2026 Volvo XC90 Review

A comfortable, stylish cabin and efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain make the 2026 Volvo XC90 an appealing luxury SUV.

Perry Stern | 

Sep 3, 2025 | 8 min read

Perry Stern

Volvo made significant enhancements to this SUV midway through the 2025 model year, and those improvements continue with the 2026 Volvo XC90. Styling changes give the XC90 an updated look, while inside, a new dashboard design accommodates next-generation technology.

Those changes aren't radical, but I think they've kept the SUV looking fresh. I particularly like the XC90 T8 model's plug-in hybrid powertrain, which delivers speedy acceleration and impressive overall efficiency. Also, last year's suspension updates further improve the ride and handling. Overall, the stylish XC90 remains an appealing choice for a family-friendly luxury SUV.

Perry Stern

About the 2026 Volvo XC90 T8 Plug-In Hybrid Review Vehicle

Volvo offers the 2026 XC90 T8 Plug-In Hybrid in Core, Plus, and Ultra trim levels, each equipped with standard all-wheel drive. Prices range from the mid-$70,000s to the mid-$80,000s, including the destination charge to ship the SUV to a dealership from the Torslanda, Sweden, assembly plant.

For this XC90 review, Volvo provided me with a T8 Plug-In Hybrid Ultra for testing in southeastern Michigan. Options included six-person seating, the Lounge Package, an Active Chassis with Air Suspension, and a Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system. Those upgrades brought the manufacturer's suggested retail price to $91,895, including the $1,295 destination charge.

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Updated Styling Inside and Out Keeps the Volvo XC90 Fresh

Until last year, the Volvo XC90 looked much as it did when the second-generation model came out in 2016. While the overall shape remains unchanged, the 2026 XC90 features a wider grille with a distinctive pattern, highlighted by the large Volvo logo and angled crossbar. The grille is now flush with the bodywork for a modern look, and the signature Thor's Hammer headlights feature a revised, slimmer, high-tech design. Restyled wheels contribute to the SUV's updated appearance.

Inside, the XC90's cabin reflects a continuation of Volvo's traditional Scandinavian ethos. However, there are significant updates in design and materials. For example, the redesigned dashboard and updated door panels feature new light-colored textiles and wood trim for a distinctly Swedish look.

In the center of the dashboard, restyled air vents flank a larger 11.2-inch touchscreen infotainment display. A panel below the screen features defroster buttons, media controls, and a large volume knob, but performing other functions requires the driver to use the infotainment system.

Perry Stern

My XC90 T8 Plug-In Hybrid Ultra test vehicle featured Cardamom nappa leather upholstery. The SUV's front seats were stiffer than I prefer, but they were undeniably comfortable and provided excellent support for long road trips. I especially liked the Lounge package's massaging function.

With the six-person seating option, Volvo replaces the second-row bench seat with two captain's chairs. They're just as stylish and comfortable as those up front, and there's plenty of room to spread out. Access to the third row is relatively easy, as the second row slides completely out of the way. The third row is tight on legroom, but with space for just two, there's good hip room, so it doesn't feel too cramped.

With the third row in use, there's just over 10 cubic-feet of cargo space, enough to hold several grocery bags or a few smaller pieces of luggage. The split-folding third row can fold flat, expanding the space to an unimpressive 34.5 cu-ft. Maximum cargo volume with the second row folded down increases to 85.7 cu-ft.

Perry Stern

Improved Interface for the Google-Based Infotainment System

The Volvo XC90 switched to a Google-based infotainment system a few years ago, and with last year's refresh, it gets a welcome upgrade. Nicely integrated with the dashboard, the 11.2-inch display is larger and easier to read than the previous version.

Additionally, the updated system feels easier to use, featuring a new home page that shows Google Maps in the upper section with tiles below showing media and communication information. Shortcuts to the driving modes and vehicle settings remain static, while a link in the lower left brings up a page of all available applications.

Google Assistant provides a natural voice recognition interface, and I think it's one of the best on the market. Say "Hey, Google," or press a button on the steering wheel, and Google Assistant responds to commands to adjust the cabin temperature, change the music source, or set the navigation to a specific address or point of interest.

