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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  Continually Frustrated with XC90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Mike_AnnArbor - July 18 - 8:43 am

  For a $40K+ Auto, Im extremely disappointed with the number of times Ive had to take it in for repairs. The engine & body have been reliable - only 2 or 3 service calls in those areas. The problems with electronics have been numerous. Examples: - New software to close windows properly - Ship CD player back to Sweden to retrieve stuck CDs (10 weeks) - Car doors mysteriously lock themselves - Seats loose their memory every month - Disable intermittent wipers - they go crazy on sunny days Every time we take it to Sesi Volvo, they insist there is nothing wrong. We need to insist they look for service note and they usually find th

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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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  AC fails after a week - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Randal Doerner - February 25 - 2:12 pm

  What can I say.... In one week, the AC has stopped cooling. ONE WEEK!

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  Extended Warrenty saves the day - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Lemon - February 23 - 5:50 pm

  This car is in the shop about once a month. Luckily we bought the extended service warranty as the build quality is on par with some of the first generation Korean models. Some the failures are real safety concerns. I guess the positive if the parts do fail and result in accident you know you will be safe.

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  absolute letdown - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By rayray - October 24 - 7:36 am

  Misery! Volvo forgot reliability is part of "safety." Where do I start with the 2005 V8 AWD "top of the line" for that year. First big problem: AC put out only HOT. Then the shifter/key start up had problems. Yearly, windows always need calibration as they would roll down by themselves. Then an ABS control failed and I could not start the car. After the pitiful 4yr/50k warranty ran out (car paid in full of course) the transmission failed after 70,000 miles, cost $6500 to fix, then there was the engine leak that after 4 months of diagnosing turned out to be a leaky engine BLOCK, so I needed a new engine after 80,000 miles. Dont get me started on the electrical system. Worse vehicle ever!

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  Always in the Shop! Stay Away - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By Volvo XC-90 - September 17 - 2:43 pm

  I was fooled into buying the XC-90 after the arrival of our first child. Truth is, this has been the worst car weve ever purchased. It drives, but constantly in the shop for several issues, including AC problems, allignment issues, electronics, mechanical, and at one point, they had to replace both front axles completely! Dont be fooled by the safety recommendations, all newer luxury SUVs have good overall safety ratings. Further, the car has horrible traction control in rainy conditions. If you do decide to purchase, please buy the AWD. I do not let my wife and child drive this car when it rains.

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  Major Disappointment - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Jim Barnacle - July 26 - 8:50 am

  My 2.5 Turbo moans and groans it way around town delivering me 15 miles to the gallon. The SUV is particularly annoying to drive in traffic because the car hesitates off the line (turbo lag Im told). The vibration of the turbo reminds me of a diesel. When I exit the car the vibration stays with me. This is a sad excuse for a premium SUV. I actually enjoyed my 2002 Ford Explorer more than this overrated piece of junk. I feel betrayed by the automotive press for their positive reviews. M

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  Hybrid system plagued by poor quality - AVOID - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Scott - June 26 - 2:02 pm

  Our XC90 T8 is a little over a year old, and it has spent about two months of that time in the shop for several different visits. The car has completely been drained of battery once and needed towing (it had no power at all, zero, not even the electric doors would work); it had a problem hesitating when going uphill that required over a month in the shop and parts shipped from Sweden; and many warning lights have been going off requiring trips to the dealer. This new Volvo hybrid drive train is not ready for prime time. Its too bad as its a very nice car otherwise.

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  Dont Buy this Vehicle... - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By ranchoslacker - May 15 - 10:26 pm

  if you care anything about value for your money. Every time I turn around I am spending money to drive this pig. New brakes, new tires, horrible gas mileage, fragile engine parts, cheesy leather on the seats -- Im sure there are more breakdowns and bad news to come when the warranty expires (which is substandard). Plus, all the airbags mean huge blind spots -- very dangerous to drive without some sort of rear camera navigation system. Finally, the sheer arrogance of the sales and service people (my own servie rep, who is a saint, excluded) is amazing and enough to say "no thanks." After owning Swedish cars for more than a decade, I will NEVER EVER EVER consider anything from Volvo again

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  bad engineering - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Jin - April 14 - 5:20 am

  The xc90 is not comfortable for a family. The kids complain nonstop on rides longer than 30 min. No place to put anything in the cramped cockpit. I found out my AWD was not working when I needed it the most, so my sons had to help push me out of a ditch. I have had to get new tires with only 10,000 mi! I have had problems with radio, shocks, ball bearings and transmission linkage. There have been lots of small things that are annoying like little parts falling off here and there.