What Are The New Volvo Trims? Core Vs. Plus Vs. Ultra Comparison

Learn About the Latest Volvo Trim Levels

The current lineup of Volvo trim levels includes the Core, Plus, and Ultra trims. These options have displaced previously popular trims, such as the Momentum, Inscription, and R-Design names. The new trims make it easier to remember the order of escalation. However, you can expect luxurious amenities and powerful performance from all of them. To learn more about what to expect from every tier of popular cars like the Volvo EX30, Volvo XC40, Volvo XC60, and Volvo XC90, continue to read our guide.

We've outlined only a few of the most popular and newest Volvo models on this page, but our comprehensive guide hardly covers the entirety of the lineup. We encourage you to explore the available luxury sedans and station wagons the brand crafts in our Volvo Cars Midlothian showroom.

Volvo EX30 Trim Levels: Plus vs. Ultra

The 2025 Volvo EX30 is the latest addition to the Volvo Cars lineup, taking the brand further to its goal of going all-electric by 2030. This SUV is an all-electric model with an impressive electric range of 253 miles¹ on a fully charged battery. That 69-kWh battery gets easily recharged at a DC fast charging station, quickly going from 10% to 80% in just under 27 minutes.²

Instantaneous torque and 422 horsepower are at your command in either of the Volvo EX30 trims, as is a capable 2,000-pound towing capacity³ and 11 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the second row – enough to bring along the essentials when you go into the city for a day of shopping fun.

Drivers can enjoy a speedy zero to 60 time of 3.4 seconds on the Twin Motor Performance powertrain for a thrilling ride.

Volvo EX30 Plus

The Volvo EX30 Plus is elegant right off the cuff – no surprise for a Volvo Plus trim. Its Scandinavian design is punctuated with nature-inspired paint colors like Cloud Blue and Moss Yellow. A panoramic roof lets in the sunlight or provides a stunning view of the rainy weather, and its two-zone climate control system keeps all the passengers comfortable.

It's also supremely safe – we'd expect no less from the manufacturer that invented the modern seat belt. Standard safety features in the Volvo EX30 Plus include Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Intelligent Speed Assist, and Pedestrian and Cyclist Steering Avoidance.

Volvo EX30 Ultra

The Volvo EX30 Ultra provides more awareness and safety. The Ultra model carried over all the excellence from the Plus trim, but benefits from two additional interior color schemes and adds Low Speed Rear Autobrake, Park Pilot Assist for semi-autonomous parking, a 360-Degree Camera with 3D View, and Lane Change Assist.

It's the ultimate experience in luxury driving with the behavior of a high-tech co-pilot to boot. Check out one of these new models in our showroom.

Volvo XC40 Trim Levels: Core vs. Plus vs. Ultra

While sedans are maneuverable and often very fuel-efficient, Americans have grown increasingly interested in SUVs. The new Volvo XC40 for sale is a midsize premium option. Its B5 AWD powertrain comes standard on all of the Volvo trim levels. This setup features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, offering you 247 horsepower. It can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.

One of the main benefits of an SUV is that it provides lots of space for both cargo and passengers. With this vehicle, front-row passengers get up to 40.9 inches of legroom, while second-row passengers get up to 36.1 inches. There is also 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, which can increase to 57.5 cubic feet if you fold the rear seats. The power tailgate makes it even easier to load or unload your belongings.

Volvo XC40 Core

This Volvo Core trim has 18-inch wheels, all-season tires, premium textile upholstery, and a Charcoal headliner. Drivers can access important information via the 12.3-inch instrument panel and the 9-inch center touchscreen display. Drive smoothly with Adaptive Power Steering and Cruise Control. You will also have an extra set of eyes on the road with the standard BLIS™ and Cross Traffic Alert setup, which includes Blind-Spot Monitoring to avoid potential collisions when changing lanes.

