2026 Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV Review

The SUV market has become so fragmented into sub-segments that the choices have become quite staggering.

It’s to the point where whatever specific wants and needs a buyer has, there are probably several competing models from which to choose — especially if budgets allow for a premium-brand model. There are gas-powered versions with all sorts of engine types, and an increasing number of entirely electric models, too.

Excellent premium plug-in-hybrid (PHEV) models exist, including the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, but none of them offers three rows of seats. Following the cancellation of the Lincoln Aviator PHEV, and the question marks that surround the arrival of the Lexus TX 550h+, the 2026 Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV is a one-of-a-kind offering in a market rich with choice.

Power 8 / 10

It’s rather strange that there aren’t more PHEV options since they offer a best-of-both-worlds scenario with the benefit of supplemental electrified power and efficiency, and all without range anxiety. For the Volvo, that means straight a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine that whips up 312 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque — highly respectable figures in their own right. Add the thrust from the electric motor driving the rear wheels, and the combined output grows to 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque.

It's enough motivation to propel the nearly 2,300-kg (5,070-lb) Volvo to highway speed with authority. Passing is also very swift, with reasonable responsiveness when the accelerator is stomped.

Driving Feel 6 / 10

Despite its abundant output the XC90 PHEV doesn’t feel like the sportier SUVs like it from BMW or Porsche. The eight-speed automatic transmission does a good job of snapping off gear changes with authority when requested and goes about its business reasonably smoothly the rest of time, but the shift from rear-drive electric propulsion to combined engine and electric power can be clunky.

In anything but the sportiest drive mode, a request to accelerate from a standstill is met with modest enthusiasm. Request more urgency with a heavy foot on the accelerator and the engine wakes up and the XC90 snaps forward suddenly, helping the electric motor out. Compared with an X5 PHEV, for example, the transition is nowhere near as smooth, which makes the Volvo feel less refined by comparison. Similarly, braking can be very grabby and difficult to modulate, especially if the regenerative braking is switched on.

The XC90 is meant to emphasize luxury over the sportiness that other manufacturers have chased for years, yet it still manages its composure well when driven briskly into the curves. It always feels its size and weight, but the optional air suspension fitted to the tester kept it from being too roly-poly in the corners. But, because the engine powers the front wheels while the rears are electric, there’s some noticeable torque steer when accelerating briskly and turning at the same time (when making a right turn, for instance).

Fuel Economy 9 / 10

The promise of efficiency is one this Volvo easily fulfills. With an electric range of more than 50 km, it’s likely many drivers will be able to do their daily commutes or run plenty of errands without needing to fire up the gas engine at all. During this week-long test, even without recharging each night the XC90 managed an overall indicated consumption rate of 7.5 L/100 km.

For a spacious and powerful three-row SUV, this is excellent. But factoring in all the highway driving (during which electrified vehicles are at their least efficient), and during some snowy, wintery weather, it makes it even more impressive. Officially, the electrified rating is 3.8 Le/100 km combined, while it’s rated at a respectable 9.1 L/100 km in the city, 8.6 on the highway, and 8.9 combined with the gas engine working.

Safety 9.5 / 10

Volvo’s name has been synonymous with automotive safety for many decades. The seatbelt clasp even reads “Since 1959,” a subtle reminder of Volvo’s work as the pioneer of that particular safety advancement all those decades ago. Unsurprisingly, the XC90 receives a full five-star rating from the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ from the not-for-profit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The XC90 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features including crash evasion braking and steering assistance, lane-keeping assist, and pedestrian detection and avoidance. It also has adaptive cruise control that works in stop-and-go traffic and blind-spot monitoring, among others.

Features 7 / 10

Although the XC90’s safety feature count is notable, the interior is well-equipped but lacking in some of the technology that has become commonplace — especially amongst premium entries like it. So while it has some essentials, like a power panoramic sunroof and crisp and powerful (but optional) audio system, it was disappointing that the second- and third-row seats were manually folding, there was no automated parking feature, and no hands-free drive modes that competitors offer.

User-Friendliness 8 / 10

The other major feature oversight was the lack of wireless smartphone connectivity. So while Volvo does provide a wireless charge pad, if a user wants his or her phone connected to the infotainment system to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, it’ll need to be plugged in and stuffed away in the centre console — a practice that had me frustratingly forgetting my phone almost every time I exited the vehicle. 

