Volvo has unveiled another facelifted version of its long-running XC90 SUV, offering better efficiency from its hybrid drivetrains, and upgrading the interior tech and materials. But when you’re only a couple of minutes into the livestream launch and the guy on stage is talking about a new cupholder, you know this is not going to be a radical overhaul. And sometimes that’s okay. Some cars age well and don’t need much of a freshen-up at the typical three-year interval. But we first clapped eyes on the second generation XC90 in 2014 and it went on sale the following year before being facelifted for the first time in 2019.

The XC90 is still a handsome SUV, and the revised Thor’s Hammer lights, which nod to the electric EX90 that’s finally gone on sale, and the new diagonal pattern grille only makes it more so. The interior is subtly improved too, with the addition of new materials and a portrait touchscreen that now measures 11.2 inches instead of 9.0 inches, and whose operating system has been rejigged to make apps more accessible with fewer finger presses.

 

That new cupholder can grip skinny cans and bottles so they don’t rattle around in a space normally designed for bigger ones. That’s not a pointless update, and apparently comes in response to customer feedback, as does the additional storage space in the center console, and repositioned wireless phone charger. But we’d have rather seen Volvo expend some energy making meaningful improvements to its PHEV drivetrain’s EV range.

The new T8, which again mates a 306 hp petrol engine with a 143 hp motor, can travel 70 WLTP km on a full charge. But that puts it behind more modern PHEV SUVs such as the smaller VW Tiguan and larger Range Rover, both of which have raised the PHEV range bar to 113 km. Even Audi’s ancient Q7 PHEV can do 84 km before having to call on the ICE engine for support.

On the plus side, the XC90’s 247 hp turbocharged, four-cylinder B5 and 296 hp turbocharged and supercharged B6 mild-hybrids promise mpg improvements and revisions to the suspension and amount of soundproofing are said to make the XC90 both quieter and more comfortable.