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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  Excellent family SUV - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By X.Z. - December 2 - 9:20 pm

  As a biomechanics and human-machine system engineering expert, I applaud Volvo for this new XC90. We were ready to buy a GL450, and the XC90 caught our attention and the attention was never returned! I can appreciate the safety and injury-protection features better than a lay person. I also understand its not the more the merrier in terms of gadgets and add-ons. Volvo did this the right way. Now, when I am driving this XC90 with my family members in it in a snowy slippery day, I feel much better.

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  The New Volvo XC90....wow!! - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Pat - December 2 - 5:48 pm

  Hurry!

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  I WOULD NOT purchase another XC90 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Beckett - December 1 - 2:23 pm

  Our lease on the XC90 is up and we wont be leasing a Volvo again. The factory Pirellis lasted 12,000 miles and the replacements are going bald with about 18,000 on them. Thats expensive; especially when you add a brake job at 20,000 miles which the warranty fails to cover. Other annoyances are a totally inadequate A/C, a stereo that picks up 1/2 the local stations and seats that dont fold up/down dependably. When compared to the Lexus and Acura automobiles we have owned, the Volvo is equal in price, but NOT EVEN CLOSE in quality. If you are looking at buying an XC90 make sure you get it CHEAP so you can afford the repairs.

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  DIGIT - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By SWEDISHGEARHEAD - November 27 - 2:00 am

  HAVE HAD IT ABOUT 1 MONTH AND LOVE ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT IT WISH IT HAD A 5 SPEED OR 6 SPEED TRANNY AND A LARGER GAS TANK BUT THATS NITPICKING

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  Reserved Judgement - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By bigmountain - November 25 - 6:37 am

  We bought this car in February after multiple generations of 4 different luxury SUVs my wife and I were tired of feeding the pig at the gas pump. We travel probably 18 weekends a year so gas mileage is important to us, but so is capability for off-road and snow performance. We researched this purchase at length. This car is beyond innovative. The interior and exterior design feels like a $100,000 car, not a 60k car. Where this car shines: fuel economy, handling, long trips (the pilot assist feature is addicting), interior functionality, comfort, the Dynamic and Off Road driving modes are incredibly helpful when called upon. Where this car isnt great: ride, the ride is very busy and a little harsh which exposes some typical European car rattles and will expose every Lego stuffed in a cupholder. This is a trade off to consider if you like the confidence of the handling on a backroad. The technology can be a little invasive at times when you are just out running errands, so you have to be willing to learn about it and use it properly or it will drive you mad. The only major complaint that I have with the car is the auto-stop-start feature which is way too overzealous to cut the engine off when you are at a quick 4-way stop or pausing to let someone pull out of a parking space. I am optimistic the software engineers will release a patch for this soon (hint-hint).

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  Amazing SUV for its price - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Hpc112 - November 22 - 5:09 pm

  Coming from a BMW X3 this car has so many more safety and luxury features at the same price SUV. Not to mention its much larger and much peppier engine. My wife and myself also looked at the BMW X5 and mb gle and Audi Q7. We found x5 to be very expensive and the BMW dealer by us has a horrible service department, but the SUV drove nicely and interior was nice but very similar to the Volvo but 8,700 more for comperable equipment. The gle was a bit small and no third row, transmission was a bit rough when passing. The q7 was very out dated, no technology features, no safety features, worst fuel economy, we have no idea how it was rated so highly, it felt like it was a decade behind the others. We also looked at the Range Rover sport, this was a very nice SUV but over budget about 24,000 more than the Volvo. When looking at the Volvo make sure you drive both regular motors we found the base t5 to be under powered and nosy. But for a few grand more the t6 engine is very quick and the transmission reacts much smoother than my Mercedes Benz e350. The only compliant I have is the fuel economy is not as good as stated more like 20-21 mpg average with about 60 percent highway. But I think the claim high fuel economy is in Eco mode only so comfort or high performance get worse economy, at least it takes regular fuel. I definitely recommend the active cruise control and cornering head lights both are great options and the kids love the very large sunroof. The iPad interface takes some time to get used to, but everything is voice command also and the dash board also cam be customized to view whatever you want. If you send some time with it everthing including changing its colors are customizable, maybe a bit too much. I wish the auto on off would stay on the last setting used like most European cars instead of turning back on each time you turn the car on and you need to flip to a second screen to turn it, just not ideal. The seats are very nice and designed to mold very well to your body, much more comfortable than my Benz or wifes old x3. Overall I have been very impressed and would consider the up coming 90 sedan over replacing the E class with another E class if the features and ride are the same for less the was the xc90 is.

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  LEMON - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By mdstover - November 20 - 8:00 pm

  I purchased this car in September of 2009, 3 months later I am having to buy a new car. This was the biggest peice of crap I have ever owned. The test drive was fine but on our 120+ mile trip home after purchasing it I noticed a sound I hadnt heard before. We called and they offered to fix it. We thought great so we took it all the way back and had them fix it. After 2 weeks they were waiting on a part for the back wiper. I went and got it and would take it back later when they got the part it. Again on the way home a whole new experience. Suddenly my car had major electrical issues. Turns out it was a lemon when the got it and put a band-aid on the problem and passed it on to me.

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  The most awesome SUV - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Jan-Michael - November 18 - 11:00 am

  The Volvo XC90 V8 is a suv with a very good performance, and to drive it almost feels like a volvo V70 or a similar car. The brakes are really effective, and the seats are really comfortable, but a sunroof would be perfect above the third-row seats. The XC90 has a huge cargoarea if you fold down the third-row seats, its the same size as in the Excursion, or even bigger. The XC90 is the best SUV Ive ever driven. It has awesome performance, good cargoarea, Superb Audio-system, awesome quality, quickneasy removeable tow- hook. The materials in the car is very well chosen, everything feels "well done", nothing feels cheap or plastic.

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  Best in class - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By nicolo - November 15 - 4:16 am

  The CX90 is in a class by itself. I drove the 08 MDX (Ive owned two), but the V-6 labors, its still only a five speed, the ride is harsh, and the wind and road noise are too high. The BMW X-3 is a teetering joke, the X-5 3.0 is underpowered, the 4.4 overpriced, besides which the controls are needlessly quirky, the navigation screen miniscule, and the leather looks and feels like 2nd rate plastic. How do they sell those things? The Volvo leather on my premium is sumptuous, the materials and design are great, and the ride responsive but quiet with no wind noise. In short, Its a great ride. And the lease was the same as the the MDX for a car that stickers for 10k more.

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  Love the new XC90! - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Hemant Saraf - November 12 - 6:07 pm