My week in the 2026 Volvo XC90 Ultra T8 plug-in hybrid is a reminder that, in automotive terms, the 2016 model year was a long time ago. Since then, the Corvette has transitioned from its seventh generation to a dual-clutch-automatic-only, mid-engined sports car; the Dodge Charger has gone from supercharged Hellcat power to all-electric or twin-turbo Hurricane I6 propulsion; and Jaguar is now on hiatus as it prepares to become an ultra-luxury EV brand. But one thing hasn’t changed since 2016: the second-generation Volvo XC90 is still in production.
Of course, Volvo’s largest SUV has been updated over the past decade. It’s now available as a mild hybrid and a plug-in hybrid; its cousin, the EX90, is a three-row EV. The most recent refresh was in the 2025 model year, when the XC90 received exterior changes, a redesigned cabin with a larger touchscreen, better ride quality, and more. My 2026 XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid test vehicle benefited from those changes plus the top-of-the-line Ultra trim level, which comes standard with second-row sunshades, cushion extensions and four-way power lumbar support in the first row, and head-up display. Nappa leather upholstery is also standard, but the person who configured my review vehicle opted for the navy Herringbone Weave fabric, which precludes the leather’s front seat coolers. The seven-seat layout with a middle bench is a no-cost option; the addition of the four-corner air suspension and the 1,410W-watt, 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system brought my media loaner’s as-tested price up to $89,695.
Despite its age, the XC90 is still an attractive vehicle. Unless you count the “Thor’s Hammer” headlights (which I don’t), there aren’t any gimmicks to its design, like cosmetic off-roader add-ons, coupe-like roofline that cuts into cargo space, or a “floating” roof—just nice lines with the right amount of curves. Like many vehicles, my XC90 tester has a dark trim package (named—get this—Dark), which coordinates well with the purple-tinted Aurora Silver paint. The XC90 is not a flashy vehicle that screams for attention but, when you do see it, it’s easy on the eyes.
The interior of my XC90 tester was similarly tasteful. Sure, it has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, an 11.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, and Light Ash wood trim that contrasts with its charcoal surroundings but, overall, the combination never looks garish or gaudy. It also isn’t entirely conventional; the navy recycled polyester upholstery is an unusual touch that tempers the almost-white accents. The Orrefors crystal shift knob is a nice (and thoughtful) touch: Volvo put a distinctive feature in a place where it can always be enjoyed because it’s used every time the XC90 is driven.
Unfortunately, I also saw something else when I was behind the wheel of the XC90: glitching or outright failure of the digital gauge cluster’s map display. That fault had company in the form of the second-row bench seat’s middle section, which refused to fully raise no matter how much I tugged on its pull-strap. The third row has an adequate amount of legroom for all five feet and 10 inches of me, but headroom can be a little tight.
There is no shortage of power from the XC90’s combination of a turbocharged 2.0-liter I4, electric motor, and 18.8-kWh battery pack. Total output is 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque, which reaches the road through an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. Turning out of a driveway or onto an access road in a hurry requires keeping both hands on the wheel because the XC90 is potent and ready to please. Volvo says the 5,064-pound XC90 can get to 60 mph in five seconds flat, and I believe it. With a completely charged battery and a full gas tank, it has a potential driving range of 530 miles. If I desired to use electric power—something I did a few times on the way to the office—the XC90 could drive down the road on a full charge for 32 miles. On gas alone, it is capable of returning up to 27 mpg. According to the trip computer, that’s a solid calculation because, over 263.4 comfortable miles on the air suspension, my tester averaged 27.3 mpg.
There’s no getting around the fact that the Volvo XC90 has been around an eternity in car years, but the 2026 XC90 Ultra T8 plug-in hybrid has shown that age hasn’t dulled its appeal. To learn more, watch my full video review below.
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