Unfortunately, Volvo's latest infotainment system doesn't currently support Android Auto. However, popular apps like Waze and Spotify are available for download from the Google Play Store. I logged into these features and Google Maps, and with all my personal favorites and preferences appearing, it came close to replicating the Android Auto experience. Luckily for iPhone users, the tech still offers Apple CarPlay.

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Advanced technology is about more than just entertainment in the 2026 Volvo XC90. The SUV has the expected advanced driver-assistance features, with some unusual enhancements, such as large-animal detection in addition to pedestrian and cyclist detection. Also, the XC90 features Oncoming Lane Mitigation, which takes action to avoid a head-on collision.

All XC90 T8 Plug-In Hybrids include Pilot Assist, Volvo's semi-autonomous highway driver-assistance system that combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. I tested the system on I-94 near Ann Arbor, Michigan, and it confidently and smoothly kept the SUV centered in the lane and reduced speed when I approached a slower vehicle. It's important to note that Pilot Assist is not a hands-free system, and it will cease functioning without any steering input from the driver.

Perry Stern

The XC90 T8 Delivers Performance and Efficiency

My 2026 Volvo XC90 T8 featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain using a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to drive the front wheels and an electric motor supplying power to the rear wheels. This layout gives the XC90 all-wheel drive, and the components produce a total of 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. According to Volvo, the XC90 T8 will sprint to 60 mph in about 5 seconds and can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The EPA estimates that the XC90 T8 Plug-In Hybrid achieves 58 MPGe in electric mode and 27 mpg in combined city and highway driving when operating as a hybrid. The electric-only driving range is 33 miles, which matches my experience with a fully charged battery. With a depleted battery, the XC90 switched to hybrid operation, and the trip computer indicated just under 24 mpg, falling short of expectations.

I charged the XC90's 18.8-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery pack using my Level 2 home charger, and while I was surprised that it never exceeded a rate of 3.7 kilowatts (kW) per hour, it took less than five hours to reach a full charge from empty.

Perry Stern

When driving on electricity alone, the XC90 T8 delivers adequate power for most driving situations, although acceleration is not very brisk. However, when speed is needed, the Volvo delivers. As I was crossing a busy intersection, the electric power wasn't moving me quickly enough for comfort. Putting my right foot to the floor engaged the engine, and the XC90 moved swiftly through the intersection.

With the hybrid system using both the gas engine and electric motors, I found the XC90 quite quick. As I drove around town and cruised on the freeway, the gas engine would turn off when the load was light, and the transition between hybrid and electric mode was almost completely undetectable.

No matter which mode it's operating in, the Volvo is quiet, comfortable, and smooth, a nice improvement over previous versions thanks to the available air suspension and improved sound deadening. The air suspension and available 21-inch wheels also aid handling when enjoying a ride on curvy back roads, although the XC90 is better suited for cruising than spirited drives. That said, the steering and brakes are responsive and pleasing to use.

Perry Stern

Is the 2026 Volvo XC90 a Good SUV?

The Volvo XC90 may be one of the older models in the luxury SUV segment, but with the recent updates, it remains competitive. Rivals like the BMW X5, Genesis GV80, and Mercedes-Benz GLE have newer designs and features. Still, with its comfortable cabin; advanced technology; and powerful, efficient drivetrain, the Volvo XC90 T8 Plug-In Hybrid continues as a compelling choice in its segment.

Perry Stern

As a small child, Perry was constantly playing with toy cars and trucks, and that enthusiasm for anything motorized with wheels never faded. After college, he moved to Seattle and began his long automotive career working in an automotive consulting firm, helping customers choose the right vehicle for their needs. In the late 1990s, Perry joined Microsoft to work on CarPoint, part of the new Microsoft Network (MSN). He went on to become editor of the site, remaining on staff for 20 years before venturing out on his own. Today, in addition to his work on Capital One Auto Navigator, he still contributes to MSN, as well as J.D. Power, TrueCar.com, and U.S. News & World Report. Perry lives in the small town of Dexter, Michigan, with his wife and dog, and he still smiles when he sees his 2006 Mazda Miata in the garage.