By Mitesh Zaveri & Shrawan Raja
The Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid has been around for a decade in the same body shape, receiving periodic improvements to refinement, range, and drivability. Earlier this year, I spent time with the North American-spec Ultra trim, the top variant in the refreshed 2025 XC90 lineup, to see how it performs in everyday use and long drives.
Design
The XC90 Plug-in Hybrid carries the familiar upright silhouette but with sharper details. The chrome-accented grille now uses angled inserts instead of the older vertical ones, and the hood is flatter. The LED headlights keep the signature Thor’s Hammer DRLs, which double as turn indicators. The high-beam pattern adapts automatically, and the cornering lights improve visibility while turning.
The SUV is hoisted on 21-inch two-tone alloy wheels and air suspension. The ride height lowers automatically for easier entry and exit but can be locked manually. Gloss black mirror enclosures with integrated turn signals and blind-spot indicators are arranged neatly into the profile.
Chrome roof rails and window borders add contrast to the bodywork. At the rear, tall LED taillights and a wide chrome strip complete the elegant look. The tailgate is power-operated and includes gesture control for hands-free opening.
Interior
Opening the door reveals an interior that feels unmistakably Volvo. Cardamom Nappa leather covers the seats, and real wood and chrome trim span the dash and doors. The build quality feels solid and the design minimalist. Ambient lighting illuminates the footwells and doors, adjustable only for brightness.
Soft-touch surfaces extend across the upper dashboard. The Bowers & Wilkins audio system is optional but worth it for its sound clarity. There are metal speaker grilles and tasteful illumination around the doors. The gear selector is a crystal lever, and the start-stop switch is a rotary dial. Even the headliner uses a suede-like material for a cosseting feel.
Seating & Space
At 5’11”, I found ingress and egress easy thanks to the air suspension’s lowering function. The front seats are heated, ventilated, and equipped with massage functions. They provide firm support and excellent adjustability with extendable thigh cushions and lumbar control.
Seat softness leans toward the firm side, which may lead to some fatigue after long hours, but the massage feature helps. Visibility is clear because of the upright windshield, and the HUD projects speed and cruise data clearly.
In the second row, headroom is ample and knee space offers about four finger-widths behind my position. The bench is slightly low, reducing under-thigh support for taller occupants. Each side seat is heated, and the row slides forward or back for third-row access.
The middle seat includes a built-in booster for children. Sun blinds and a four-zone climate control improve comfort for the first two rows. The panoramic sunroof extends over both rows, and keyless entry covers all doors.
Access to the third row is straightforward after sliding the second row forward. The seats are firm but angled slightly for support, and ventilation reaches the back well thanks to the pillar-mounted vents.
Headroom is acceptable for those under six feet, and foot space extends under the second row. I’d recommend it for children or two adults over short trips. That said, it is more usable than many three-row hybrids I’ve tried.
Cargo & Storage
With all rows up, the cargo area provides 10.5 cu ft. Folding the third row expands it to 34.5 cu ft, and dropping the second row creates 85.7 cu ft. The load floor is flat and lined with a removable carpet protector.
There are tie-downs, a 12 V socket, and buttons to raise or lower the ride height for loading. Underneath the trunk floor, the portable charger and tire repair kit are located.
Cabin storage includes door pockets for 1-1.5 L bottles, two flexible cupholders, a wireless charger, and a covered console bin. Rear passengers get two USB-C ports and additional cupholders in the armrest.
Infotainment & Drive Modes
The XC90 uses a 12.3-inch digital cluster and an 11.2-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive OS with Google Maps and Assistant integrated. Wireless Apple CarPlay is available. The system is familiar but exhibits the occasional lag.
Drive modes include Hybrid, Pure (EV), Power, Off-Road, and AWD. In Pure mode, the car runs on electric power up to 57 km (35 mi). Battery management lets you choose Auto, Hold, or Charge. Regen can be enhanced in B mode for near one-pedal driving. The 360-degree camera presents crystal clear day and night images, and offers multiple view options.
Performance
Power comes from a 2.0 L turbo four-cylinder engine paired with a rear electric motor for a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft. An eight-speed automatic handles transmission duties. Acceleration feels strong in all conditions, and the electric motor fills the turbo lag. It’s quick for a seven-seater and delivers smooth, linear power.
Even when the car is in Hold (charge) mode, I noticed that the motors draw supply from the battery under load conditions. This is understandable, as the performance drop would be noticeable if the motors were completely cut off.
The charging port on the front left fender feeds an 18.8 kWh battery (14.7 kWh usable). Charging with a 16 A single-phase AC supply takes about 5 hours; a 10 A outlet needs 7 hours.
When the battery is depleted, I saw 6.5-7 L/100 km (34-36 mpg) on highways and about 9 L/100 km (26 mpg) in city driving. That’s impressive for a 5,000 lb SUV with seven seats. Towing capacity is 2,250 kg (4,960 lb).
Ride & Handling
The adaptive air suspension levels the body quickly after bumps, containing pitch and roll. The vehicle feels stable and calm on uneven roads. It absorbs rough patches without float, and the calibration suits long-distance comfort. The steering has Soft and Firm modes but even on Firm it remains light. Feedback is limited, and the turning circle is large, which makes tight parking a bit awkward.
The 21-inch wheels look great but slightly reduce the plushness of the ride over sharp edges. Braking is strong and consistent, and the regen system recovers energy efficiently in B mode. The car maintains composure under hard stops without exhibiting nosedive.
NVH
Cabin insulation is excellent. Double-glazed windows and acoustic lamination keep out most wind and road noise. The engine is barely audible under light loads, though it gets gruff under full throttle. No rattles or panel noise appeared during my time with the vehicle.
Safety
Volvo includes 11 airbags, including curtain and knee protection. Two ISOFIX points sit in the second row. Driver assists cover adaptive cruise control, Pilot Assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping aid, and collision avoidance for vehicles and pedestrians. The 360-degree camera works smoothly and rarely overreacts.
Pricing
In Canada, the XC90 Plug-in Hybrid starts at CAD 88,950 (before taxes) for the Core trim. The top-end Ultra sits at about CAD 96,500 before options and taxes. In the U.S., the XC90 PHEV begins at USD 77,495 (MSRP), and tops out at USD 84,695 (MSRP) for the Ultra.
TopElectricSUV says
The XC90 Plug-in Hybrid shines through as Volvo’s best efforts with partial electrification. It is easy to drive, quiet, and capable of covering most city commutes in EV mode. On our wishlist for the next-gen model, expected in 2028, includes ironing out all quirks with the software, slightly softer seats, shorter turning radius, more steering feedback, while offering the same feel that blends efficiency and premiumness.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
