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:

• 

  Really Nice Ride - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By Run_Forest_Run - February 18 - 4:49 pm

  I traded in my VW Touareg Executive, which I loved, for the Volvo. I looked at the Audi Q7, Jag F Pace, and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Lexus dont like the look. BWM, Range Rover, and Benz are not client friendly. I have had 2 X5s and a Super Charged Range Rover (the big boy) so I have driven them extensively. Volvo really out did themselves with the XC 90. The car is super quiet, has a nice ride, the 4 cylinder engine is surprisingly good, and the XC is loaded with technology. Mine has the stock sound system, which frankly is excellent, I wouldnt blow the $2,600 on the upgrade unless you really are a hardcore audiophile. The HUD option, which I would not have ordered, was in the stock vehicle they had, it is okay, but you cant see it with polarized sunglasses! So that seems stupid to me. The self drive mode cool, but likely wont use much, the lane departure nudging constantly is a bit of an annoyance, but I will give it time to get used to. Headlights are insanely bright. The Ipadish controls are a nice clean look, easy to use, and overall seems like a nice option compared to say the Audis control system and their ridicules pop up screen. This is a high end Crossover. If it is not on the list to test drive and check out youre leaving out a great vehicle.

• 

  Awesome design; time will tell - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By dkpmd - February 13 - 2:00 am

  This is a well designed vehicle. It has seating for seven(in a pinch; small third row seat), acceptable performance for an SUV and near car like handling. A very nice package. One small problem is my inability to find a snow tire/wheel package for the vehicle. Tirerack.com does not yet have a package listed on its web site.

• 

  Another Killer Volvo - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By MRF2 - February 13 - 2:00 am

  My first impression upon hearing about the new Volvo SUV was that an otherwise respectable company had finally given in to the demand of these unsafe, irresponsible, environmentally wreckless, overall nast vehicles. Well, I was wrong about this one! This car has all the great SUV attributes without the nastiness Ive mentioned above. The exterior/interior design is better then anyone else, and looks every bit as good as the BMW X5. The interior is different, but in a quite revolutionary way. Best of all, it drives and rides incredibly well.

• 

  New Car fun - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By zandybeach - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Its finally arrived...a vehicle that is incredibly safe, very comfortable and a joy to drive. Im so happy Volvo has decided to get some style!

• 

  Very happy so far - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By JAGinKorea - February 10 - 5:00 pm

  Took delivery of this vehicle in Korea using the diplomat and military sales program. Very simple process to custom order the vehicle from the factory and saved nearly $9K over state-side MSRP. Zero mechanical or quality issues since it arrived 8 months ago. Incredibly versatile SUV for my family of five- weve used a variety of seating configurations for different trips, extra guests etc. Very quiet at standstill and on highways and a nice sound to the inline 6 when you step on it. I had driven the V8 version several times before and it is more fun, but I couldnt justify the extra cost and Ive never felt I absolutely needed the extra power. One of the best family vehicles out there.

• 

  Listen to Drivers, not Consumer gurus - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By John from KY - February 10 - 1:20 pm

  Bought new in 9/04. Have 41000+ miles. 2.5T w/AWD way to go. 5 speed trans and 2.5 has plenty of power and is smooth in the city. Turbo jumps in and performs well. Mileage 19.1 over last 10,000 city and hwy. Looked and drove a myriad of other new mid-size SUVs. This vehicle is extremely easy to handle, gets excellent mileage for its weight,and all safety features offers peace of mind. (AWD, Xenon, Back Up warning) Very comfortable, and 7500 mile service interval a big plus. Brakes only 30% wear, tires (Michelin) good for 25,000 more. No ones going to pry this one out of my hands until it has 200,000 on it. Then its off for another Volvo. Dealer service absolutely impeccable.

• 

  In love with my Volvo - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Volvoluvr - February 8 - 8:56 pm

  We purchased my Volvo used in 2007 and it had 36,000 miles on it. We had recently had our second child and loved the safety features and quality of this car. (Not to mention it is beautiful) It came with a few flaws, poor fuel consumption and rear doors that dont open wide enough in the back to get kids/groceries misc in and out. Third row is a joke really, no room for normal sized adults. Ok for children but hard to get them in and out. Overall this vehicle made me happy for 3 years and we never had any repairs other than scheduled maintenance. Just traded it in on a minivan due to our THIRD child arriving, but still missing my Volvo. Ill have another one again someday.

• 

  Taking the buyout! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By m - February 4 - 6:20 am

  Lease is up and we are buying this vehicle. Absolute pleasure the last 39 months. Timeless style and great performance. What more could you ask for.

• 

  XC90 2.5T AWD - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By 3GBE - February 3 - 10:53 pm

  I purchased the XC90 as a move up from a 2002 XC70 and the additional space. After test driving both models (T6 & std. version) I settled on the std. 2.5T. This engine has plenty of power and I cannot see why someone would pay the extra for the T6 and the new V8... they are overkill. The XC90 handled well in a recent snow storm and provides a comfortable ride for my 67" frame. The only two complaints I have so far are: 1) both new style front and back windsheild wipers are not as good as the versions they replaced. 2) the gas mileage (so far) is not up to the reported averages. I am told this will improve as the car "breaks in". Overall, I am delighted with the XC90 & would recommend it!

• 

  A very good expierence with our Volvo - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Rick A - January 29 - 6:43 am

  We simply would unequivocally recomend a Volvo XC 90. Safe reliable and fun to drive. It is also a very capable 4 wheel drive.