Overview & Reviews

Volvo does things a little differently from other premium brands in the automotive world. For this Swedish manufacturer, safety and kid-friendliness are just as important as luxury amenities and driving performance, and in no vehicle is this more apparent than the Volvo XC90, a midsize seven-passenger SUV.

Innovative safety features aside, the XC90 is merely adequate relative to the premium midsize SUV competition. Zestier performance is available elsewhere, as are more cavernous cargo holds and more modern electronics features. With more and more modern competitors measuring up to Volvo's high safety standards, the aging XC90 isn't the slam-dunk for families that Volvo products used to be. It remains capable, though, and arguably safer than ever thanks to some new tricks.

Current Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 is a seven-passenger luxury crossover SUV that comes in two different trim levels: 3.2 and sportier 3.2 R-Design. Available with front- or all-wheel drive, the XC90 has a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine rated for 240 horsepower. It's paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Standard equipment highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, eight-way power front seats, a built-in child booster seat, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and an eight-speaker sound system that includes an iPod/USB audio interface. The 3.2 R-Design adds 19-inch alloys, a sport-tuned suspension/steering system, sporty exterior styling cues, a sport steering wheel and special leather upholstery. Major options include adaptive bi-xenon headlamps, a rear entertainment system with dual screens, a DVD-based navigation system and a surround-sound audio system.

On the road, we've found that the XC90 drives just as you'd expect a safe, heavy Volvo SUV to drive. Acceleration from the inline-6 is just adequate. Those looking for more energetic performance should know that the previously available V8-powered models are considerably more satisfying to drive. Ride quality is smooth and the cabin stays quiet, while handling is competent but not particularly sporty. Equipped with AWD, the XC90 makes an excellent snow vehicle but isn't intended for serious off-road romps.

To its credit, the XC90 has a first-rate interior, good overall driving dynamics and excellent safety scores. The trouble is, most rivals offer these attributes as well as fresher designs. In addition to Volvo's own XC60, we'd suggest you also consider the Lexus RX and Volkswagen Touareg if a third row isn't required. If it is, then we'd suggest the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Buick Enclave and Ford Flex. The Volvo XC90 is certainly a nice luxury crossover, but it lacks an edge over the competition in both luxury and performance.

Used Volvo XC90 Models
The XC90 debuted for the 2003 model year with models that corresponded to engine size. The original base engine was a 208-hp, 2.5-liter turbocharged inline five-cylinder (known as the 2.5T) coupled to a five-speed automatic, which was replaced by the current 3.2 six-cylinder for '07. Used XC90 shoppers will also come across T6 models (sold from 2003-'05), which had a 268-hp, twin-turbocharged 2.8-liter inline-6 paired to a four-speed auto. Although acceleration was adequate with either of these turbo engines, their power delivery wasn't well suited for duty in a heavy SUV. However, if you test-drive either a T6 or 2.5T and find its performance to your liking, there's no reason not to buy it.

A 4.4-liter V8 joined the fray for '05. It was rated at 311 hp. For 2007 and '08, there was a surprisingly fun V8 Sport model, which added unique exterior trim, a firmly tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels, quicker steering, heavily bolstered front seats, blue gauges and a sporty steering wheel. This was essentially replaced by the R-Design models for '09, which featured most of the Sport's mechanical enhancements, but could be had with the 3.2 engine as well. The V8 R-Design was dropped for 2010, while the following year would be the last for any V8 version of the XC90.

It should be noted that non-V8-powered XC90s were available in both five- and seven-passenger seating configurations until 2010, when the third row became standard. Other changes were restricted to the odd feature added here or there until '07, when the XC90 got slightly revised exterior styling. New standard features included an auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio, while Volvo's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) was added to the options list. The V8's Executive package was added for 2009, and with items like massaging and ventilated front seats, a so-equipped XC90 would be quite a used car find.

User Reviews:

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  Dont waste your time - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By No longer a volvo fan - June 21 - 7:29 am

