo’s well-earned safety reputation bred confidence in my ability to aggressively drive twisting roads along Cape Cod’s coastal areas. At no time did the Volvo feel out of sorts regardless of how I challenged it.
The review model had the optional ($1,800) active chassis with air suspension system contributing to the excellent ride and handling characteristics. Road surfaces were irrelevant as the Volvo swallowed up all but the most major potholes and bumps with grace and refinement.
The friction-braking system featured anti-lock (ABS), electronic brake distribution and electronic brake assistance, 14.4×1.18-inch rotors up front and 13.4×0.78-inch ones in the rear. Volvo claims stopping distance from 100-0km/hr (62 mph) in 36m (118 feet).
The wheels are 21-inch, five-spoke diamond-cut sporting 275/40R21 all-season tires.
ADAS a significant Volvo factor
During the media-introduction of the refreshed XC90 PHEV, Volvo said the following about advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS):
“The best way to stay safe is to avoid collisions. Since the launch of safety functions such as blind spot information system (BLIS) and City Safety collision avoidance, Volvo Cars has been a world leader in automated collision mitigation and avoidance.”
The list of ADAS for this vehicle includes BLIS (blind-spot information system with steer assist and rear cross-traffic; collision avoidance featuring low & hig-speed collision mitigation and can detect vehicle/pedestrian//cyclist/large animal; oncoming mitigation by braking; driver alert; Pro-Assist – driver assistance with advanced cruise control; land-keeping aid; forward-collision warning, and post-impact braking.
Scandinavian touch for the interior – simple luxury
Once inside the 2025 Volvo XC90 T8 AWD Ultra there is no question it is a luxury vehicle, but unlike many brands, this does not mean a cabin filled with screens, switches and buttons. Volvo keeps the interior peacefully calm and clean. The new 11.2-inch tablet-oriented (vertical layout) touch screen incorporates controls for the Google-based infotainment system with navigation as well as controls for the vehicle’s systems.
A few separate buttons below the screen handle important audio and HVAC functions without need for going through screen menus and steering wheel controls and stalks handle the bulk of the remaining ones.
The systems for non-Volvo regulars takes some time to master – as most high-end vehicles today – but once done becomes second nature.
Nappa leather covers the heated seats (front and rear; fronts also ventilated and power adjustable), the adjustable steering wheel is also heated and four-zone automatic climate control ensures pleasant motoring for all the passengers.
A large panoramic moonroof with power shade allows the outside into what is already a light and airy cabin thanks to large windows all around.
Several interior options on the review model enhanced the passenger experience. The Lounge Package ($1,700) brought a front-seat massage system and soft-touch Nubuck headlining. The Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound system ($3,200) turned the Volvo into a concert hall with its 1,410-watt amplifier powering 19 speakers, including an air-ventilated subwoofer integrated into the car’s body.
The flagship Volvo hybrid
The XC90 PHEV range includes three variants beginning with the Core model at $73,800, the Plus for $75,800 and the Ultra, like I sampled, for $80,700. Outfitted with the options discussed above and the $1,295 destination brought the as-reviewed price of the 2025 Volvo XC90 T8 AWD Ultra to $88,695.
This price fits right in with other three-row luxury SUVs coming from Europe and Asia and for a Volvo aficionado, it is the only one which delivers the qualities he/she has come to expect from the Swedish marque.
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