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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  Great with a few issues... - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By VonKod - August 21 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the best SUVs I have owned, however I do have a few concerns: Interior - the wood inlays look and feel extremely cheap (think plastic). Additionally, the brushed aluminum/chrome interior door handles look extremely cheap. Volvo needs to take style types from BMW on wood inlays! Gas Mileage - much worse than advertised. Expect 10-13 MPH only.

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  New Standard for SUVs - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Swedishsmitten - August 19 - 8:08 am

  Very simply this is a great automobile. We had been a Jeep Grand Cherokee family for 20 years but needed a 3rd row. Base suspension is great. Very smooth and firm, which means it does not feel like a boat. Check your tire pressure when you first get the car. Ours had 45 psi which we found out it quite common as they overfill in Sweden so the tires do not flat spot in shipping. They should check it before delivery but ours was missed. I think some of the rough ride comments are caused by this. After correcting this the ride is amazing. Seats are the best I have ever sat in with great lumbar adjustment. The power is fine. 316 horsepower from a 4 cylinder engine is amazing.

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  Frustrated - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Ccsbtm - August 14 - 10:00 am

  In the last six weeks we have had 4 major system problems; brakes, cruise contol, a/c fan and automatic transmission. We have no confidence in this vehicle and Volvo USA is basically useless. Once you buy it you are stuck. Now when we go any sort of distance we take our five year old Toyota rather than our new $45,000 Volvo. I think that says it all.

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  Surprised!! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By UncleBarry - August 8 - 2:00 am

  A travel compass would be a great addition. The gas mileage is advertised on the window sticker as 18 to 24. I get 11 to 13 in the street and when I travel to see me daughter in school 5 hours away, I get 17 to 19 if Im lucky. The first two months of ownership and the passenger winshield wiper fell off, the headlight washer cover fell off, the cruise control didnt work, and both key chains fell apart and had to be replaced. I still love the car. The salesmanager was obnoxious and rude, and a real smartass. I only bought it there because my salesman ( who Ive dealt with many times is a pleasure).

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  Good But Not Great - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Rogeru - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Parts keep falling off. Door belt moldings replaced 3 times on all doors. Rug hooks keep pulling out. Driver seat side trim piece keeps falling off. Comfortable ride, handles well, loads of headroom, Im 64". Almost a great car but not quite.

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  Baby on the way- - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By David S. / Engineer - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my Mercedes CKL430 Convertible for this volvo SUV so I am not blinded by new car smell. So far I like the car. But it does has a few interior set backs. Not enough leg room for driver and the flip up wood cover for cup holder has no real locking mechanism so it just pops up. This happens most frequently when car is parked in the sun. Im guessing the plastic clip that holds it in place warms up and lets the lid release. (Bad Design) I will be requesting service to look at this when the car goes in for the first service. Speaking of service, so far Volvo is on par with Mercedes when it comes to taking the extra step for customer satisfaction.

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  T5has been great so far - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By TClarke - July 18 - 5:26 am

  Our three month old 2005 S80 was destroyed in a multi-car accident,with us taking five seperate impacts! 2 guardrails, 3 other vehicles. Confirmed to us the Boron steel safety etc. Replaced it with a new 05 XC90, 5 turbo. The vehicle has been great so far. 61,000 miles, and just replaced the Michelin tires. Right rear wheel bearing went out at the same time. Struts are about ready to go. I drive it hard daily @ 20,000 miles year. Fuel usage has been good for this type of SUV. My high was 24.1 mpg highway. Normal city 19 mpg. If you are not towing a heavy boat/other, this would be the engine to have, however they do not offer it this year. I would buy one again.

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  36K Miles - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Mike McNutt - July 14 - 8:30 am

  Ours is fully equipped with everything. We driven it 36K miles and really like the car. We have taken 3500 mile trips, and two over 2000 miles. I like the car as a daily driver as well. We have had trouble with the brakes, light coming on and the power assist, was in five times for the problem, but never a safety issue, just a nuisance. Avg. 20-22 mpg on hwy, 14-17 in town. The best 26mpg. Plenty of power for everything except drag racing.

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  good, bad , and the ugly - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By dachshund - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Volvo has produced a very attractive vehicle. The XC-90 is very comfortable and feels solid. Overall we are very happy with the vehicle. It has average accleration, but is extremely potent when asked to do a high speed pass. Ive noticed that the 4-speed automatic does not shift as seamlessly as I would expect for a premium vehicle.Ive also noticed a minor design flaw with the seat belts in the second row. The belt will catch on the release latch to the third row and turn perpendicular to the door panel, and since there is not enough clearance, if you do not reposition it manually it will gouge the door panel and cut the seat.

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  Good vehicle - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By islander71 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  When we traded in our 1998 Jeep Cherokee we had three main criteria for our new vehicle. 1) Safety 2) Room 3) AWD This vehicle has all of the above and are all done well.