More than a decade since this second-generation Volvo XC90 first hit showrooms, it remains as composed and confident as ever.
That’s right, the car you’re looking at is more than a decade old. It was first facelifted in 2019, and rather than design a whole new car, Volvo has facelifted it again for 2025. With its handsome proportions and quietly commanding presence, the 2025 update is light on theatrics but heavy on sensibility.
This isn’t a brand new car, but rather a matured one. And, much like a good bottle of aquavit, it’s only gotten better with age.
So, what’s changed?
Visually, you’ll have to squint. The lines have been tidied up, the lights sharpened ever so slightly, and the grille’s had a shave. Inside, there’s a slicker interface and some finetuning under the skin. But don’t mistake subtlety for stagnation.
Electrification is the name of the game, and Volvo’s gone all in. The B5 is now a mild-hybrid with 249bhp and 360Nm, paired to an 8-speed auto gearbox and permanent all-wheel drive.
Smooth Operator, Not a Thrill Seeker
If you’re here looking for Nürburgring lap times, you’re in the wrong part of Sweden. This isn’t a Cayenne. The XC90 is designed to soothe, not stimulate. And in that sense, it’s pitch-perfect.
Everything about the driving experience is calm, collected, and completely inoffensive. The steering is light but precise, the ride is plush and well-damped even on large 20-inch rims, and the cabin remains serene even at expressway speeds.
The B5 petrol, while not earth-shatteringly quick, is more than adequate for everyday driving. The 48V mild-hybrid system helps eliminate turbo lag and smooth out the start-stop transitions, which are nearly imperceptible now.
Volvo did something unusual with the XC90, stating it would never have a bigger engine than a 2.0-litre four-cylinder. Because of this, real-world fuel economy has taken a bit of a hit, hovering around 9.0km/litre. A little more oomph will benefit the B5, but this figure is still respectable for a car of this size.
Scandinavian Sanctuary
With the aforementioned 2-litre engine decision, Volvo was also adamant that it would be mounted crossways in the engine bay.
This might sound silly, but by tucking the powertrain in tighter, it frees up precious centimetres inside. The result is one of the most thoughtfully laid-out interiors you’ll find in any three-row SUV today.
Pale wood trims, recycled fabrics, and vertically oriented air vents all speak to a sensibility that favours wellness over wow factor.
The 11.2inch portrait touchscreen is now sharper and more responsive, and runs on a Google-based OS that integrates Maps and voice commands seamlessly.
The real joy, though, is how everything works. The seat folding mechanisms are buttery smooth and can be operated one-handed. The wireless charger has been repositioned, and you just feel like the car was designed with care in mind.
Rear visibility is excellent, and all seven seats are usable. And unlike many three-row SUVs, there’s still 301 litres of boot space with all seats up (thanks to the engine layout).
Fold down the all of the seats and you’ll get up to 1,950 litres, enough for a Singaporean’s entire IKEA wishlist.
Elegance in Evolution
More than a decade on, the Volvo XC90 is still the one to beat in its class. It’s a vehicle designed with a clear mission: to transport your family safely, comfortably, and with a quiet sense of pride.
In a sea of oversized grills, fake engine noises, and overzealous software suites, the XC90 feels like a breath of cool Scandinavian air. It’s a car that looks after your loved ones.
And isn’t that what a good family car should do?
Volvo XC90
Engine: 2-litre inline 4, Turbocharged
Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive
Power: 249 bhp
Torque: 360 Nm
Gearbox: 8-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 7.7 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 180 km/h
Fuel Tank Capacity: 71 litres
Fuel Economy: 10.9 km/litre (claimed)
Price: S$444,000 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)
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