New BMW X5 Vs. Volvo XC90: Luxury SUV Comparison

Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5:
Interior Benefits

One of the most important factors in this 2026 model comparison is interior space, and the Volvo XC90 wins out in that regard. Although the Volvo SUV and the BMW X5 have nearly identical exterior measurements, the Volvo XC90 interior is more thoughtfully designed.

Depending on the trim, you can comfortably seat six or seven passengers across three luxurious rows in the Volvo XC90, giving your family members the space they need to enjoy weekday activities and long summer drives. While previous model years of the BMW X5 also featured three rows of seats, the newest model year releases only come in two-row configurations, so you can only seat up to five passengers.

As for cabin tech and design, the Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5 showcases similar cabin comforts. The base-model BMW X5 sDrive40i is significantly more costly than the entry-level Volvo XC90 Core. The same is true when comparing the Volvo XC90 vs. Audi Q7. It's important to note that the Volvo XC90 is an affordable yet equally-luxurious vehicle when compared to other automakers that are far more expensive.

The 2026 Volvo XC90 introduces its lineup with exclusive quilted Nordico upholstery, built-in Google services, and the Volvo Cars app with remote functions. Moving through the mid- and top-tier trim levels gives you additional features like leather upholstery, heated rear seats, a Harman Kardon® Premium Sound System, and a Head-Up Display.

Selecting a BMW X5 will elevate your final cost significantly but deliver similar cabin features. Both BMW X5 core models are nearly identical, offering Sensafin upholstery, BMW Remote Services, privacy glass, ambient lighting, and a Rear-View Camera; they differ in that the base model has rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive40i variant has AWD. Unfortunately, the BMW SUV does not offer heated rear seats in the lineup.

Both SUVs share the following interior features in their base models:

• Large standard instrument display
• Heated front seats
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Multi-zone automatic climate control

When it comes to the new Volvo XC90 or BMW X5 safety systems, both vehicles include the following:

• Blind Spot Information System
• Park Assist
• Lane-Keeping Aid

Speak with our sales experts to dive deeper into safety features found in the higher trims of the Volvo XC90 lineup and how they differ from the competition.

New Volvo XC90 or BMW X5:
Specs & Performance

The Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5 engine performance and efficiency competition is a back-and-forth battle, but definitely one worth exploring. While the BMW SUV provides more muscular mild hybrid engine specs, the Volvo XC90 offers standard AWD and dominates in plug-in hybrid power – more on that later. Both SUVs have similar acceleration and MPG. Let's take a look!

The Volvo XC90 offers two powertrains with unique performance values. First up is the Volvo XC90 B5 AWD, which has a mild hybrid 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 247 horsepower, 266 pound-feet of torque, and an EPA-estimated 23/30/26 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).¹

You can also choose a mild hybrid B6 AWD for a more muscular output. This engine is turbocharged and supercharged, boosting your horsepower to 295 and your torque to 310 pound-feet. Even with this elevated performance, the B6 AWD engine still delivers an EPA-estimated 20/26/23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).²

In contrast, the 2026 BMW X5 engine options are limited, and you can only access all-wheel drive if you purchase the xDrive40i model or a higher-tier model. Both core BMW X5 models house the same 3.0-liter turbo inline six-cylinder motor that produces 375 horsepower, 398 pound-feet of torque, and an EPA-estimated 23/27/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).³

While these BMW X5 specs are a bit more powerful on paper than those of the Volvo XC90, the real-world drivability of these two SUVs is quite similar. The BMW X5 core models go from zero to 60 mph with just over one second to spare when compared to the Volvo XC90, so you can easily get up to speed and merge onto highways in either SUV without any problems.

Finally, both the Volvo XC90 and the BMW X5 also feature plug-in hybrid powertrains, which we'll discuss in more detail below. If you live in the Pompano Beach area, you can schedule a test drive of an efficient Volvo SUV to see how it feels in the Florida sunshine at our nearby Gunther Volvo Cars Coconut Creek location!

Volvo XC90 or BMW X5:
Plug-In Hybrid Specs

Although the Volvo XC90 and BMW X5 SUVS with plug-in hybrid powertrains are technically separate models, we wanted to present you with all your options for when you decide to finance or lease a new vehicle.

To gain plug-in power, you can choose a 2026 Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid that uses a T8 eAWD powertrain with a 2.0-liter motor to generate a stunning 523 pound-feet of torque. The plug-in hybrid version of the BMW SUV is called the BMW X5 xDrive50e and features a 3.0-liter turbo motor that produces a less-powerful 516 pound-feet of torque.

The two SUVs present with nearly identical MPGe, with the BMW X5 earning an EPA-estimated 60 MPGe (Combined),⁴ and the Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid earning an EPA-estimated 58 MPGe (Combined).⁵ and more than 30 miles of all-electric driving range.⁵ Additionally, both models charge in just a few hours, meaning your vehicle can be ready for the day's errands overnight.

Dive even further into the top-performing Volvo XC90 specs online, or put them to the true test by getting behind the wheel of one in our showroom.

BMW X5 vs. Volvo XC90 Reliability:
Safety & Warranties

When selecting a luxury SUV, it's important to learn about the Volvo XC90 or BMW X5 reliability and safety ratings. You can drive home confidently in a new Volvo XC90 because its releases between 2019 and 2025 have been named a Top Safety Pick in one way or another.^{6,7,8,9,10,11,12} These impressive safety awards stand the test of time, meaning a pre-owned Volvo XC90 will pair you with ease at the wheel on every drive. The BMW X5 is also safe, but only captured a Top Safety Pick title for the 2022 BMW X5 and the 2025 BMW X5.^13,14

The 2025 BMW X5 and 2025 Volvo XC90 carry over their reliable warranty coverage terms to their 2026 models. The 2026 variants for both vehicles include a four-year/50,000-mile Basic New Vehicle Limited Warranty¹⁵ and 12 years with unlimited miles of Corrosion Protection Coverage.¹⁵ However, the better Volvo XC90 reliability and safety scores make this SUV more appealing.

To explore your new Volvo XC90 and see how its reliability and safety features perform on the open road, visit our Gunther Volvo Cars Delray Beach location and talk with our sales staff about getting a set of keys for a test drive!