I drove a 2025 Volvo XC90 on Monday (and a bit on Tuesday) on a November day in Sweden (and Denmark). The time the Volvo team gave me on the press tour was enough for me to notice that there are some styling differences between this year's model and last year's, but they're minimal. However, Volvo offers two drive trains in the XC90, their flagship family cruiser. The gap between the two models is very large, almost like different cars.
First, the similarities: There's a slimmer design on the headlights, which Volvo hypocritically calls “Thor's Hammer,” and a simplified front grille. It looks very good. Your interior can be a pleasant blue polyester fabric or a “bio-attributed bio-free upholstery” called Nordico, made from recycled Finnish pine resin. Both are absolutely delightful.
Both cars have an 11.5-inch center display, which is an internal iPad, which removes some of the confusion of previous models, and brings them up to date with Volvo's new electric SUVs released in 2024. There's also an optional Bowers and Wilkins sound system that's as full and immersive as any I've experienced in a car.
But this is basically makeup. Under the hood, Volvo sells two completely different machines under the XC90 banner. First, there's the B5, a “mild hybrid” that features a small engine to boost electricity. Then there's the T8, a fully-fledged plug-in hybrid. The B5 engine produces 10 horsepower. T8's, 107. That's a big difference, and it shows in performance.
The cars have the same chassis, unchanged from previous versions. They feature the same turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the same transmissions and the same steering systems. But by all appearances, the B5 has a maximum of 250 horses, and the T8 can reach 455. The plug-in accelerates from zero to 60 in 5.4 seconds, while the B5 takes 7.7 seconds. A modern car is slow.
No sane person takes the Volvo XC90 for a spin on the range. This is the definition of upscale family transportation. But the difference couldn't be more stark. The Subaru Outback has a better pickup than a “hybrid,” and it's a lot less expensive. There's the added benefit that the T8 can get 50-plus miles on a pure electric charge. If you can charge it at home and charge it at work, that's a daily driver that doesn't need gas until you take it on a road trip. B5 has no such option.
But if only it were that easy. The base price of the B5 is $58,450. With every possible add-on, including heated seats, a full array of advanced digital safety features, and heated and ventilated Nappa leather seats, it's $67,450. On the other hand, the T8 it starts at $73,000, and the top end with extras goes for over $80,000.
In general, you can have speed or you can have fuel efficiency, but you can't have both. The XC90 points to a particular problem with modern cars as they continue the long journey towards full electrification. Now, you can have good fuel efficiency again speed, or you can have it. Comfort and amenities are negotiable. But if you want two of the most desirable features of the car's equipment, you'll have to pay for them. If you've looked at the XC90, you're probably a dedicated Volvo enthusiast. And if you want this top-of-the-range family hauler, you'll want to pay to plug it in. The T8 is a lot of fun to drive. It's the same car, but it's also better.
