2025 Volvo XC90 Vs. BMW X5: A Comprehensive Comparison
Welcome to the Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5 review you've been waiting for! If you've set your sights on a luxury SUV, these two machines are popular choices. The difference is the new Volvo model offers more at a fraction of the price. Join the Volvo Cars Midlothian team as we take a digital spin through the 2025 Volvo XC90 vs. 2025 BMW X5 specs, trims, dimensions, safety, and more. At the end of the day, if the Volvo XC90 wins your heart like it's already won ours, stop by our showroom for a test drive.
2025 Volvo XC90 vs. 2025 BMW X5 at a Glance
- The new Volvo XC90 takes the crown in multiple categories: seven-passenger seating, maximum cargo storage, standard AWD, and a lower starting MSRP.
- The new BMW X5 seats only five, has less maximum cargo room, and only offers AWD in its more expensive trim.
- The six-cylinder BMW X5 offers more maximum towing, horsepower, and torque than the four-cylinder Volvo SUV, but it can't really compete with the Volvo XC90 in other categories.
- Mid-year updates to the 2025 Volvo XC90 will include a new front end, dashboard, suspension, infotainment screen, and cabin materials.
- The 2025 BMW X5 rolls into the next model year largely unchanged, adding a single new lane-change feature to its build.
Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5: Trim Levels
Though both of these luxury sport-utes also come in plug-in-hybrid variants – and the BMW X5 with the brand's M tuning – this review will focus on their standard models. The Volvo SUV comes in the brand's three signature trims: Core, Plus, and Ultra. Even at its base level, the seven-seat Volvo XC90 refines every drive with a panoramic roof, Pilot Assist, Park Assist, and Google built-in services.
Available in two main trims – the BMW X5 sDrive40i and the BMW X5 xDrive40i – the BMW SUV lacks any Google-based features but does come with cloud-based navigation, a panoramic roof, and wireless phone charging.
Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5: Interior
Scandinavian, trendy, and minimalist versus old-world sophistication: the Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5 brings unique styling to the table, and your choice will likely boil down to personal preference. Keep in mind that the 2025 Volvo XC90 seats up to seven, giving you three rows to fill with passengers or lay flat for storage. The BMW X5 and its strict five-passenger design means limited cabin flexibility.
Enjoy heated front seats covered in leatherette upholstery no matter which SUV brand or trim level you choose, along with Apple CarPlay® streaming and app-connected remote functions like climatization and door lock/unlock.
Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5: Performance & Specs
You'll definitely want your luxury SUV to deliver the get-up-and-go you need for highway merging, and the Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5 models do just that. Even with its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines, the new Volvo XC90 produces horsepower and torque that's on par with its three-row segment.
What's more, both SUVs can tow a reasonable amount, making them perfect for family getaways. While the BMW X5 can tow up to 7,200 pounds1 compared to the maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds1 in the Volvo XC90, either option will let you bring along a pair of jet skis to the local lake. Pit the Volvo XC90 against other rivals, like in this Volvo XC90 vs. Lexus RX 350 comparison, and you'll see it out-tow the competition.
Quick Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5 Specs
| 2025 Volvo XC90 | 2025 BMW X5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine |
| 3.0L twin-turbo 6-cyl |
| Horsepower |
| 375 |
| Torque |
| 398 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | AWD | RWD or AWD |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs1 | 7,200 lbs1 |
| EPA-Est MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) |
| 23 / 27 / 25 MPG4 |
| Maximum Passenger Seating | 7 | 5 |
| Maximum Cargo Capacity | 85.7 cu ft | 72.3 cu ft |
Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5: Dimensions & Cargo
The Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5 are also vastly different in how they use their cabin dimensions and cargo space. From the outside, these sport-utes are nearly identical: a 195-inch and 79.1-inch Volvo length and width compared to a 194.2-inch and 78.9-inch inch BMW size. Yet, inside their cabins, a different story unfolds.
Even with three rows inside, the Volvo XC90 still gives front passengers more than an inch of extra legroom. Compare Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5 second rows, and you'll find almost the exact same legroom there. Finally, the Volvo XC90 provides 31.9 inches of third-row leg space: Plenty of room for younger children who need space on a long road trip (or a regular Saturday afternoon).
Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5: Safety
Another noteworthy difference in this year's Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5 comparison is safety. Volvo models are widely known for their elevated safety systems, and the Volvo XC90 is no exception. Stocked with premium features like Collision Mitigation Support, Slippery Road Alert, tempered side windows, and a Whiplash Injury Protection System, the Volvo SUV is built for safety.