Volvo XC40 Plus

This version has Rear, Front, and Side Park Assist instead of just rear. This model is enhanced with luxuries, including a crystal gear selector knob by Orrefors®, leather upholstery, a standard panoramic roof, and a power-operated tailgate to help make opening and closing the trunk a breeze. Other perks include HomeLink®, 19-inch wheels, keyless entry, an air purifier with remote cabin pre-cleaning, and fog lights. This option also features Driftwood interior decor and a Blond headliner.

Volvo XC40 Ultra

If you want all of the bells and whistles, this trim has it all – and then some. The difference between Volvo Plus and Ultra is, in large part, in the details. You'll have 20-inch alloy wheels instead of 18- or 19-inch wheels, a Harman Kardon® premium sound system, and an air-ventilated subwoofer. Drivers can enjoy a 360 camera, a steering wheel remote control, and heated front seats. The driver assistance technology also gets a bit of an upgrade, as this trim comes with Adaptive Cruise Control, Pilot Assist, and Slippery Road Alert.

Volvo XC60 Trim Levels: Core vs. Plus vs. Ultra

For a larger take on an SUV, check out the Volvo XC60, the most popular SUV among the Volvo Cars lineup. This vehicle comes with the muscular B5 AWD powertrain, which matches a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a 48-volt hybrid system to deliver up to 247 horsepower. You can also talk to our team about the T8 eAWD plug-in hybrid powertrain found on the Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid if you're interested in reducing your reliance on the gas pump even more.

If you want to learn about how this sleek SUV has evolved lately, please check out our 2025 vs. 2024 Volvo XC60 comparison. You'll see, for example, how the trims have changed and why it's a top choice in showrooms.

Volvo XC60 Core

SUVs are family vehicles. The entry-level version of the Volvo XC60 helps you take care of yours by offering driver assistance features like Lane Keeping Aid, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, and a BLIS™ Blind Spot Information System. You will have smooth rides thanks to Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist. This vehicle can help your kids breathe fresher air with an air purifier and two-zone climate control.

Volvo XC60 Plus

Make life a little easier for yourself with a Volvo XC60 Plus, which comes with Front, Side, and Rear Park Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control. Instead of mid-level interior illumination, you'll have a high-level setup. You'll also enjoy 19-inch wheels rather than an 18-inch set. A 360-Degree Camera offers you a commanding view of your surroundings, too.

Volvo XC60 Ultra

To treat yourself even more, consider the Volvo XC60 Ultra model, which has 20-inch wheels, a crystal gear selector knob by Orrefors®, ventilated Nappa leather upholstery, and other luxuries. You'll really be able to relax behind the driver's seat, given that this trim comes with power four-way lumbar support. Due to its memorizing capabilities, your driver and front passenger seat will even be able to remember exactly how you like to sit. Like many other Ultra trims, this one also has a Harman Kardon® premium sound system.

Volvo XC90 Trim Levels: Core vs. Plus vs. Ultra

While having more room for individual passengers is nice, sometimes what we really need is room to fit more people. This three-row SUV allows you to load up to seven passengers and pack in a whole lot of cargo – up to a maximum of 85.7 cubic feet, in fact, if you fold down seats in the second and third rows. It also has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Similar to many of the other Volvo vehicles described here, it comes standard with a B5 AWD powertrain and makes 247-horsepower through its turbocharged inline-four engine and 48-volt mild hybrid system. The 2025 Volvo XC90 can also be equipped with the 295-horsepower B6 AWD powertrain or the plug-in hybrid T8 eAWD setup on the Volvo XC90 PHEV. With high-quality materials, a spacious and quiet cabin, and stellar performance, it's hard to go wrong with this vehicle, no matter which trim level you choose.

However, we can compare the Volvo XC90 vs. Audi Q7 if you'd like to explore your options.

Volvo XC90 Core

This vehicle not only comes with a lot of seating but strives to make every passenger comfortable. You will get four-zone climate control, a humidity sensor, and an air purifier to make sure everyone is at a comfortable temperature and to remove particulates from the air. A panoramic roof, quilted Nordico upholstery, and Brown Ash decor add to the in-cabin atmosphere.