  We brought our xc90 back on June of 2015 after trading in our 2013 xc60. It was one of the first models, fresh off the assembly line. It is a beautiful car. But dont let its looks fool you. The first 6 months were great. Then things started to go downhill. The first thing that happened was the hood flew open while we were driving. Luckily we were on a city street and were only driving 30 miles per hour; this could have been a disaster. We had the car towed to the dealer. They identified a faulty hood release and fixed the body work free of charge. Next we started to notice that the safety system is too sensitive. We had 2 instances of the car stopping itself (braking) for no apparent reason while in city traffic. Again, disaster was averted due to low speed and traffic. The car also has electronic and braking issues. Out of the blue the brakes started squealing and grinding to the point that it was undrivable (at 11k miles). Had it towed to the dealer where the front and rear brakes and rotors had to be replaced. While there, I asked that the software be updated (the dealer couldnt manage to figure it out when I was last there). They had problems with it. My car was out of service for 2 weeks due to an inability to update the software that controls many features of the car. A week after I picked it up I took it back because the brake light would not go off and all of the tire sensors were on. Its been there for the last 2 weeks and they cant figure out how to fix the issues. Shame on volvo for using its customers as guinea pigs; the car has many issues that they are working out in the field and its not okay! Save your money, time, and energy and buy something else! Ive moved on to a lovely audi!

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  Year old XC90 needs a new engine!! - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Shana - June 8 - 6:57 am

  Dec 3. 2016 took to dealer because it was telling me that engine oil level was low after getting oil changed on Nov 15, 2016. Dec 13 same message. Took to dealer kept it for 2 days, had to call and they tell us it needs a new engine! We are waiting to see if they will extend the warranty!

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  Best Bang For The Buck - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Steve - June 6 - 10:03 am

  Outstanding performance, ride and handling. Does not drive like an SUV at all. By far the best "SUV" Ive ever driven. Extremely fast and agile for a 4600 pound car. The V8 sounds great and is also a work of engineering art. The fit and finish of the XC90 is about as good as it gets. Compared the XC90 to a BMW X5 which costs at least $10,000 more and the Volvo wins hands down. Plus, Im a big guy, 64", 265 pounds and feel very comfortable in the car. I cant say that about many vehicles. For the price, sticker was about $50,000, it cant be beat.

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  2004 Volvo XC90 T6 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By ToddEddy - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle with good power and performance. Styling is awesome and turns heads where ever you go. Gas mileage is a disappointment though.

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  Almost Perfect - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Bruce - May 23 - 4:13 am

  Great car. I dislike only a few things about my XC90 (and why Im trading it for a V-8 XC90 with a "graphite" interior). The first negative, perhaps niggling: when the sun spills onto the dash from the correct [and often] angle, the end-dash airvents shine in the side windows blocking the use of the rear-view mirrors. Second angers me: the turbo 6 in combination with the 4-speed transmission goes into drastic turbo-lag just as you accelerate rapidly into traffic. Theres a third item which is gremlin-like: on three occassions Ive turned off the ignition, gotten out, locked the car with the remote, and returned to find the AC fan running on max and the soundless radio speakers crackling.

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  Awesome Black Sapphire Metallic V8 Sport - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Bill - May 14 - 5:16 am

  I love this car!! Tested the 2007 X5 V8, MB GL450 and the Audi Q7. This one had the best performance for the price. Handles like a dream and has more than adequate power. Im not sure what a previous poster meant about not having auto locking and a compass. I have both. The auto lock is turned off from the factory, you just turn it on as per page 108 of the manual. The compass is on my rear view mirror. Test this one before you buy anything.

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  Awesome SUV - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By VinnyMagneeto - May 13 - 10:00 am

  We test drove Chevy Tahoes, Toyota Highlanders and 4Runners, Acura MDX and none of them performed like the XC90. Ive always liked Volvos design, and this was exactly what we wanted. 3 rows of seats for kids. Sporty and very functional, plus safe. Once you test drive the XC90 on a mountain road verses the others, youll choose the XC90.

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  You get what you pay for - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Corby - May 5 - 8:10 am

  I have had my XC90 for just over a year now. Its the best vehicle Ive ever owned but has some small drawbacks that I can overlook. The driver seat is already starting to feel as if it is wearing on the outer bolster. Overall it handles great for its size and does better than great on the autobahn in Germany at speed. The 6-speed tip-tronic changes are somewhat slushy during gear changes. I still compare it to the Touareg and LR3 that my co-workers have and I find it to be a better vehicle than theirs. Some of the options could come down in price. Over $3k for navigation is too much. I bought an aftermarket system for less than $600. But you pay quality money for a quality SUV.

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  Mostly great! - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By WSB - April 30 - 10:06 am

  This is our 6th Volvo, but not necessarily our favorite. While the XC90 provides seating options that our V70 wagons and S70 and S80 sedans could not provide, the 2.5T engine is clearly underpowered for the weight of this vehicle. Gas mileage is POOR and would have been worse if we had chosen the V8. We love the safety features of this vehicle. It handles well and is roomy enough for our passengers--- mostly children.

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  Elegant luxury - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Jo - April 24 - 2:35 pm