We Tested Volvo's Top Models, the XC90 and EX90, and One Stood Out: Review | Carscoops

      We compared Volvo’s luxury plug-in hybrid SUV with its advanced electric counterpart to determine which one performs best on the road.

      by Thanos Pappas

      Volvo has redefined its electrification strategy, opting for a blended approach rather than exclusively focusing on electric vehicles. This allows the company to continue offering updated versions of its combustion-engine models alongside electric options. The 90 series serves as the first example of this dual-track strategy, featuring the refreshed XC90 alongside the new EX90. At a recent local event, we had the opportunity to test drive both SUVs in proximity to one another to assess their differences.

      The EX90 was initially launched in late 2022, but production did not commence until mid-2024 due to supply challenges and ongoing software issues. In contrast, the second-generation XC90 debuted in 2014, received a slight facelift in 2019, and has just undergone a more substantial update in 2024.

      More: Volvo’s Reborn XC70 Is For The EV Skeptics

      Both Swedish SUVs have comparable dimensions with three rows of seating. However, they are built on different platforms; the XC90 utilizes the original SPA (Scalable Product Architecture), while the EX90 features the newer SPA 2 architecture. Importantly, the XC90 offers both mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, while the EX90 is available solely as a fully electric vehicle.

      QUICK SPECS

      With the specifications established, it's time to see how these SUVs stack up in terms of design, interior quality, and performance on the road.

      Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Who’s the Fairest of Them All?

      Both models present a commanding presence on the road, though the EX90 has a slightly longer profile due to its extended rear overhang. The 2024 facelift on the XC90, especially its redesigned front end, successfully refreshes the look of this long-standing SUV without altering its overall shape.

      The XC90’s grille features a distinctive pattern that sets it apart from the EX90’s minimalist, closed-off design. Personally, I prefer the XC90's narrower LED headlights with Thor’s hammer design over the EX90’s pixelated daytime running lights that come with an overly intricate split-opening design. Concerning the XC90's faux side vents, I believe smaller ones would serve the design better, as they serve no real function.

      More: Volvo ES90 Takes On BMW i5 With More Style And Range

      From a side view, the EX90 showcases a modern aesthetic with its clamshell hood, sharper lines, and flared fenders that blend more seamlessly into the body. This also applies to the futuristic 22-inch wheels that surpass the more traditional 21-inch alloys of the XC90.

      The rear of the XC90 is arguably its weakest aspect, as the EX90 appears to belong to a newer generation. I appreciate the refined elegance of the large ICE-powered Volvo SUV, but its rear design has remained unchanged for the past decade and is beginning to show its age. That said, I’m not particularly fond of the EX90’s split taillight configuration, which features additional LEDs surrounding the rear window.

      Minimalism Over Perceived Quality

      Inside, the EX90 emphasizes minimalism, while the XC90 excels in perceived quality, offering larger sections of fabric and wood accents on the dashboard. The floating center console in the EV provides ample storage space and a neat compartment for the key, but I still favor the traditional layout of the XC90 with its crystal-like shifter.

      In terms of technology, the XC90 has recently been equipped with an 11.2-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The EX90 features a more substantial 14.5-inch touchscreen along with a smaller, more easily readable 9-inch instrument cluster.

      More: This New Seatbelt Reacts To Your Body Before A Crash Even Happens

      Both SUVs use a Google-powered infotainment system with sharp graphics, though the lack of physical buttons and shortcuts in the EV can be somewhat inconvenient. Overall, I found it tedious to navigate multiple clicks just to select driving modes, although the climate controls remain visible at the bottom of the screen.

      Predictably, the interiors of both SUVs feel similarly spacious. According to their specifications, the XC90 offers slightly less headroom than the EX90, though it provides a bit more hip room in the third row. The cargo space is almost identical, with the EX90 offering 662 liters (23.4 cubic feet) and the XC90 offering 668 liters (23.6 cubic feet) when the third-row seats are folded down. The seating in both models is exceptional, providing excellent comfort and support for various body types.

      Remaining true to Volvo’s safety focus and reputation, both models are equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and are limited to a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph). Notably, only the EX90