If I were to describe the first impression of a car, many would imagine that feeling of effortlessly gliding on the road. It doesn’t have to be the fastest or the flashiest car, but every inch of its design and detail quietly tells you, “I get you, I understand your needs.” And that’s exactly what the Volvo XC90 T8 AWD offers.
I remember the first time I experienced the Volvo XC90. The impression it left on me was one of "grace under pressure." It wasn’t the kind of car that immediately grabbed attention, but as I settled into the driver’s seat, it was clear that it had a certain subtle charm. Even among the high-profile SUVs, the XC90 held its ground with a calm confidence.
With the arrival of the 2025.5 Volvo XC90 T8 AWD, my expectations weren’t just about comfort and safety; I hoped to see it push the boundaries on performance and driving experience. Let me take you on a journey with this car and show you how it simplifies the powertrain and optimizes performance to bring us more convenience and surprises.
I once heard a story about a young father choosing a family car. His focus wasn’t necessarily on price, size, or even performance—it was about whether this car could, in an almost unnoticeable way, bring a sense of calm to his family. This unspoken feeling of security allowed him to unwind during his busy day at work, turning every drive into a moment of relaxation and enjoyment. The Volvo XC90 achieves exactly that. It doesn’t chase extreme performance; rather, it delivers just the right amount of power and comfort to meet the high standards of modern family life.
This time around, the 2025.5 Volvo XC90 T8 AWD begins with the same principle of comfort but adds speed and performance with a simpler powertrain. The changes Volvo made to the power system are very smart. They streamlined the complexity of the four-cylinder engine, eliminating unnecessary components and replacing them with a more efficient 2.0L turbocharged engine. Despite the simplified setup, the car still maintains impressive power, but now with a smoother and more natural delivery.
Imagine driving through the city streets: there’s virtually no drag, the electric drive mode is so quiet it feels like the car is gliding. You don’t need to constantly adjust the throttle; just gently press on the gas pedal, and the car accelerates at its own pace. It’s almost like the feeling you get when you’re sipping coffee at a slow pace—calm, soothing, and effortless.
However, Volvo didn’t let “comfort” compromise performance. Even after removing the supercharger, the addition of the rear-mounted electric motor ensures that the car still delivers strong power. After recalculating the performance, the T8 AWD now produces 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. What’s impressive is that, despite being simpler, it’s more powerful than before.
You might be wondering—does simplifying the engine take away from the driving pleasure? The answer is: absolutely not. While the new model doesn’t offer an earth-shattering improvement in acceleration, it does perform better in the quarter-mile test, beating the old model by half a second and reaching a speed of 8.8 mph faster. You might think these differences are minimal, but in real-life driving situations, that extra second could be the difference between safely navigating a challenging situation and not having enough time to react.
Of course, when talking about a car’s performance, we can’t overlook its grip and stability. Picture yourself taking a sharp turn on a wet road. Will the tires slip? Can the car keep its composure? Volvo’s done a great job here as well. Although the tire compound has changed slightly over the past eight years, the XC90 T8 AWD still performs solidly in normal driving conditions. Even though the braking distance increased by 6 feet, it still stops at a very respectable 121 feet from 60 mph. The car’s lateral grip was slightly lower at 0.80g (down from 0.84), but in day-to-day driving, the XC90 still feels incredibly stable and secure. Every turn, every acceleration is handled with calm precision, giving you confidence in the vehicle’s capabilities.
The XC90 T8 AWD feels like a well-balanced companion on the road, offering the right amount of power when needed while ensuring stability and composure. And that’s what sets it apart—while some cars are all about raw performance, the XC90 offers a refined experience that never feels rushed or overstated. It’s the kind of car you want for long journeys, but also for navigating city traffic without breaking a sweat.
For families with daily commutes, the plug-in hybrid system is a game-changer. I remember a friend who was always complaining about how expensive gas was, especially in the congested urban traffic. He was looking for something that would reduce fuel costs while still being capable of long trips. The Volvo XC90 T8 AWD’s all-electric mode solves this problem. On a single charge, it can cover 35 miles, which is more than enough for most daily commutes. This electric-only range is 3 miles higher than the EPA’s rated range. You could drive to work and back, and still have plenty of power left to enjoy an evening out.
For those wondering if this electric mode sacrifices power, let me assure you that it doesn’t. With the 143-horsepower rear electric motor, the XC90 offers enough power for daily city driving. Even in hybrid mode, the car transitions smoothly between power sources, without any jarring shifts in acceleration. There’s no hesitation, no sudden jolts—just seamless driving that feels completely natural.
One of the standout features for me, especially during city commutes, is the “single-pedal driving” in B mode. Imagine driving through a crowded city street where you don’t have to constantly tap the brake. Instead, you can control your speed by simply easing off the gas pedal. It’s a feature that many people love because it makes driving so much easier, especially when navigating stop-and-go traffic. The regeneration system in this mode is similar to the middle setting of adjustable regenerative braking systems, meaning you can drive with ease without constantly adjusting.
Volvo’s XC90 T8 AWD isn’t just about more power and faster acceleration; it’s about delivering a refined driving experience that complements a busy, modern lifestyle. It’s a car that knows when to be powerful, when to be subtle, and when to offer you the space to unwind. Whether you’re commuting to work, heading to the grocery store, or embarking on a weekend adventure, the XC90 can be the perfect companion.
For families who are looking for a luxury SUV with a balance of performance, comfort, and eco-friendliness, the Volvo XC90 T8 AWD is an excellent choice. It provides the best of both worlds—electric driving for daily city life, and a reliable hybrid system for those long-distance drives. In the end, it’s a car that helps you feel in control, offering a seamless experience that’s as smooth as it is practical.
If you’re in the market for a family vehicle that combines power, comfort, and environmental consciousness, the Volvo XC90 T8 AWD should definitely be on your radar. Whether you’re looking to make the most of its electric range for your daily commute or need the hybrid system for weekend road trips, this SUV truly offers a complete package that adapts to your needs.