Beyond that inconvenience, the XC90’s cockpit layout is very well executed. The digital instrument display can be toggled between a version that showcases an embedded Google Maps navigation setup or without, while the 11.2-inch touchscreen is responsive and features bright, crisp graphics. Plus, the external cameras are of decent enough resolution to take advantage of the screen’s resolution, something few other manufacturers do, instead fitting crummy, low-res cameras that offer little benefit — particularly at night.

The driving position and outward sightlines are also very good, especially if there are no middle- or third-row passengers. That way the rear headrests can be folded, freeing up further sightlines.

Comfort 8 / 10

Volvo has long been known not only for its reputation for safety, but also for big, comfortable seats, and the XC90 is no exception. With plenty of adjustability, they can be positioned to suit most body types, plus their ventilated feature can be welcome in sunny weather, while the seat (and steering wheel) heater units are powerful enough to be felt through coats and gloves when the weather is really cold.

Despite being a midsize SUV, the second- and third-row seating is suitable for adult-sized occupants. The latter is rarer than one might think, with some full-size rigs offering less usable third rows. Plus, there are vents and climate controls throughout the cabin to keep everyone cozy.

The XC90’s ride quality is decent, but considering this test unit rode on optional air suspension, it was stiffer and clunkier than expected. When thumping over potholes and frost-heaved roads, the mass and stiffness of the 21-inch wheel and tire package is quite noticeable, too.

Practicality 8 / 10

At 298 L, space behind that third row is smaller than what’s in competitors like the Lexus TX 500h or Lincoln Aviator, but given that the XC90 is currently the only PHEV of the three, we can cut it a little slack due to its larger battery pack. The second-row seats are divided into a 40/20/40 split, maximizing loading possibilities. Fold those second- and third rows forward and you’ve got a flat cargo floor and 1,976 L of volume to fill. There’s a household power DC-style outlet in the cargo area, but no AC power, which is a rare oversight in a PHEV.

The XC90 T8’s maximum towing capacity of 2,250 kg (4,960 lb) is on par with most competitors except for the Mercedes GLE 450e. That’s rated to haul an additional 1,250 kg (2,756 lb) for a total of 3,500 kg (7,716 lb).

Styling 9 / 10

The XC90’s styling both inside and out is among its greatest assets, which is interesting since this second-generation platform is now more than a decade old. It has aged very well over that time thanks to Volvo’s designers exercising considerable restraint in not chasing fickle trends, but instead creating a big (and yes, boxy), SUV without frivolity or over-the-top flourish. As a result, it has decent road presence yet offends nobody. The most distinctive part of the 2025 reskin of the XC90 is the interesting and unorthodox asymmetrical pattern of the grille grating. The “Thor’s Hammer” signature LED lighting remains a strong design element.

The XC90’s interior can be specified with a number of different seat materials, but this tester wore beautiful (and fragrant) white leather seating, while the dashboard was a beautiful and interesting myriad of textures and looks thanks to a tweed-like fabric, open pore wood, and metallic trim on the speaker grates. Its large, vertically-oriented central touchscreen is complemented by a handful of hard buttons including a sizable volume knob. The gear selector is a lovely, tactile crystal knob. It’s a bright and sophisticated cabin that’s well-suited to this expensive machine. 

Value 7 / 10

And it certainly is expensive. While a more affordable mild-hybrid XC90 is available from $76,950, the PHEV variant starts at $88,950 before freight and tax. This Ultra trim starts at $95,900, and then after some options, rings the till at $102,875 before the mandatory freight charge ($2,770) and taxes.

BMW’s plug-in X5 and Mercedes-Benz’s GLE 450e start in the $90-95,000 range as well, but have much deeper option lists that can push their total tallies to the $120,000 mark, making the Volvo seem like a better value — at least on paper. However, the BMW in particular has a more refined drivetrain, making it feel like the more expensive machine it is; but then neither offers the third row of seating the Volvo does. A fully-loaded Mazda CX-90 PHEV is also very well finished inside and out, offers great efficiency (if mediocre battery-only range), and significantly less than the Volvo’s starting price.

The Verdict

The vast number of choices amongst SUVs of all shapes, sizes, and prices means buyers are able to find the machine that really suits their specific wants and needs. If that best choice means a PHEV and a third row, the 2026 Volvo XC90 T8 wins by default — at least for now. The XC90’s looks and finishes are aging very well for such an old foundation, but there are some key features and technology missing that many buyers shopping a $100,000 vehicle are likely looking for, and the drivetrain’s manners aren’t quite as polished as those of some of its competitors, meaning would-be buyers should consider their options carefully.