2026 Volvo XC90 T8 AWD Plug-In Hybrid Ultra Dark 7-Passenger - Review by David Colman +VIDEO

It checks all the boxes…and that’s a good thing!

David Colman

Photos and Story by David Colman
Special Correspondent
THE AUTO CHANNEL

Of all the vehicles I have tested, this Volvo wins the Oscar for Wordiest Designation. The XC90's whopper consists of no fewer than 9 words (11 if hyphenations count): "XC90" identifies it as Volvo's top SUV. "T8" refers to its plug-in electric hybrid (PHEV) drivetrain. "AWD" means all four wheels are driven, while "Plug-In Hybrid" repeats the T8 mantra. "Ultra" is Volvo's designation for top interior trim. while "Dark" refers to a new 2026 exterior look for the XC90, with black finishes replacing bright chrome on the front grill and outside rear view mirrors. A new black rear underbody panel now shrouds the tail.

Besides naming rights, the XC-90 also sets a second, more meaningful record for the fastest accelerating 7-passenger SUV I have ever driven. With 455hp and 523lb.-ft. of torque on tap, this 5,124lb. behemoth scorches through the quarter mile in 13.4 seconds at 105mph, and leaps to 60mph from rest in 4.5 seconds. By using a governor, Volvo wisely limits its top speed to just 112mph. In other words, the massive acceleration spurt is all but done when you clear the traps in the quarter-mile sprint. The only place this massive acceleration can be used safely is when merging onto freeways from slow access ramps, or passing dawdling traffic on secondary roads.

Although our test Volvo was equipped with the $1,800 "Active Chassis with Air Suspension," the handling of the tall and boxy XC90 is anything but athletic. In fact, on twisty back roads, you'll want to fall in line behind slow traffic and forget about plotting passing maneuvers. From the driver's seat, the XC90 is slow to respond to steering inputs, feels ponderous when changing direction, and tends to heel over when transitioning from throttle to brake application.

On the other hand, if ever a vehicle was made for long distance freeway travel, this is the one. The spacious first-class accommodations are perfect for four adults - driver, front seat passenger, plus two lucky occupants of row two's comfy sofa. A pair of steerage class riders can also buckle up for short trips in row three. However, they will soon be looking for a rest stop to stretch and recover. To Volvo's credit, row three does offer air vents. If you collapse the third row seatbacks, your XC90 becomes a spacious family hauler with a huge amount of flat floor storage space. With row three's jump seats flattened, the XC90 offers 35 cubic feet of storage space.

The Ultra model thoughtfully provides manually operated rear window shades to obscure your load or passengers from view. For its lofty $89,695 asking price, however, this Volvo should also offer electric drop and erection buttons to manipulate row three's jump seats. The same request goes for row two, where you must also manually drop the seatbacks to expand interior storage to 85 cubic feet. Another feature generally found in SUVs of this price range is an electric front seat control placed so second row riders can reposition the passenger seat in front of them. Back-seat limousine passengers are accustomed to that nicety in vehicles of this class.

Our test Volvo replaced the Ultra grade Harman Kardon stereo with a $3,200 optional Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound System that proved worth the expenditure in terms of its stupendous sound fidelity. The B&W system issues its scintillating vibes through myriad filigreed speaker screens that add a note of elegance to both the sound and the look of the interior. The Ultra group also provides understated open pore wood on the dashboard, door tops and center console. While the exterior components of our Aurora Silver Volvo have that "Dark" transformation, the interior medley of white wood enhanced the dazzle of the dark Denim-like "Navy Herringbone Weave Textile" seat wraps. Adding to the medley is a discreetly tailored dashboard, graced by the elegance of an Orrefors Crystal shift knob. The Navy upholstery is a no-cost option which substitutes for the Ultra group's available Nappa Leather upholstery. Note, however, that the Herringbone cloth does not permit installation of seat ventilation, which comes standard if you choose Nappa Leather. So if you go the cloth route, you'll be paying for some pricey upgrades you won't be getting.

Around town handling of the XC90 is best described as ponderous. Parking this behemoth can be a real chore, since none of the four corners are evident from the driver's seat. Pirelli provides extravagantly large 275/40R21 Scorpion Verde all-season radials mounted on 21-inch diamond-cut alloy rims. This combo provides a surprisingly supple ride when coupled with the air-suspended active suspension.

This top Volvo proved unexpectedly thrifty with fuel, registering 27MPG overall for combined city/highway driving. Electric-only range is limited to just 33 miles. But if you're in the market for a supreme long distance freeway explorer, this top model Volvo will check all your boxes.

2026 VOLVO XC90 T8 AWD ULTRA/DARK

• ENGINE: 2.0 liter inline-4, turbocharged and intercooled DOHC, 16-valve +AC Motor
• HORSEPOWER: 455hp
• TORQUE: 523lb.-ft.
• FUEL CONSUMPTION: 27MPG Combined (Gas Only)/58MPGe
• PRICE AS TESTED: $89,695

HYPES: Museum of Modern Art Interior

GRIPES: Clumsy Handling

STAR RATING: 9 Stars out of 10

©2025 David E Colman