You’re not wrong to be tempted. On paper, the 2025 Volvo EX90 looks like the grown‑up answer to the Tesla Model X: a handsome, three‑row electric SUV with big range, a glassy Scandinavian interior, and safety tech that reads like futurist fan‑fic. The question is whether the **2025 Volvo EX90 is a good buy right now**, in 2026, once you factor in its software drama and early‑production growing pains.
Short answer
Overview: Is the 2025 Volvo EX90 a Good Buy?
What the EX90 gets right
- Real‑world usable range from a large battery and dual‑motor AWD, competitive with other big three‑row EVs.
- Exceptional passive and active safety, with standard lidar hardware, a thick suite of driver‑assist tech, and Volvo’s usual crash focus.
- Beautiful, calming cabin with a giant Google‑based touchscreen and proper three‑row space.
- Future‑leaning hardware designed for over‑the‑air software updates and, in theory, more advanced driver assistance later.
Where it stumbles
- Software glitches and recalls on 2025 builds, including core computer replacements and paused updates while Volvo retools its tech stack.
- Lidar and “self‑driving” promises that shipped in learning mode or disabled, with Volvo later walking back timelines and even changing lidar strategy.
- High pricing relative to more proven luxury EVs from Tesla, Mercedes, BMW, Kia, and Rivian.
- Uncertain long‑term reliability for this first SPA2‑platform software‑defined Volvo.
The core dilemma
Key Specs: What You Get With the 2025 EX90
2025 Volvo EX90: Core Specs at a Glance
Approximate U.S. specs for typical 2025 EX90 trims. Always confirm exact figures on the specific car you’re considering.
| Spec | 2025 Volvo EX90 (U.S. dual‑motor) | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | Large lithium‑ion pack (mid‑90s kWh usable, ~110 kWh gross) | Big‑pack energy similar to other three‑row EVs; good for road trips. |
| Drivetrain | Dual‑motor all‑wheel drive | Standard AWD traction; no RWD efficiency option. |
| EPA Range | Roughly 270–300 miles depending on trim and wheels | Competitive for a large three‑row SUV; 21–22" wheels cut real‑world range. |
| 0–60 mph | ~4.7–5.7 seconds (trim‑dependent) | More than quick enough; it’s a Swedish family sled, not a drag racer. |
| Charging (DC fast) | Up to ~250 kW peak on a high‑power DC charger | Roughly 30%–80% in about 30 minutes under ideal conditions. |
| Seating | Standard 7‑seat, available 6‑seat with captain’s chairs | Genuine three‑row utility; 6‑seat version is the family sweet spot. |
| Safety tech | Standard lidar hardware, 360° camera, extensive driver‑assist | One of the most tech‑heavy safety suites on the market, on paper. |
Key battery, range, and performance specs for the 2025 Volvo EX90.
About those range numbers
What the EX90 Nailed: Range, Comfort, and Safety
Where the 2025 EX90 Actually Shines
Three big reasons some shoppers will love this SUV despite its rough edges.
Long‑legged EV range
The 2025 EX90 uses a large battery and reasonably efficient dual‑motor setup to deliver road‑trip‑viable range. In independent tests, our team has seen solid highway performance when driven sensibly, even with a full family on board.
It’s not a hyper‑miler like some aero‑optimized crossovers, but it’s much better than older, converted‑platform SUVs that drank electrons like sailors on leave.
Genuinely comfortable three‑row
Volvo did not forget why you buy a big SUV: people and stuff. The EX90’s seats are classic Volvo, supportive, not squishy, and the available six‑seat layout makes the third row far more livable.
The cabin is light, quiet, and visually calm, the anti‑Tesla in all the right ways. It feels like a Scandinavian lounge that happens to be DC fast‑charge capable.
Safety that borders on obsessive
Even before you get to lidar, the EX90 throws the book at safety: reinforced structure, dense airbag coverage, advanced collision avoidance, driver monitoring, and the usual alphabet of lane, blind‑spot, and intersection assists.
The lidar hardware, mounted elegantly above the windshield, was meant to push this even further, with longer‑range object detection than cameras and radar alone.
If safety is your north star
The Big Catch: Software Glitches and Lidar Limbo
Here’s where the 2025 EX90 goes from safe, sensible Volvo to something closer to a public beta program. The SUV arrived late after software‑related delays, then landed in driveways with a grab bag of issues: infotainment freezes, charging bugs, driver‑assist misbehavior, and a lidar system that shipped in “learning mode” rather than doing the superhero work the launch headlines implied.
