Scandinavian design and family-friendly practicality are two things that really should be synonymous in the luxury SUV segment — and the 2025 Volvo XC90 is still one of the best-rounded vehicles in that space on the market today. With its impeccable safety heritage, hybrid efficiency, and tranquil cabin design, the XC90 still sets the standard for what a luxury SUV for the family should be. Here’s a closer look at the performance, safety, features, pricing, and which trims are the best for families this year. Now the exterior features the familiar elegant lines of Volvo and a slightly revised front grille with LED signature headlights and updated cabin materials.
Inside it’s a different story: warm and inviting Scandinavian minimalism complemented by high-quality leather and wood that exudes comfort and class. The XC90 received IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status and a perfect five-star rating from the NHTSA. With Good ratings in all the crash tests, as well as a range of standard active safety features that include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warnings, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control with lane centering.
Those excellent safety scores — along with Volvo’s free maintenance (3 years/36,000 miles) and strong warranty — make the XC90 a persuasive pick for safety-conscious families seeking peace of mind.
Powertrain and Solid Performance Built
Volvo provides the XC90 with two 2.0L inline-four turbocharged engines, both 48V mild hybrids and a plug-in hybrid. The base “B5” makes 247 hp while the “B6” adds a supercharger and produces 295 hp. Both models come with AWD as standard, plus an 8-speed auto. When driving, the B5 was snappy enough for daily use, though a few testers say the new B5 “lacks the punch” of its competitors. For more power the B6 is even sharper with 0–60 in about 6.8 s and the XC90’s 5,000 lb maximum towing capacity is reserved for B6 models only (B5 tops out at 4,000 lb).
Volvo’s premier T8 Plug-In Hybrid now returned to the original “T8” naming couples the turbo I4 with an electric motor for a total of 455 hp and about 33 miles of EV driving. The T8 accelerates briskly from low 5s to 60 and allows the XC90 to run on electric power for daily commutes. All three versions lean more toward comfort than sporty handling, and they boast a composed ride: “The XC90 continues to lean toward comfort rather than outright performance — which is exactly what a family SUV should do.
The B5 has fairly solid fuel efficiency, the EPA estimates it gets about 26 mpg combined. If you’re looking at the B6, it’s a little bit less at 23 mpg. The T8, however, is the exception with a range of 33 miles on electricity and a fuel economy rating of 58 MPGe, so if you want something a little greener it’s definitely worth a look.
Interior Comfort and Cabin Space
The redesigned XC90 has a roomy cabin that’s crafted to an incredibly high standard. Driver and passenger front-seat occupants benefit from a comfortable amount of legroom and support, the second row offers close to 37 inches of legroom both in 6- and 7-seat configurations.
Its is fairly roomy, although the optional third row (31.9″ of legroom) lends itself more for toddlers and short trips than for adults on long journeys. Volvo’s minimalist dash is dominated by the tall 11.2″ center display with Android Automotive/Google based and a 12.3″ digital gauge cluster. The more salient points of the cabin — open‑pore wood trim, matte-finish trim, and available ambient lighting — give it a luxury-minded look.
Families will like functional features such as multiple cupholders, the new sliding center console storage and a wireless charging pad (now repositioned). There’s plenty of cargo room as much as about 85.7 cu ft behind the front row because of its tall, beefer box shape. In general, the car’s interior is lauded as “a masterpiece of restraint” with a warm atmosphere”, even as they remark that Volvo still went mostly with touch controls.
Read more:- The Nissan Tekton Engineered for Superior Comfort on Rough Roads
Top Safety and ADAS Features
Safety and driver assistance features are among the best. Beyond its 5-star crash-test ratings, the XC90 includes as standard equipment a suite of aids: automated emergency braking with pedestrian/cyclist detection, lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control with lane centering.
Headlight performance differs by model — some Good, some Acceptable. But blind-spot monitors and rear automatic braking come with every trim level. Volvo even throws in three years of free scheduled maintenance and an 8-year/100k-mile battery warranty on the hybrids.
Pricing and Value of midsize luxury SUV XC90
| Trim | Engine | Power | Starting Price |
| XC90 B5 Core | 2.0L Turbo hybrid | 247 hp | $58,695 |
| XC90 B6 Plus | 2.0L Turbo | 295 hp | $66,195 |
| XC90 B6 Ultra | 2.0L Turbo | 295 hp | $71,395 |
| XC90 T8 Core (PHEV) | Plug-in Hybrid | 455 hp, 33 mi EV | $73,195 |
| XC90 T8 Ultra (PHEV) | Plug-in Hybrid | 455 hp, 33 mi EV | $80,895 |
Best Trims for Families
Experts prefer the mid-level Plus trim for the B6 engine with a seven‑seat bench configuration. The car’s Plus trim level incorporates practical amenities, including a panoramic sunroof and upgraded LED headlights, on top of the base Core model without making the vehicle too expensive.
Loaded out Ultra adds luxuries premium Bowers & Wilkins audio, ventilated massaging seats, four-zone climate control, multi-color ambient lighting, but Volvo’s kid-friendly safety kit comes stocked well even in lower trims.
In general, prices are on the high side: the XC90 B5 Core starts at about $58,695, and the top PHEV T8 Ultra is below $82,800 (prior to discounts). With best-in-class safety, seating that flexes in six or seven configurations, and features that make life easier, the XC90 is a very good buy for families.
Conclusion
The 2025 Volvo XC90 still shines as a family-friendly luxury SUV. It has a quiet, comfortable ride, an upscale and roomy cabin, and excellent safety scores and a long list of standard driver aids.The XC90 owes a lot of its value proposition to that segment, and now it excels there, particularly in the mid-grade Plus /Ultra trims with the B6 or plug-in powertrain, making it really easy to recommend for any family that needs three rows and a solid, safe vehicle.
