It has been nearly a decade since I last sat behind the wheel of a Volvo, and one thing is immediately apparent; not much has changed. Meet the 2026 Volvo XC90. Although this second-generation model is now nearly 12 years old, Volvo clearly seems to be doing something right. Either that, or Sweden has quietly perfected the art of tasteful automotive procrastination.

Without question, the Volvo XC90 is aging like fine wine. The 2025 model year marked its official tenth year in production and brought the third mid-cycle refresh of this generation, following the previous update in 2019. This latest revision is more noticeable, introducing a sharper front fascia, cleaner lines, revamped headlights, and a decorative grille with a diagonal pattern. Beyond the front end, however, much of the XC90 remains reassuringly… or suspiciously familiar.

The powertrain lineup also carries over, with three choices: the B5 and B6 mild hybrids and the T8 plug-in hybrid. My test vehicle just so happened to be the latter, the T8 PHEV, which pairs a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and an 18.8-kWh battery. Together, the system produces a staggering 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque; figures that sound less like sensible Scandinavian family transport and more like a discreet warning.

With that much power, the XC90 is a school run sleeper, sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in just under five seconds. If you see one rapidly filling your rearview mirror, move aside; someone has probably forgotten to collect a child from cello lessons. Because the T8 is a plug-in hybrid, its battery provides up to 32 miles of advertised electric range. During my week with it, however, I managed to get closer to 40 miles. On the side, fuel economy was less impressive as I managed 25.5 mpg rather than the EPA-rated 27 mpg… so, close enough.

Around town, the electric motor provides enough thrust to keep pace with traffic, and if you want to maintain EV mode, you have to be gentle footed on the accelerator to prevent the gasoline engine from joining the conversation. Unlike many other PHEVs, the XC90’s electric motor drives the rear axle directly rather than operating up front of the transmission, so electric driving is free of annoying gear changes. When the gas engine is engaged however, the two speak in harmony followed by quiet transitions of the gears from the 8-speed automatic. The largest compromise is charging speed. The XC90 can accept only 3.7 kilowatts, resulting in a five-hour recharge from a level 2 charging network. However considering I charge from a Level 1, household outlet, it took just over 12-hours to complete a 100% charge from 0%.

On the road, the XC90 certainly did not behave like a typical family wagon. Dare I say it felt athletic? There was something deeply satisfying about the way it drove. The steering was solid and direct, with excellent feedback, while the air suspension delivered a ride that was firm but supple. You felt the road, but in an informative way rather than needing an appointment-with-your-chiropractor kind of way. Even the brakes avoided the spongy response common in plug-in hybrids with regenerative braking; the pedal felt firm, predictable, and responsive.

The last Volvo I tested was part of the XC90 family tree being the V90 Cross Country, which shared similar cabin designs. In the years since, the interior has changed very little. The most noticeable additions are a crystal gear selector, which gives the cabin an unexpected sense of occasion, and a Google-based infotainment system displayed on an updated 11.2-inch screen. Its Android foundation makes wireless Android Auto integration effortless. Apple CarPlay users, meanwhile, must still reach into the archaeological layer of the center console and retrieve a cable to plug in. Oh Google, so unnecessarily extra.

As part of the 2025 refresh, Volvo introduced several new interior trim options, including a distinctive navy herringbone cloth. In a world smothered in posh leather, the fabric initially felt like a breath of fresh air. Made with recycled polyethylene, it brings a hint of tailored character to the cabin. That fresh air became rather expensive once I remembered this XC90’s $89,695 as-tested price. At that level, the cloth material became a friendly reminder of an economy-rental upholstery rather than Scandinavian couture. More puzzlingly, this optional textile is available only on the range-topping Ultra trim, where it replaces the standard Nappa leather and ventilated seats without any reduction in price.

From a comfort standpoint, the XC90 is fantastic. I loved the firmly supportive front seats, which remain among the best in its class. The cabin also includes thoughtful details, such as a built-in booster in the second-row bench that pops into place to position smaller riders properly against the seat belt. Because the XC90’s shell has not changed, its interior packaging remains generous for adults in the second row while the third row, however, is best reserved for children, as expected.

The XC90’s largest drawback comes down to usability. The infotainment system is needlessly complicated and often laggy, forcing the driver to spend too much time looking away from the road. The steering wheel presents another collection of buttons whose functions are not immediately clear. Then, during a rainstorm in the middle of the night, I discovered what appeared to be a front fog-light button. Pressing it produced no visible result. Only after returning home did I learn that the vehicle had no front fog lights and that the button apparently served no purpose. It was less a control than a small Scandinavian riddle, maybe it’s a dealer installed option.

So here we are, nearly 12 years into this generation, and the 2026 Volvo XC90 continues to impress. It is quick, comfortable, handsome, and unusually satisfying to drive, even if its technology occasionally seems determined to test the owner’s patience. Its age is visible in places, but so is the clarity of the original idea. Volvo does not need to reinvented its flagship SUV; but simply continue polishing it, slowly and methodically.