Volvo XC90 Vs. BMW X5 Detailed SUV Comparison
Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5: Trim Levels
If your heart is set on a powerful luxury SUV, a Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5 guide is ideal for determining which of these outstanding vehicles deserves to be parked in your driveway. Packed with performance features, intuitive technology, and enough space to bring along the kids, golf clubs, and luggage, the Volvo XC90 and BMW X5 both let you take on the road with confidence. But which SUV stands out as the winner?
We at Volvo Cars Richmond believe it's the 2025 Volvo XC90. This elegant Swedish model offers three trim levels designed to reflect you and how you enjoy using your car.
- Volvo XC90 Core: This entry-level model comes standard with all-wheel drive, Front and Rear Park Assist, 20-inch, 10-spoke Black diamond-cut alloy wheels, mid-level interior illumination, leatherette upholstery, a beautiful panoramic roof, and distinctive, shining aluminum exterior trimming.
- Volvo XC90 Plus: Upgrade to a heated steering wheel, 360-Degree Camera, high-level interior illumination, leather upholstery, Linear Walnut decor, headlamp cleaners, Front, Rear, and Side Park Assist, illuminated sill molding, and a remote door and tailgate key. With an integrated booster cushion and heated rear seats, your passengers will look forward to any excuse to go for a ride.
- Volvo XC90 Ultra: Take your comfort and style to the highest level with the Ultra trim, which offers rear-door sun curtains, a Graphical Head-Up Display, 21-inch, 8-multi-spoke Black diamond-cut alloy wheels, a genuine crystal gear selector knob by Orrefors®, Gray Ash decor, ventilated Nappa leather upholstery, and a Harmon Kardon® premium sound system with an air-ventilated subwoofer.
Meanwhile, the BMW X5 is available in two Core model trims, the BMW X5 sDrive40i and the BMW X5 xDrive40i. These two trims are very similar: Both feature 20-inch V-spoke wheels, satin aluminum roof rails and exterior trim, Sensafin upholstery and dashboard, fineline stripe brown wood trim, and a carpeted cargo area. They also offer a panoramic moonroof, keyless entry, rear window wipers, and privacy glass. A hi-fi sound system amplifies media over the SUV's 10 speakers, and an optional package allows you to upgrade to a Harmon Kardon® interior – stacking more on top of your already inflated MSRP.
Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5: Performance & Specs
In a side-by-side performance and specs comparison of the Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5, the Volvo XC90 has more to offer. The Volvo XC90 towing capacity boasts an impressive 5,000 pounds1, perfect for towing light trailers like small fishing boats, canoes, ATVs, or utility campers. Its two available turbocharged engine options, all-wheel drive, and smooth-shifting automatic transmission give you everything needed for your choice of elevated travel. Available in six- or seven-seat configurations, the Volvo XC90 offers either 247 or 295 horsepower, depending on the engine you choose, to keep the drive powerful and steady.
The BMW X5 has seating for five and offers a single engine, a 3.0-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo. This eight-speed automatic SUV has 375 horsepower, 398 pound-feet of torque, and a 7,200-pound towing capacity.1 While these numbers are slightly higher than those of the Volvo XC90, both vehicles give you the acceleration and speed you expect from a luxury SUV, and the Volvo XC90 is our top pick because it delivers comparable performance at a much more accessible starting price. Additionally, with the B5 powertrain, you'll save between each gas station with one more Combined and three more Highway EPA-estimated miles per gallon.2,3
2025 Volvo XC90
| 2025 BMW X5
| |
|---|---|---|
| Price |
|
| Engine | 3.0L twin-turbo 6-cyl |
| Horsepower | 375 |
| Torque | 398 lb-ft |
| AWD | Drivetrain |
|
| 8-speed automatic | Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) | 23 / 27 / 257 |
| up to 7 | Maximum Seating Capacity | 5 |
| 85.7 cu ft | Maximum Cargo Capacity | 72.3 cu ft |
| 5,000 lbs1 | Maximum Towing Capacity | 7,200 lbs2 |
Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5: Interior
A true Scandinavian luxury SUV built for elegance and capacity, the Volvo XC90 has a panoramic roof that keeps you connected to the outdoors. Its varying levels of interior illumination across trims let you set the mood and maintain visibility at all times, while three trim-exclusive decor themes give you multiple stunning cabin options that are equally beautiful.
Exude elegance with illuminated sill moldings, smooth, grained leather seats, and Linear Walnut decor on Plus trims, or hit the highest level of sophistication with a crystal gear selector, Gray Ash decor, Nappa leather seats, and a tailored dashboard and door top panels with the Ultra trim. Unlock new adventures with a new Volvo XC90 for sale at Volvo Cars Richmond.
