Finding a truly practical electric SUV that can handle family life isn’t easy. Most promise the world but fall short when you actually need to load up kids, gear, and groceries. The 2025 Volvo EX90 changes that conversation entirely.
This isn’t just another electric vehicle trying to be everything to everyone. It’s designed specifically for families who want the benefits of electric driving without compromising on space, comfort, or safety. After spending time researching what makes this SUV tick, here’s what you actually need to know.
Real-World Range You Can Count On
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: range anxiety. The EX90 delivers between 300-310 miles per charge, depending on which wheels you choose. Models with 21-inch wheels achieve the full 310 miles, while 20-inch or 22-inch wheels reduce that to 300 miles.
Here’s the practical reality: 300+ miles means you can drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco, or Chicago to Detroit, without stopping to charge. For daily driving, you’re looking at potentially a full week between charges for most families.
Charging That Actually Works
The EX90 can charge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes using DC fast charging. But here’s what’s really smart: it supports bi-directional charging, meaning you can use it to power your house during outages or even charge another electric vehicle.
Think of it as a massive backup battery that happens to drive your family around.
Two Flavors of Power
Volvo keeps things simple with two powertrain options:
Twin Motor (Standard): 402 horsepower with all-wheel drive
Twin Motor Performance: 510 horsepower for those wanting extra acceleration
The Performance version hits 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, which is genuinely quick for a three-row SUV. But even the standard version provides more than enough power for highway merging and mountain passes.
Space Where It Counts
Seven Real Seats
The EX90 offers both six and seven-seat configurations, but here’s what matters: the skateboard battery design allows for a flat floor across the second row and decent footspace in the rear row as well.
Translation: your teenagers won’t hate you for putting them in the third row.
Cargo Capacity
Maximum cargo capacity reaches 85.3 cubic feet with all seats down, 37.3 cubic feet with the second row up (7-seater), and 13.6 cubic feet behind the third row. Plus, there’s a huge well under the boot floor for hiding valuables or storing charging cables.
Safety That Goes Beyond Standards
This is where Volvo really flexes. Every EX90 comes standard with lidar technology that creates a virtual 3D image of the space around the vehicle. Combined with 16 ultrasonic sensors, eight cameras, and five radars, the system can detect pedestrians up to 250 meters away.
If you’re going straight through an intersection and the system detects cross traffic, it can automatically apply the brakes. That’s not just impressive technology—it’s potentially life-saving for busy families.
Interior That Makes Sense
Tech Without Overwhelm
The 14.5-inch center screen is oriented portrait-style and powered by Google, while also supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But unlike other automakers who go button-crazy, Volvo keeps just one rotary control on the center console for essential functions like volume.
Comfort Features
The massage seats are some of the best available, which might sound frivolous until you’re driving kids to weekend tournaments three hours away. There’s also backlit wood trim with LEDs that suggest soft sunlight, plus Volvo’s largest panoramic glass roof yet.
Pricing That Competes
Trim Level | Starting Price |
---|---|
Plus | $81,290 |
Ultra | $85,640 |
Performance Plus | $86,290 |
Performance Ultra | $90,640 |
These prices put the EX90 at the affordable end of the luxury electric SUV spectrum. Rivals include the BMW iX starting at $87,100, Mercedes-EQE SUV at $79,050, and Tesla Model X at $79,990.
The Competition Reality Check
The main competitor is Kia’s EV9, but it’s not as well packaged as the Volvo, not nearly as nice inside, and is less refined to drive. Tesla’s Model X and Model Y remain options, but the EX90 is a much better thought-through family car than either.
What You Should Know Before Buying
The Good: Excellent range, practical interior, cutting-edge safety, smooth and quiet driving experience
The Consider: The tech-heavy interface may not appeal to everyone who prefers physical buttons
The Reality: This is one of the few all-electric SUVs with three rows that actually works for families
The EX90 is the best electric family SUV available right now. It understands exactly what it’s for: moving families safely, comfortably, and efficiently. While it’s not cheap, it delivers genuine value in a market full of compromises.
For families ready to make the electric switch without sacrificing practicality, the EX90 finally provides a compelling answer to “what should we buy?”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the EX90 compare to the XC90?
A: The EX90 is fully electric and larger, while the XC90 is available as gas or plug-in hybrid. They’re built on different platforms.
Q: Can I charge other devices with the EX90?
A: Yes, it supports bi-directional charging, so you can power your house during outages or charge other electric vehicles.
Q: Is the third row actually usable?
A: Yes, the flat floor design provides decent footspace, making it more comfortable than many competitors.