2026 Volvo XC90 Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
Elegant, spacious, and modern, the XC90 is the biggest Volvo you can get. After almost a decade in production, the luxury three-row received a significant update for what Volvo called the 2025.5 model year.
The 2026 XC90 continues to offer a variety of powertrains including a plug-in hybrid, alongside the new Volvo EX90, which arrives as the automaker’s all-electric three-row SUV. Rivals to the XC90 include the Lexus TX, Audi Q7, and Acura MDX.
What’s New
- The Core trim adds standard heated rear seats and steering wheel as well as headlight cleaners
- Ultra models with B6 or T8 powertrains gain a dark exterior theme
- Aurora Silver exterior paint replaces Silver Dawn
- User interface and infotainment get software updates
What We Think
Despite its aged fundamentals, the refreshed 2026 XC90 manages to feel modern and relevant among today’s luxury three-row SUVs. The exterior design is only subtly altered but still looks crisp and contemporary.
More extensive changes occur inside, where the XC90 gains many new design details and features like the larger and more capable infotainment touchscreen. Sustainable materials used throughout look and feel upscale.
Excellent driving manners have never been the XC90’s strong suit. That isn’t to say it drives poorly, but some competitors are more satisfying and engaging from behind the wheel. Furthermore, the cabin remodel didn't address the snug third-row seat, but did add some clumsy digital buttons for basic controls.
Those seeking a comfortable, stylish, and safe three-row SUV can continue to find one in the XC90. Although the new XC90 isn’t a revolution, the changes Volvo has applied are substantial enough to make a difference.
Top-Ranked Competitors:
Performance
Three powertrains are offered in the XC90, all of which use an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD.
The standard B5 engine is a 2.0-liter turbo I-4 that produces 247 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is estimated at 7.3 seconds.
Choosing the B6 engine adds an electric supercharger to the 2.0-liter turbo I-4 for totals of 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. This cuts 0–60-mph acceleration to a MotorTrend-tested 6.5 seconds.
The range-topping T8 uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.0-liter turbo I-4 and an electric motor to make 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. With this, the XC90 T8 should hit 60 mph in about 5.1 seconds.
MPGs and Range
B5 models return fuel economy of 23/30 mpg city/highway and can go as far as 489 miles on a full tank. For the B6, those numbers dip to 20/26 mpg and 432 miles.
Fuel economy is best for T8 models, which see 58 mpg-e and up to 530 miles of total range. The plug-in hybrid also comes with 33 miles of electric-only driving range.
The rival Lexus TX350 comes witha larger, more powerful four-cylinder engine but gets the same fuel economy ratings as the B6, while the Lexus TX550h+ PHEV—which is outfitted with a much larger V-6—returns 76 mpg-e and can also travel 33 miles on electricity alone.
Safety Features
Standard Pilot Assist driver assists include:
- Front and rear automatic emergency braking
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic high-beams
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Although passenger space is good in the first two rows, the XC90’s third row is small and tricky to access; it’s best for children. Cargo space is about what’s expected from an SUV of this size, but some rivals offer more.
Technology
Infotainment
Every XC90 features an 11.2-inch infotainment touchscreen and 12.3-inch driver display. Familiar Google-designed apps as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. A wireless charging pad is standard, along with USB charging ports throughout the cabin.
Sound System
Above the basic 10-speaker audio system, a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium arrangement is available.
Available Upgrades
Volvo’s mobile app allows for remote monitoring and control of vehicle functions.Other options include a head-up display, 360 camera, and digital rearview mirror.
Value
Standard Features
The XC90 appeals with its blend of large screens, generous safety tech, strong powertrains, and Scandinavian design. Its long list of standard features makes it a smart choice in the midsize luxury SUV segment.
Recommended Trim
We’d choose between the B6 and T8 powertrains for the XC90; the basic B5 engine feels a bit overworked in this SUV.
Regardless, the midrange Plus trim level seems like the best value, gaining a 360-degree camera, heated steering wheel and rear seats, side parking sensors, and an integrated booster seat in the middle of the second row.
XC90 EV? The All-Electric Volvo EX90 EV
The closest thing to an electric XC90 is the EX90. Volvo’s three-row electric SUV was introduced for 2025, designed to resemble the XC90 but equipped with a dual-motor electric powertrain returning approximately 300 miles of range and a 0–60-mph time under 5.0 seconds.
The EX90 is also equipped with hardware for advanced self-driving potential. Inside, there are different design and tech features than the XC90, but both Volvo SUVs are intended to be luxurious family transportation.
