Refreshed Volvo XC90 Is A Smart Update For An Aging Crossover

The Volvo EX90 is a ridiculously comfortable, quiet and luxurious electric vehicle, but what if you aren’t quite ready to go fully electric? Well, that’s where the XC90 comes in. It’s been refreshed with new styling and a new infotainment system, and while those changes aren’t exactly revolutionary, they should make the XC90 more desirable. At least as long as Volvo works out those software bugs we noticed in the EX90.

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Now, if you’re thinking to yourself, “Didn’t Volvo already refresh the XC90 like five years ago? Isn’t it time for a redesign?” you’re not alone. The XC90 is a decade old at this point, but, apparently, Volvo doesn’t think it’s worth it to fully redesign the three-row crossover. Considering how much Volvo is investing in going electric, it probably makes sense from a business perspective. It’s still a good-looking car, and the updated Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights and new grille look outstanding in person.

Photo: Volvo

You’ll find more significant changes inside, where Volvo clearly put most of its effort. The Swedish automaker is very proud of the number of recycled materials that it uses and how they add texture to the cabin. It also changed the cupholders and the center console to make them more useful to owners. But the biggest change is the new infotainment system and a bigger screen.

It’s the same software found in the EX30 and EX90, and when we drove the EX90, some of the journalists experienced minor software issues. Hopefully, Volvo is able to fix those because it’ll soon be available for all Android-based XC90s. Considering how old Volvo’s current system is, even if the new one’s not perfect, it should be better than what it replaces. The infotainment screen itself is also now 11.2 inches, more than two inches larger than the old screen.

Photo: Volvo

Under the hood, not much has changed other than Volvo adding what it calls Frequency Selective Damping to improve the ride. The XC90 B5 and B6 are mild hybrids that use a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with a 48-volt system and make 247 and 295 horsepower, respectively. The T8, meanwhile, is a plug-in hybrid with a 14.7-kWh battery that offers a range of 33 miles. It makes 455 hp and 523 pound-feet of torque.

Volvo says the refreshed XC90 will start at $59,745, and deliveries will begin early next year.