The BMW X5 interior features a panoramic moonroof, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a central info display and curved instrument cluster, Sensafin upholstery, and an attractive anthracite headliner. While the BMW X5 does provide a hi-fi sound system, power-adjustable seats, and keyless entry, it does not offer the interior illumination or unique tailored flairs of the Volvo XC90.
Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5: Dimensions & Cargo
The Volvo XC90 boasts the following dimensions to let your second-row passengers spread out or transition from family transport to maximum cargo space for shopping trips or camping adventures:
- Length: 195 inches
- Body Width: 79.1 inches
- Height: 69.9 inches
- Legroom (Front/Second/Third Row): 40.9 inches/37 inches/31.9 inches
- Headroom (Front/Second/Third Row): 38.9 inches/38.5 inches/36.3 inches
- Shoulder Room (Front/Second/Third row): 57.7 inches/56.5 inches/46.9 inches
- Hip Room (Front/Second/Third Row): 56 inches/56.5 inches/44.9 inches
- Cargo Volume (Standard/Maximum): 65.5 cubic feet/85.7 cubic feet
The BMW X5 has an exterior height, width, and length of 194.2, 78.9, and 69.5 inches. With just 72.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, the BMW X5 offers significantly less storage space than the Volvo XC90.
Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5: Hybrid Comparison
We'll move from dimensions to electrification. A quick Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5 comparison shows that the hybrid capabilities of the Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid and the BMW X5 xDrive50e are nearly identical.
Any SUV in our Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid inventory has a delicate carbon footprint with up to an EPA-estimated 32-mile electric range7 and an EPA-estimated 58 MPGe (Combined).7 The BMW X5 xDrive50e, also a plug-in-hybrid SUV, offers an EPA-estimated electric range of 39 miles8 and an EPA-estimated 58 MPGe (Combined).9
Explore our selection to find your perfect mild- or plug-in-hybrid car today, or visit our showroom to solidify your Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5 decision with one of our experts. They'll introduce you to our Volvo XC90 lease deals and all the financial options available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Volvo XC90 a safer SUV than the BMW X5?
Our comparison of the 2025 Volvo XC90 vs. 2025 BMW X5 highlights that, while the BMW X5 does offer driver-assistance features you'd expect from a modern SUV, the Volvo XC90 is built for families. With a Whiplash Injury Protection system, an Intelligent Driver Information system, inflatable impact curtains, and more, the Volvo XC90 is extraordinarily safe – exemplified by its 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.10
Which is more fuel-efficient: the 2024 Volvo XC90 or the BMW X5?
The Volvo XC90 and the BMW X5 have very similar fuel efficiencies. The Volvo XC90 offers an EPA-estimated 26 MPG (Combined)2 on its B5 engine, and the BMW X5 gets an EPA-estimated 25 MPG (Combined).3 This slight edge is pushed further through performance features like the eight-speed Geartronic transmission and standard AWD, as well as exceptional driver comforts like afterrun parking climate.
Is the Volvo XC90 more reliable than the BMW X5?
With its impressive fuel economy, cargo space, and safety features, the Volvo XC90 comes out on top in a side-by-side comparison. From anti-theft doors to side impact protection and a Whiplash Injury Protection system, the Volvo XC90 is built for safety. Alongside the spacious 85.7 cubic feet of max cargo space, every vacation becomes that much more memorable in this durable, luxurious SUV.
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/
3Preliminary 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.
4Prices shown are Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), Base Price or Starting At price and excludes destination fees, taxes, title, license, and registration and/or electronic filing fees, dealer fees.
5Manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) excludes destination & handling fee of $995, tax, title, license, and registration. Starting MSRP may vary as a result of equipment capacity restrictions.
6EPA 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/
7Estimated range according to the EPA driving cycles. The actual range achieved under real conditions varies depending on driving behavior, driving conditions, how you maintain your vehicle, battery and other external factors. Visit fueleconomy.gov for further information.
8Estimated ranges are attainable when fully charged under ideal driving conditions. Actual range will vary depending on multiple factors, including but not limited to: vehicle model, tire and wheel selection, driving style, traffic conditions, and outside temperatures. Some vehicles may not be fully certified by the EPA and US Department of Energy. In this case, the range is an estimate according to preliminary BMW AG tests based on the EPA's test procedure standards. For EPA certification status and additional information about specific models, visit www.fueleconomy.gov.
9Preliminary 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. Note for MPGe: All data are provisional and subject to official confirmation. The provisional power consumption figures have been calculated based on the ECE test cycle.
10Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/volvo/xc90-4-door-suv/2024