2027 Volvo XC90 HybridMotorTrend - MotorTrend (MotorTrend - MotorTrend)Useful EV driving rangeLuxurious design and materialsImpressive safety recordLess power and torque than last yearSome unrefined driving mannersTouchscreen-intensive techVolvo offers its XC90 three-row SUV with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The XC90 Hybrid features the T8 powertrain, which provides better power and efficiency than the other available engines.This generation of XC90 has been around since 2016 and underwent a significant refresh just before model year 2026. Rival electrified three-row SUVs include the Lexus TX Hybrid, Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, and Cadillac Vistiq.What’s NewBasicsUpdated T8 powertrain becomes more efficient but less powerfulNo longer available in Core trimExteriorForest Lake green paint now availableOffered with 22-inch wheelsInteriorHarman Kardon speakers and integrated sunshades added to Plus trimWhat We ThinkThe Volvo XC90 Hybrid shows how a well-executed update can carry an aging platform. Its plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers strong performance and enough all-electric range to cover most daily driving.AdvertisementAdvertisementAround town, it feels genuinely EV-like, while the gas engine provides long-distance capability. It’s too bad the T8 PHEV powertrain loses power for 2027, but that shouldn’t be a deal breaker.The XC90’s core strengths remain intact: a serene ride, elegant design, and a comfortable, thoughtful interior. It’s quiet, refined, and practical, but some rivals provide easier third-row access and more cargo space.Still, the XC90's age is apparent. Hybrid-mode transitions can be abrupt, the power delivery is front-biased, and the infotainment system can be slow to respond. Compared to its newer competitors, it lacks dynamic polish and tech performance.Overall, the XC90 Hybrid remains a compelling luxury PHEV—more about smart, stylish efficiency than fun. Even as modern rivals outpace it, Volvo’s time-tested SUV appeals.Top-Ranked Competitors:Lexus TX HybridHyundai Palisade HybridCadillac VistiqVolvo EX90XC90 T8 Powertrain ChangesPrior to 2027, the T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain was centered around Volvo’s B6 turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter I-4 engine, combined with a rear-axle electric motor. Now, for 2027, the T8 switches to the B5 turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 engine and gains a stronger rear electric motor.AdvertisementAdvertisementEven so, total powertrain output is reduced, now producing 401 hp and 494 lb-ft of torque, compared to 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. Volvo says this will result in a 0–60-mph time that’s only 0.1 second longer than before, so expect the XC90 T8 to hit the mark in 5.2 seconds. Simultaneously, efficiency and driving range are expected to improve.MPGs and Plug-In EV RangeEfficiency and range ratings for the updated 2027 T8 PHEV powertrain are not yet available but should be better than before. For 2026, the T8 system got 27 mpg and 58 mpg-e in combined driving. It had 33 miles of all-electric driving range, and 530 miles of total driving range.Safety Ratings and FeaturesWhen it was most recently evaluated for 2026, the XC90 Hybrid received a five-star overall crash safety rating from NHTSA, the best possible result. From IIHS, the XC90 Hybrid earned Top Safety Pick designation, the second-best rating.All XC90 models have front and rear automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane keepassist, adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and automatic high-beams.Cargo Space and Interior RoomPerhaps a sign of the vehicle’s age, passenger and cargo space inside the XC90 isn’t as great as in some newer rivals.TechnologyInfotainmentLike every XC90, the Hybrid model has an 11.2-inch infotainment touchscreen and 12.3-inch gauge cluster display. The user interface integrates apps by Google, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well. The front row has a wireless charging pad, and there are USB ports throughout the cabin. A 360-degree camera system is standard.Sound SystemEvery 2027 XC90 Hybrid is equipped with a Harman Kardon 14-speaker premium audio system. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system is offered as an upgrade.Available UpgradesThe high-end Ultra trim has a head-up display. A digital rearview mirror is available as an option.ValueStandard FeaturesNow that the basic Core trim has been discontinued, the Plus trim is the starting point for the 2027 XC90 Hybrid. Pricing begins at approximately $81,000. Outside, it includes 21-inch wheels, full LED lighting, roof rails, and a panoramic sunroof.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe cabin features leatherette upholstery, a heated steering wheel, heated first- and second-row seats, second-row window sunshades, and a Harman Kardon audio system. It can be configured with a six- or seven-passenger seating arrangement.Recommended TrimThe high-end Ultra trim adds niceties such as front passenger seat memory settings, front seats with ventilation and adjustable side bolsters, Nappa leather upholstery, and a head-up display. It goes for about $86,000, but the lower Plus trim still has plenty of features—that’s the version we’d get.Volvo EX90: The XC90 EV?Electric driving range is a primary appeal of the XC90 Hybrid’s plug-in powertrain—but the EX90 offers even more. This all-electric three-row SUV is essentially an EV equivalent to the XC90, designed with similar details and engineered to be about the same size.However, the EX90 is rated for about 300 miles of driving range and can launch to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Interior tech and features are newer than those in the XC90 Hybrid, too. The EX90 is more expensive than its PHEV counterpart, but could be worth the price.