Believe it or not, the Volvo XC90 has been gracing our roads for almost a decade with few significant updates. Still a head turner inside and out with its stylish design, are you not lusting for something new? For all those who liked the XC90 just the way it was, Volvo hasn’t made massive changes to the 2025.5 model. You may have to squint to notice the changes.
Sure, Volvo’s thrown a few upgrades in the mix, but overall, it’s still the same XC90 that fans know and love. So, Volvo’s new all-electric EX90 model may be worth a look for those hoping to see a complete overhaul. But if you’re sticking with this iconic luxury SUV, let’s understand what’s new and why this subtle approach may be just what XC90 lovers are looking for.
Still Recognizable—But With a Few Tweaks
From a glance, you’d be hard-pressed to tell the “new” 2025.5 Volvo XC90 apart from its predecessor. Changes for ’25 and a half are minimal, but why mess with something that’s working?
Exterior Updates You Might Miss
The most significant difference is upfront. The XC90 now wears a new grille with diagonal slats instead of the traditional vertical ones. That’s a small change, but it makes the SUV a little more aggressive-looking. The headlamps are new, too; they feature Volvo’s signature “Thor’s hammer” style and are set neatly into this wider grille.
Peer more closely, and you’ll spot changes in the lower air intake and fenders. Even the hood has been reshaped ever so slightly. The taillights have gone dark, and the bumper’s been revised to downplay the exhaust pipes, keeping things clean and modern. And the wheels? Yep, those are new, too.
An Inside Job: What’s Changed in the Cabin
The big update inside the XC90 is one we’ve been waiting for: a bigger, more apparent screen! Gone is the old 9-inch display, improved by a much-better 11.2-inch screen with higher resolution. It’s still in that portrait orientation that Volvo drivers are accustomed to, so it feels like home, but it’s a welcome upgrade.
Volvo has also brought over a new interface from its EX90, making things more tech-savvy. The 360-degree parking camera is also improved for increased manoeuvrability through confined spaces.
It got a revised horizontal layout for its dashboard; the centre console was redesigned entirely with space use in mind. Even the upholstery is now bio-friendly, new for those seeking an added dose of eco-ness. The speaker mesh on the optional Bowers & Wilkins stereo wasn’t left out either. The soft, refined lighting, in terms of ambience, instils a sense of high-brow sophistication.
What’s Under the Hood?
Same Power, Different Year At least from a performance standpoint, Volvo’s not messing with a good thing. Powertrain choices carry over in the form of either the B5 or B6 mild hybrids or the T8 plug-in hybrid. And yes, that T8 still packs an impressive 32 miles of EPA-rated e-only propulsion- perfect for those short commutes or errands around town. Anchoring it all, these powertrains are still built around a 2.0-litre gasoline engine, so nothing is new here.
What has changed, though, is the suspension system. Volvo introduced new Frequency Selective Damping, or FSD, shocks. In simple terms, these shocks automatically adjust to the speed of a wheel impact. They firm up to minimize the jarring if you hit a sharp bump. They stay soft and comfy on smoother roads for a more comfortable ride.
Tech for Today—and Tomorrow
One cool feature of the 2025.5 XC90 is its over-the-air updates. Is that the new interface we told you about earlier? It won’t just be reserved for the most recent models. Volvo will also roll it out to older models, so your 2020 XC90 could get a tech boost without you needing to set foot in a dealership. Now that’s convenient.
Ready for the “New” XC90?
If you have been holding out for a significant change, the 2025.5 XC90 differs from the dramatic refresh one may have hoped for. However, if you are one of those loyalists who love the XC90 wholeheartedly, you’re in luck. It is still the same luxury SUV-its reputation for safety, style, and practicality intact-only with a few modern touches that keep things interesting.
The 2025.5 XC90 will arrive in dealerships in the first quarter of 2025, and it’ll start at $59,745-only a slight bump from the current model. And if you’re not ready for any change at all, don’t worry. Volvo will continue selling the existing XC90, which is badged as a 2025 model.
For most, it’s not about reinventing the wheel when it comes to luxury SUVs. Sometimes, just going with what works is just fine. And that’s exactly what Volvo has done for 2025.5 with its XC90: some updates in tech and a few tweaks in design, but for the most part, it’s still the reliable, stylishly safe vehicle to which families have grown accustomed.
If an all-new SUV experience is what you’re after, then the EX90 might be worth a peek. But if the timeless appeal of the XC90 is your thing, this latest rendition will feel as familiar as home.
