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 listen to the experts - 2005 Volvo XC90
By V Hencken - January 16 - 8:30 pmWhen I read the reviews I was leary about the power of this vehicle. What they dont mention is that if you live at a high elevation where horse power suffers, the turbo charged engine is huge plus as you dont lose any horsepower. Also I have been averaging over 18 MPG in the mountains. Sure beats my Yukon getting around 13.
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The car that does it all - 2007 Volvo XC90
By deb - January 12 - 2:50 pmI love this SUV - always wanted it for my family of four. Finally got it!! Because this is our main car (the other being a rusty "station" car) it must covers all bases. And, it does so perfectly with its capacity for 7 passengers, plush and comfortable interior, all wheel drive, built in booster seat (gotta love it), safety features that Volvo is known for, decent mpg, and first class looks for a night out on the town. What else can you ask for? Really?
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Worst Vehicle Ive EVER Owned - 2005 Volvo XC90
By Sarah - January 10 - 10:00 amThis is BY FAR the worst vehicle Ive ever owned. The Saturn Vue I had before buying this was more reliable! Unfortunately for me, I was so dazzled by this "Luxury" SUV that I didnt do enough research. I put MORE THAN $12K worth of work in less than 6 months, the last of which was $7,000 for a new transmission that, unbeknownst to me is a HUGE issue with this year, make & model. Volvo is conveniently refusing to acknowledge any of the innumerable consumer complaints- offer any sort of resolve or recall. Trust me Ive tried- (Ive contacted the Sales Managers of every dealership in the state, and put in a complaint with Headquarters in Sweden) no one cares.
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Great car! - 2005 Volvo XC90
By Eli - January 8 - 7:13 amI just bought my 2005 XC90 with 90,000 miles on it and have put an additional 35,000 miles on it and have absolutely no problems. I have challenged snow, tropical storms, ice, and mountain roads and this car preforms with flying colors all the time! It cruises nicely and quietly on the highway and around town. The tranny was replaced with the previous owner at aprox. 80,000 miles and it feels like new. I always feel safe in this car in any environment or situation and Volvo does that magnificently.
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My XC90 V-8 - 2005 Volvo XC90
By guy - December 24 - 4:56 pmv8 has great performance. super acceleration. 21 mpg hwy. small fuel tank limits driving range. Minor but irritating electronic glitches that dealer cant duplicate or repair. Why no compass? Brake and accelerator pedals too close together.
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Know where the moneys spent - 2005 Volvo XC90
By Michelle - December 19 - 8:36 amI really got to see where the money was spent on this car, when driving through water-logged Interstates at night in November. I could feel a tire/tires losing grip on the flooded road, but the wheel never shook. The power was taken off the hydroplaning wheel & applied to the ones still grounded. Its been in bad weather where I appreciate this car the most. I never had a problem with its pick-up/power driving through mountain passes that are so steep and windy theyre only open in the summer. Love the car. Would highly recommend it.
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Happy Camper - 2004 Volvo XC90
By Johnny W - December 11 - 2:00 amLove the low torque band of the T6 Engine, and more than any thing how quiet it is. The mileage is 14 in town 20 on the highway ,The ride is great and it is fun to drive Would buy it again
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After 2 months - 2010 Volvo XC90
By 4everyoung - December 10 - 5:16 amOverall one of the better values in the luxury suv market (especially one with 7 seats) and in my opinion one of the better looking suvs out there even if its an older design.
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Great SUV!! - 2005 Volvo XC90
By CBennett - December 9 - 9:13 amThis was a great investment for my growing family. The third row seats are small, but will be used by my kids only. The leather interior, wood grain steering wheel, rear DVD system are all a major plus for me. The most impressive feature is the 315 hp engine with smooth acceleration. This does not even compare to my wifes S70. Volvo has really stepped up with the rest of its competitors in the SUV market.
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Nice look, poor execution - 2016 Volvo XC90
By Sarrrrraahhhh - December 3 - 6:49 pmI wanted to like this SUV. I did all the research online and the dealership was busy with everyone wanting to drive the XC90. Our first test drive was the T6 Momentum. It was AWFUL! There was a horrible burning smell and a wicked vibration that made my husband feel carsick in the back seat. I changed with him and I started to feel carsick in the back too. The shifting was really rough, the acceleration was poor, the seats were not comfortable at all. The salesman ask if we would be willing to try another. I wanted to like this car so we agreed. We drove the R design. What a different experience, the contour seats are very comfortable, we drove it in dynamic mode which made a difference in acceleration, there was not a vibration. But we were still woozy from the first one so we have to drive it again. The biggest con for us is that there is no strap on the back of the 3rd row. It seems petty, but if you are going to have a car that can almost drive itself, why dont you put a strap on that back of the 3rd row so a shorter person can pull the 3rd row up and not have to climb in the back to push it up?
