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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  Outstanding Vehicle! - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By Carrie - February 23 - 12:30 pm

  Just took possession of my XC90 and love every minute behind the wheel. The well appointed interior, comfortable seating and smooth and quiet ride makes this vehicle a joy to drive. The XC90 exceeded my expectations.

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  Super Sweet - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Stinky Jones - February 19 - 5:16 pm

  Its so great, I had to pinch myself. Go and get one, be cool like me.

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  Owned for 4 years - love it - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By JimmB - February 19 - 2:08 am

  We bought this vehicle at least 4 years ago. Love it. Wed get another one. I didnt rate it for maintenance cost as we really havent ever had major maintenance issues beyond changing oil etc (we are just at 70K miles). At this point, wed buy an updated version when this one wears out. The 2.5L Turbo engine has plenty of power for us.

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  Fun to drive! Reliable? - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By PJM - February 16 - 6:23 am

  Enjoy the comfort, handling and many features. Very disappointed with fuel economy, tire life, radio (why do we have to press Enter when it picks up a dgital station) and other problems (a/c damper motors replaced, computer module which controls head beams and tail lights - at $400/ea plus labor, I hope the other 3 last longer). Cargo space is fine.

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  VOLVO XC90 -- SUPERB DRIVING EXPERIENCE! - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By DMT - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This SUV drives like a sedan. Its design, both inside and out, was well- thought out and both utilitarian and stylish. The safety features cannot be matched -- full side airbag curtains for all passengers, dual front and side airbags, ABS, the list goes on. Highly recommend this vehicle for anyone wanting an SUV, but also wanting a trustworthy name in safety.

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  3000 miles and looking good - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By KY Volvo Owner - February 13 - 7:53 am

  Studied, studied, test drove them all MDX, BMW,RX330...this baby is no mistake. Quiet ride, solid build, a little feel of the road, but extrordinarily comfortable. Handles easily and the wife loves it. Great field of vision. Mirrors are wide and effective. Rear and side vision is excellent. Incredible stopping ability. Much more than I expected. Tested both the T6 and T5, trust me, unless youre pulling a planet at 80 mph, stick with the T5. The 5 speed trans makes a huge difference. The "around town" drive is great with the 5, and its plenty on the road. All based on the 1st 3000 miles, combined MPG 17.9, 60% highway, 40%

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  unreliable - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By John James - January 22 - 7:53 pm

  We purchased this vehicle new and it has been towed twice, once because the powersteering went out and the other due to severe violent vibration. The vehicle has 28,000 miles on it and has had sporadic vibration problems since 8 months after purchase(has been evaluated 6 times and vibration returns).The electrical system has caused the doors and rear hatch to lock up.The engine was repaired because of a malfunction.The luggage rack vibrated loudly when driven on highways until 3 repairs alleviated the problem.

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  My dream car - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Denise - January 20 - 10:24 pm

  Easy to maintain. Safest car Ive ever own.

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  I Love This Car - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By Laura - January 19 - 12:26 pm

  I got this car mostly because I needed a change from my previous black MDX and black RX300. I got the passion red V8 Sport because it looked terrific and drove nicely on the test drive. I love this car because 2 months after I got it I was in a collision (head on with air bag deployment) with my two toddlers and elderly parents on the way to my daughters birthday party and we all walked away with a few minor bruises. The tow truck driver and police officers all said to me "thank God you were in a Volvo." The dealer made my car perfect again and I love it more than ever.

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  XC90 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Maryland Volvo Owner - January 17 - 9:00 am

  After driving a Volvo 940 for about 11 years, I moved to an XC90 last fall. I am impressed by the handling and the safety features are typically great Volvo items. Wet weather mode and rain sensor have come in handy this winter.