What Went Wrong With Early 2025 EX90s
By late 2025 and into early 2026, Volvo started rolling out **new NVIDIA‑based compute hardware** for EX90s and publicly acknowledged the “painful” software ramp. Over‑the‑air updates have reportedly made the day‑to‑day experience much less chaotic than those first cars that left people stranded at chargers or rebooting their brand‑new $90,000 SUV in the grocery‑store parking lot.
The lidar plot twist
To be clear, most 2025 EX90s on the road today are not un‑driveable science experiments. Many owners report that recent updates have stabilized the experience. But it’s equally clear that this is **Version 1.0 of Volvo’s software‑defined car**, and the rough edges have been sharp enough to trigger buybacks, extended dealer stays, and a global do‑over on the central computer.
Sanity‑check before you commit to a 2025 EX90
1. Ask for full software and recall history
Request documentation for all software updates, technical service bulletins, and recalls performed on the specific EX90. You want to see the big computer replacement and subsequent updates completed, or clearly scheduled.
2. Test charging on AC and DC
On your test drive, plug into a Level 2 charger and, if possible, a public DC fast charger. Watch for charging interruptions, error messages, or wildly fluctuating charge speeds.
3. Stress‑test the tech
Spend time with the infotainment: map zooming, profile changes, switching between apps, using driver assists. Any lag, black screens, or random alerts now will feel ten times worse on a busy Tuesday with kids in the back.
4. Clarify what lidar actually does today
Have the dealer walk you through which safety systems currently rely on lidar, which are still in development, and whether any future functionality is guaranteed in writing. Don’t pay for promises that live only in marketing copy.
Ownership Costs and Value vs Rivals
The EX90 is not cheap. New, well‑optioned examples land deep into premium territory, and even with incentives or discounts you’re playing in the same sandbox as Tesla’s Model X, Mercedes’ EQS SUV, BMW’s iX, Rivian’s R1S, and the Kia EV9. That means you can afford to be picky, and you should be.
2025 EX90 vs Key Three‑Row EV Rivals (High‑Level Snapshot)
Very rough comparison of where the 2025 EX90 sits against popular three‑row or near‑three‑row luxury EVs. Figures are approximate; always confirm specifics.
| Model | Character | Pros | Watch‑outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volvo EX90 | Scandi safety flagship | Beautiful cabin, strong safety story, real three‑row space, future‑ready hardware. | First‑year software and hardware drama, lidar future uncertain, pricey. |
| Tesla Model X | Aero spaceship | Long range, Supercharger access, blazing performance, broad charging network. | Aging interior design, inconsistent build quality, yoke/controls not for everyone. |
| Rivian R1S | Adventure luxury | Off‑road chops, over‑the‑air polish, characterful design, strong community. | Firm ride, smaller dealer network, still a young brand figuring out scaling. |
| Kia EV9 | Pragmatic hero | Great value, strong tech, good range, straightforward trim walk. | Badge snobbery from some shoppers, ride quality and noise not as plush as Volvo. |
| Mercedes EQS SUV | Silent spaceship | Sublime ride, ultra‑quiet, luxury‑first execution. | Not a packaging genius; third row and cargo space trail boxier rivals. |
How the 2025 EX90 stacks up on range, refinement, and tech maturity.
Used EX90 value will get interesting
Who the 2025 EX90 Is Actually Good For
The ideal EX90 buyer
- Needs a true three‑row EV with decent cargo space and a refined ride.
- Values safety, comfort, and design over raw performance.
- Is comfortable with tech and understands that over‑the‑air updates are part of the deal.
- Leases or doesn’t plan to keep the car past warranty, so long‑term reliability is less of a concern.
Who should be cautious
- First‑time EV owners who already feel anxious about charging and complexity.
- Buy‑and‑hold shoppers who keep cars 8–10 years and want bulletproof simplicity.
- Anyone banking on self‑driving dreams, the lidar fairy is not coming on a fixed schedule.
Who’s better off elsewhere
- If you want rock‑solid, mature software, consider a Rivian R1S or a Tesla Model X.
- If you want maximum value and warranty coverage, the Kia EV9 is hard to ignore.