Like a typical modern SUV, the BMW X5 comes with a Lane Keeping Assistant, Active Blind Spot Detection, and Rear Cross Traffic Warning, but you won't find enhanced safety tools to alert you about slick roads or tempered glass for extra collision protection. Thankfully, the BMW X5 does come with seat-belt pretensioners – but so does the Volvo XC90.
Unlock Greatness in a New Volvo XC90
No matter which way you slice it, the 2025 Volvo XC90 delivers premium seating, cargo storage, and safety tech, all at a lower starting MSRP and with standard AWD in every trim. If you're ready to level up your drives, say hello to this new Volvo model at Volvo Cars Midlothian. We've got the Volvo XC90 lease incentives you want for the SUV you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the interior features that make the Volvo XC90 stand out from the BMW X5?
The vibe and personality of the Volvo XC90 interior is completely different from the BMW X5. For starters, BMW models sport leatherette upholstery in both of their main trims, while Volvo engineers designed their SUV with Scandinavian-inspired minimalism and Nappa leather in their flagship variant. Volvo editions are also equipped with Google services, while the new BMW X5 editions are not.
What are the differences in warranty coverage between the Volvo XC90 and BMW X5?
2025 Volvo XC90 Warranties:
- New Vehicle Limited Warranty: Four-year/50,000-mile5
- Complimentary Factory-Scheduled Maintenance: Three years6
- Parts and Labor Warranty: Lifetime7
- Volvo Roadside Assistance Plus: Four-year/50,000-mile8
- Tow for Life: Lifetime9
2025 BMW X5 Warranties:
- New Vehicle Limited Warranty: Four-year/50,000-miles5
- BMW Ultimate Care Maintenance Program: Three-year/36,000-mile10
- Roadside Assistance: Four-year/unlimited-mile11
Which SUV offers better safety features: the Volvo XC90 or BMW X5?
When it comes to Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5 safety features, both models deliver what you'd expect in a luxury SUV: Blind-Spot Warnings, ISOFIX child seat systems, Collision Mitigation, seat belt pretensioners, and curtain air bags. However, the 2025 Volvo XC90 wins the safety title with elevated amenities like a Whiplash Injury Protection System, tempered glass, and a Slippery Road Alert function.
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1When properly equipped.
2EPA estimated range is 23 MPG city/30 MPG highway/26 MPG combined (B5 AWD). Your actual range 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. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov/
3EPA estimated range is 20 MPG city/26 MPG highway/23 MPG combined (B6 AWD). Your actual range 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. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov/
4Preliminary EPA-estimated figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on speed, driving habits, trip length and driving conditions; actual mileage may be lower.
5Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.
6Volvo Cars recommends that you bring your vehicle in for service at least once a year regardless of mileage. In such cases Volvo will cover the recommended services at 1 per year for the first 3 years.
7Lifetime warranty on parts is limited, non-transferable and only applies to the original purchaser. Part must be installed at an authorized Volvo dealer. See http://volvo.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/9411/~/volvo-lifetime-parts-%26-laborwarranty for further details. Excludes consumable parts due to normal wear. See dealer for details. Non-transferable.
8New Volvo vehicles include complimentary Volvo Roadside Assistance for 4 years. Certified By Volvo vehicles include complimentary Volvo Roadside Assistance for 5 years.
9Volvo Cars will cover the first 25 miles to any authorized Volvo retailer in the case of a mechanical or electrical breakdown. Volvo will cover the first 25 miles to an authorized Certified Collision Center in the case of an accident. There will be an overage fee for mileage beyond the initial 25 miles.
10The complimentary maintenance services listed on this web page are for informational purposes and shall not be solely relied upon. These services may have specific conditions, limitations, and exclusions, and not all vehicles may qualify for complimentary maintenance. For detailed coverage specifics, including what is included in the complimentary maintenance and any potential costs, please contact our dealership.
11Roadside Assistance services provided by third-party providers for vehicles with an eligible service plan, subject to limitations and restrictions. Roadside Assistance is not a warranty; refer to the vehicle's Owner's Handbook for warranty details. Excludes costs for repairs, parts, labor, property loss, and expenses from accidents, abuse, racing, vandalism, and certain other conditions. Contact our dealership for details.
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