There are times when a new model year brings fireworks and the sort of changes that make you question your life choices. Then there are times when Volvo takes a more deliberate route, and the 2026 Volvo XC90 arrives with no substantive changes from the 2025 model. That might sound boring, but hear us out. If you’re shopping in St. Louis or Webster Groves and you want a luxury SUV that doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not, the mantra of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" has never been more appropriate.
2025 vs 2026 Volvo XC90 Performance Comparison
Under the bonnet, both the 2025 and 2026 XC90 retain the same engine lineup and chassis tuning you’re already familiar with. That means smooth, linear power delivery from the available mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, with ample low-end torque for suburban merges and highway pulls alike. The XC90 is not trying to be a sports car — and that’s precisely the point. Volvo engineers have tuned the suspension for composure and composure only; it soaks up potholes on Manchester Road and wafts along the River Des Peres without any theatrical body motions.
For drivers who split time between city streets around Clayton and longer stints toward O’Fallon, the XC90’s calibrated steering and controlled roll make it a relaxing long-distance companion. There’s nothing new here to excite headline writers, but the absence of change means proven reliability and predictable dynamics, which is what many Volvo buyers actively seek.
2025 vs 2026 Volvo XC90 Technology Comparison
Volvo’s infotainment and connectivity stack remains identical between the two model years. That means the same portrait-oriented touchscreen, smartphone integration, and intuitively laid-out menus. If you’ve used Volvo’s system before, nothing will surprise you; if you haven’t, expect a calm, minimalist interface that prioritizes readability over gimmicks.
The XC90 continues to support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and offers robust voice controls for navigation and media. Over-the-air updates are part of the package, so software refinements can still arrive without a dealer visit. In short, the 2026 model inherits the tech maturity of the 2025 XC90 rather than introducing flashy novelties — and for many drivers in Webster Groves and Kirkwood, that’s preferable.
2025 vs 2026 Volvo XC90 Safety Comparison
Safety is, and always has been, Volvo’s lane. The 2025 and 2026 XC90 are twins in this department. Both come equipped with an extensive suite of driver assistance technologies: adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping aid, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a comprehensive airbag system. The XC90 also offers chassis and structural integrity that have been developed over many model years, and it's not the kind of thing that benefits from yearly tinkering.
If you’re ferrying kids to activities in St. Louis or heading out for errands in Clayton, that continuity means you get predictable and well-tested safety behavior. In real-world terms, “no changes” here equals “no downgrades,” which for safety is the best kind of news.
2025 vs 2026 Volvo XC90 Luxury Features Comparison
Inside, the XC90 remains a lesson in Scandinavian restraint. The 2025 and 2026 cabins share the same high-quality materials, supportive seats, and clean design language. The optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system continues to perform like a small concert hall trapped in a cabin; leather, wood, and metal accents remain tastefully applied rather than applied with the enthusiasm of a novelty-shop decorator.
Both model years offer the same comfort options: multi-way power seats with memory, panoramic roof, premium climate control, and configurable ambient lighting. If your idea of luxury is subtlety and substance rather than headline-grabbing features, the XC90’s steady approach will feel, well, luxurious.
Why Choose the XC90 in St. Louis?
When there are no changes between model years, you shouldn’t view it as a lack of imagination. View it as a vote of confidence: Volvo didn’t tinker with something that already works. For your St. Louis drives, the 2025 and 2026 XC90 offer the same blend of refined performance, thoughtful technology, uncompromising safety, and quiet luxury.