- If you don’t need a third row, a smaller luxury EV SUV will be more efficient and less expensive.
Buy, Lease, or Wait? Practical Decision Guide
How to decide your 2025 EX90 move in 2026
Option A: Lease a new or nearly‑new 2025 EX90
Leasing contains your risk. Volvo and dealers have strong incentive to keep software and hardware support flowing, and you’re insulated from long‑term depreciation and future out‑of‑warranty gremlins. Aim for generous discounts or loyalty cash to offset first‑year stigma.
Option B: Wait for later model years
If you can live with your current vehicle another year, waiting for a 2026+ EX90, or a refreshed competitor, means you’re likely to see cleaner software, fewer recalls, and clearer lidar strategy. This is the low‑stress path.
Option C: Buy used later, with good data
In 12–24 months, early 2025 EX90s will start hitting the used market in real numbers. If you can pair a lower price with <strong>verified battery health and a clean software/recall record</strong>, you may get flagship hardware at a steep discount.
Option D: Choose a more mature rival now
If your family needs a three‑row EV yesterday and your tolerance for drama is near zero, a more sorted competitor, R1S, EV9, or even a well‑vetted Model X, will probably make you happier day‑to‑day.
How to tilt the odds in your favor
Shopping Tips, Especially If You Buy Used Later
- Check the battery like you would an engine. Ask for a recent battery health report with estimated usable capacity, DC‑fast‑charge history, and any high‑temperature events logged.
- Scrutinize the software update history. Look for notes about core computer replacement, major software campaigns, and any repeated visits for the same issue.
- Drive it like you’ll actually use it. Highway, stop‑and‑go, parking maneuvers, tight turns, one‑pedal driving, active safety systems, don’t be shy about taking 45–60 minutes.
- Verify charging behavior on your likely charging setup. If you’ll mostly charge at home on a 40‑ or 48‑amp Level 2, replicate that during the test drive or inspection.
- Ask for extended coverage on software‑related components. On a used purchase, negotiate for a warranty that explicitly mentions the central computer, sensors, and high‑voltage components.
Where Recharged fits in
How Recharged Can Help With a Used EX90 or Alternatives
If you’re EX90‑curious but skittish about being a first‑generation software guinea pig, there’s a rational middle path: let early owners take the depreciation hit, then shop carefully vetted used examples once the major fixes have landed.
Buying a High‑Tech EV Through Recharged
Whether it’s a Volvo EX90 or a rival, the right data makes all the difference.
Recharged Score battery health
Every EV on Recharged comes with a Recharged Score Report that includes verified battery health and charging behavior. For a heavy, three‑row SUV like the EX90, knowing how often it’s been DC fast‑charged and how much capacity it’s lost is crucial to predicting real‑world range.
Expert EV‑only support
Recharged’s specialists live in the EV world all day. They can help you compare an EX90 to alternatives like the EV9 or R1S, walk you through ownership costs, and talk honestly about which quirks are normal and which are red flags.
Financing, trade‑in, and delivery
You can finance, trade in, or sell your current vehicle through Recharged, handle paperwork digitally, and get nationwide delivery. That means you can shop for the right three‑row EV, EX90 or not, without being limited to what happens to be on a local lot this week.
Ready to find your next EV?
Browse Vehicles2025 Volvo EX90 FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 Volvo EX90
Bottom Line: Is the 2025 Volvo EX90 a Good Buy?
The 2025 Volvo EX90 is a beautiful idea slightly ahead of Volvo’s ability to execute flawless software on the first try. As an object, it’s hugely appealing: a serene, safe, long‑range family hauler that looks like a concept car and drives with quiet confidence. As a product, the 2025 model year carries more asterisks than you’d expect from a brand built on understatement.
If you’re drawn to the EX90’s design, safety ethos, and three‑row practicality, and you’re willing to lease, demand proof of software and hardware fixes, and live with the occasional quirk, then yes, a 2025 EX90 can be a good buy in 2026. If you want something you simply get in and forget, a later EX90 or a more mature rival is the wiser move.
Either way, treat this like the serious six‑figure decision it is: dig into the individual vehicle’s history, compare it ruthlessly to competitors, and, when you’re ready for a used EX90 or another three‑row EV, lean on tools like the Recharged Score Report to make sure the car’s story matches the marketing.
