Driving the 2025 Volvo XC90 T8 AWD Ultra

Every automaker has a flagship — a top-of-the-line model with virtually every technology and luxury the company can build. In 2025, many have two.  

The Volvo XC90 is no longer the most expensive vehicle on the Volvo sales lot. That honor goes to the EX90, its electric equivalent. However, it’s close, and for those not looking for an electric vehicle (EV), the XC90 is the best Volvo money can buy.

Note that Volvo has given the XC90 a light makeover midway through the model year — an unusual move. You might hear dealers refer to the new model as the “2025.5 XC90.”

Which Trim Level:

I spent a week driving the XC90 T8 AWD Ultra. It’s a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) capable of driving up to 32 miles on electric power before using gasoline. It’s also XC90’s most expensive and thoroughly equipped trim level. My tester came in a beautiful shade Volvo calls “Mulberry Red,” which looks like high-quality chocolate in direct sunlight.

My tester retailed for $88,695, including a $1,295 destination charge at the time it was delivered.

Favorite Feature:

The XC90’s best feature is its elegant interior design. My tester had Nordico (very high-quality faux leather) upholstery in a tasteful hue Volvo calls “Cardamom,” combined with brown ash wood trim (backlit at night) and a dash wrapped in a canvas-textured medium brown textile and more Nordico, this time charcoal. Polished metal speaker grilles and a crystal shifter stand out. It looks fabulous.

I’d enjoy sliding into that fashionable, artistic space even after several years of ownership.

What It’s Like to Drive:

Every luxury flagship is enjoyable to drive. The XC90 emphasizes smoothness over sport, but it always feels like it has power in reserve. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine makes 312 horsepower. Electric motors put out another 143, making 455 total system hp. That power comes on smoothly.

The brakes are confident, and though this is a large midsize SUV, handling is light. Like most luxury midsize SUVs, it rides on an adaptive air suspension. Rivals like the BMW X7 and Audi Q7 are often tuned for sporty handling, which can make them too stiff for some tastes. Volvo has favored a relaxing, comfortable ride.  

Interior Comfort and Technology

Volvo makes some of the best seats in the business. My tester had the optional Lounge Package, which adds massaging front seats. Volvo’s massage system inflates and deflates air bladders in the seats. This method is less effective than some rival systems that push mechanical pads into your back in relaxing patterns, but they’re still massaging seats.

The Climate Package adds heated outboard rear seats. The second-row captain’s chairs are extremely comfortable and include armrests with built-in cupholders.

The third row, however, lacks charging ports.

Limitations

The XC90’s PHEV battery charges relatively slowly. Plugged into a standard 110-volt household outlet, it can take more than 12 hours to replenish the battery fully. If you plug it in at home every night, you may not have a 100% full battery before your morning commute every day. That’s not a crippling problem. However, since some rivals charge faster, I hope it’s one Volvo that will address.

Volvo’s infotainment interface uses the Google ecosystem. Apple CarPlay is present, but only wired, not wireless. Many rival systems connect to your phone without a cord. I suspect that wired connections will feel dated if you keep the car longer than three years.

Key Considerations:

Volvo buyers are a loyal group. If you tend to buy Volvos, the top-of-the-line XC90 will please you. It may also be the most fashionable choice in the group, with a Scandinavian cool and interesting color choices inside and out.

Volvo has earned its long reputation for great safety, but almost every rival in this price range now performs similarly in crash tests.