It’s standard in the automotive industry to give vehicles a refresh or facelift every few years, updating infotainment, exterior trim, tech features, and even the powertrain without changing the basic underpinnings. Doing a full redesign usually takes five or more years, and mid-cycle refreshes help the existing design stay current, spurring new sales and maintaining interest. Although it’s rare, a vehicle refresh is occasionally so extensive that an automaker feels the need to roll it out in stages or wait until partway through the model year.
The 2025 Volvo XC90 is such a vehicle. After starting the model year with a carryover of the previous year’s design, Volvo introduced several updates to create a “2025.5” model. This is understandable when you think about it. The second-generation Volvo XC90 has been in production since 2016, and this is the second facelift. With so many changes, it would have been hard to prepare for them all at once.
Today, I’ll be examining this two-stage refresh, starting with the initial updates before proceeding to what’s been called the 2025.5 Volvo XC90. I’ll paint as clear a picture as possible so that you can see what’s new and decide whether it’s the right choice when shopping for a new crossover.
Recapping the Original 2025 Updates
Despite not being considered the “official” refresh by Volvo, the changes to start 2025 were notable. The base B5 2.0L turbo-four mild hybrid engine on the XC90 was re-tuned with Miller-cycle technology, which delays the intake valve closing for more efficient combustion. This small change increased the EPA-estimated fuel mileage from 24 MPG combined to 26 MPG combined.
Beyond this, the early 2025 models made 20-inch wheels standard for better handling. Volvo added new sill molding to all vehicles and gave the Plus trim level laminated side windows to improve acoustic insulation. Multiple names were changed, too: the Ultimate trim became the Ultra, and the Recharge branding for the PHEV was dropped. Finally, Volvo made the base B5 powertrain an option on the Ultra.
What’s New for the Midway Model Year Refresh?
Now the 2025.5 Volvo XC90 is here, and it’s received even more attention and care. There aren’t any other powertrain changes, but the suspension, exterior, interior, and tech have all received a revamp to pull it back to the head of the pack. I’ll go over each section here and see what Volvo did to make this decade-old crossover feel new and fresh again.
Suspension
Although the chassis on the Volvo XC90 remains the same, the ride is now more controlled and comfortable than ever. This is thanks to the addition of Frequency Selective Damping tech. In layman’s terms, the damping forces self-adjust in real-time based on how often a movement occurs. Low-frequency movements like cornering have more damping to improve handling and traction, while high-frequency movements like rough roads have less damping, so the crossover remains comfortable.
To fine-tune the damping, Volvo used a variety of environments, from their standard testing grounds in Sweden to the German Eifel mountains and Catalonian rally stages. The result is a vehicle that has the best responsiveness for each situation, especially when combined with the larger wheels. Drivers can add an active air suspension that tweaks ride height and chassis stiffness 500 times per second for the smoothest, most responsive feel.
Exterior
The mid-year refresh adds a few more exterior updates to boost performance and style. Every trim level has a new five-spoke alloy wheel design which serves two purposes: to complement the rest of the body and to improve aerodynamics for better acceleration and efficiency. The regular look has a diamond-cut finish blending elegance and technical prowess.
Standard wheel sizes are 20, 21, or 22 inches, depending on the trim level. You can customize them, too. Volvo also redid the front and rear fascia aesthetics, making them more modern, aerodynamic, and eye-catching. Although the external changes aren’t as extensive as other aspects of the vehicle, they’re enough for drivers to notice them.
Interior
Perhaps the biggest revisions are inside the 2025.5 Volvo XC90, where in many ways, it feels like an all-new vehicle. I’ll start with the seating layout, which received a substantial boost. The seating has all-new materials, giving you a choice of premium textile, ventilated Nappa leather, or recycled Nordico. Each is smooth, comfortable, and easy to clean with a quilted look for craftsmanship. Choose between four colors for a calm, bright, or luxurious aesthetic.
Just like the front end on the outside, the front end of the cabin was redesigned. The dashboard and center console have a new layout, which is in part to fit the new infotainment features (more on this in the next section). The ambient lighting is even better now, with high-level mood LEDs on the door pockets, handles, cup holders, window sills, and other locations. Volvo even has shades on the rear reading lamps so they don’t distract the front row.
Also notable is that Volvo piggybacked on something from the first 2025 models, redoing the sound deadening across all trim levels. Now, the Volvo XC90 blocks out more road and traffic noise, letting you enjoy your conversations or music without needing to shout.
Infotainment and Tech
The rest of the interior enhancements involve new infotainment and safety tech to guide your journey. The first thing people will notice is that every 2025.5 Volvo XC90 has a larger anti-glare touchscreen. Now 11.2 inches rather than the previous nine inches, the more spacious display is oriented vertically rather than the horizontal layout of other vehicles.
This portrait style may seem odd at first, but it allows two key features that help the in-vehicle experience. First, there is room for a fixed menu and shortcuts at the bottom to help you find your desired media. Second, the vertical setup shows more of the map when using the onboard navigation, letting you look further ahead.
The other major tech change is to the optional 360-degree camera system. Improved camera performance and placement mean better video resolution and a more expansive view. There is also a split-screen function to simultaneously see the front and rear, plus a zoom function for when you’re hooking up a trailer. The larger touchscreen lets you take advantage of these improvements.
Enjoy New Luxury with the Updated Volvo XC90
Since the inaugural model received the 2016 MotorTrend SUV of the Year Award, the Volvo XC90 has been a standard-bearer in the luxury three-row crossover segment. Every vehicle needs periodic updates, though, and the 2025.5 refresh brings improved suspension, style, comfort, and tech to continue leading the pack. This facelift comes on top of industry-leading features like spacious third-row seating, a chock-full infotainment loadout, and a choice of hybrid technologies that give up to 455 hp. It’s a safe vehicle, too, receiving an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.
The updated 2025 Volvo XC90 is now available at dealerships and will be sold alongside the original 2025 model until the former runs out. If it’s the refreshed version you’re after, be sure to clarify which model you’re looking at, though there will be visual cues like the new grille and larger touchscreen. That said, the 2025.5 Volvo XC90 will be more expensive than the early-year models, which is another factor to consider. Regardless, the new XC90 separates itself from previous editions and is a worthy purchase for anyone who needs a luxury SUV that seats up to seven people.