As with the Volvo trims on many of the other models, the Volvo XC90 Core has heated front seats. It is also loaded with a lot of standard safety and driver assistance features, including Lane Keeping Aid, Slippery Road Alert, a BLIS™ Blind Spot Information System, and Cross Traffic Alert.

Volvo XC90 Plus

Heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel are added to the Volvo XC90 Plus trim. You will also have headlamp cleaners, a 360-Degree Camera, illuminated sill molding, an Integrated Booster Cushion, and Remote Key.

Volvo XC90 Ultra

This Volvo Ultra trim gets an elevated cabin with Gray Ash decor, a Head-Up Display, driver lumbar support, and front-seat ventilation. The driver will have power cushion extension functionality and power side bolsters. Blast your favorite songs, podcasts, or audiobooks via the Harman Kardon® premium sound system.

See The Volvo Trims Firsthand at Our Dealership

This page delved into a lot of information regarding the Volvo trim levels. However, this is only scratching the surface. In our showroom, we also have a selection of plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles. To learn more about any of these vehicles' performance or dimensions or to get a deeper understanding of Core vs. Ultra trims, stop by our dealership. Our experts can provide you with quick answers to your burning questions. They can also recommend what model of vehicle or trim is best for your lifestyle and driving habits.

One of the subjects that we're most excited to talk about is electrification. The Volvo Cars lineup for 2025 focuses on being more eco-friendly than ever before. That's why every car is at least a mild hybrid. We can talk to you about what this means, the specific measures we use to achieve our eco-friendly goals (like regenerative braking), or what it is like to drive one of our plug-in hybrid variants.

A new car is a large investment that should last for years with thousands of miles under its belt. Therefore, it's important to find a sedan or SUV that supports your goals and makes life easier in whatever big or small ways it can. We'll do everything we can to help you make a decision that you are not only satisfied with but thrilled by.

FAQ About Volvo Trim Levels

What are the main differences between the Core, Plus, and Ultra trims?

The Core, Plus, and Ultra trims are the base, mid-level, and top-tier options you can choose from when buying cars like the Volvo XC40 and Volvo XC90. The driver assistance features and amenities they come with will depend on the specific model. To learn about specific differences between trim levels, please talk to one of our sales advisers.

What does the Volvo Core package include?

This answer depends on which model of Volvo vehicle you are considering buying. For example, in the Volvo XC40 and Volvo XC60, the Core trim comes with a two-zone climate system, but in the three-row Volvo XC90, it comes with a four-zone climate control setup. It's common, however, to have amenities like a high-performance audio system and power lumbar support in Core models.

What does the Volvo Plus package include?

Volvo Plus trim vehicles are the mid-tier option when you are buying a 2025 Volvo vehicle, like the Volvo XC40 or Volvo XC60. The Plus trim's specific amenities vary depending on the model. Interior high-level illumination and a 360-Degree Camera are common features of this tier. Please ask our friendly associates about the specifics of the Plus trim on a model-by-model basis.

What does the Volvo Ultra package include?

This is the top-tier trim of many Volvo models, offering drivers and their passengers the most luxurious experience. For example, a Volvo XC90 Ultra comes with ventilated Nappa leather upholstery, a Harman Kardon® premium sound system, and much more. However, a Volvo XC40 Ultra will come with its own top-tier amenities. Please visit Volvo Cars Midlothian to compare and contrast Ultra-badged Volvo models.

¹Twin Motor Performance models equipped with 19-inch wheels have an EPA-certified electric driving range of up to 253 miles (MPGe: 116 city/ 100 highway/ 109 combined), when the battery is fully charged and under ideal driving conditions. Your range and MPGe will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle, battery-package/condition, and other factors. Visit https://fueleconomy.gov for further information, but please note information on the Twin Motor Performance models may not be published yet.

²Charging times can vary and are dependent on factors such as outdoor temperature, battery temperature, charging equipment, battery condition, and car condition.

³When properly equipped.