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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  New owner XC90 T6 Momentum mostly love it - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By KMR - November 7 - 3:42 pm

  Mostly love the car, owned it for about 3 weeks now. Pro - Safety systems, looks, comfort, sufficient power. Cons - lack of console storage space, small cupholders, not enough USB ports, interior noise when driving, B&W audio system not as good as advertised, touch screen is distracting if you need to change settings while driving.

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  Vermont in a Volvo - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By paster - November 5 - 9:33 pm

  I was in vermont this week. On the top of a mountain the temp was 26 and the car was horrible on the ice. We put the W button on but the car just had a mind of its own. I was frightened so bad for my life I may get rid of the car at the end of 05 or 06.

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  Think Twice about a 2016 XC 90 - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By OJ - October 28 - 4:24 pm

  8 day "old", spring break trip ends 200 miles into an 800 mile return journey! Overheating and no AC - engine management system advises to immediately shutdown the engine. Towed into a local dealership. Has taken 8 days to have vehicle repaired and still do not have the car back home. Very poor customer service from Volvo, the Corporation. Have received good but not outstanding service from the dealerships in trying to resolve the issues. I assume Volvo brand and value proposition is based upon the fact that a $64,000 car is actually "a cheap car" and therefore the customer should not really expect superior customer service!

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  Quite Nice! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Brettbc - October 26 - 11:46 pm

  After driving the MDX, Pacifica and several others we realized that no other vehicle offered the space, comfort, safety, towing capacity and handling of the XC90. With the third row of seats folded there is an amazing amount of room for our Babys stuff. But what really floored us was how eleghant the vehicle really is inside. With the leather and actual wood interior it just feels nice. Not to mention the exterior is also very attractive. Overall a wonderful combination of utility and comfort!

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  Best SUV for your dollar - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By M. Smith - October 25 - 7:50 pm

  Best fit and finish I have seen in an SUV. We traded-in a 2006 Lexus RX330. The quality of the Volvo is far better than the RX330. The 5 cyl. Turbo has more power than I thought. Great seating, great interior quality, AWD seems to work fine. The XC90 is the same price as the RX330. Once you drive and compare qualtiy and saftey the Volvo wins. The Volvo is built like a tank (solid doors, etc.) Lexus doors are light and dent very easy. After owning the Lexus and Volvo, I feel the Lexus is over rated, and the Volvo is under rated. Volvo XC90 is a great product. With 1,500 miles we average 15MPG (all city driving) the Lexus RX330 averaged 16MPG with 3,200 miles. Volo weighs 600lbs more.

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  Bad XC90 experience, bought Toyota - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Mark - October 24 - 10:23 am

  The Volvo dealer would not even buy our fully loaded 2005 XC90 T6, that is what a piece of junk the XC90s are and Volvo knows it! We have 6 cars including Ferraris and Hondas. Volvo buyer beware, the only thing good about the XC90 is the ride quality. However ride quality does not matter when the driveshaft fails(twice), the shock strut fails(twice), tires wore out(20k miles), and the left axel seal failed, stranding us on the freeway. Not to mention little things like the defroster failed and the seat heaters mysteriously turn on. Then there are the interior ergonometric issues - try taking a family to McDonalds, there is no place to put stuff. We sold it and bought a Toyota Sequoia

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  Impressive Vehicle - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Buffalo Bill - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Ride is superb. Pick-up very good. Mileage 14.2 mainly around town. Fit and finish are perfect. Features are plentiful. First upscale vehicle we have owned, what a difference. Fun to drive.

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  XC90 T8 plagued with problems - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Ramsay Battin - October 20 - 5:13 pm

  We bought our $84k TX90T8 about a year ago and its been nothing but problems. Weve had it in the shop twice for a total of 30 days to fix problems with the hybrid system. Message from car was "Hybrid System Failure, take to dealer immediately". Both times we were out of town. In the first instance, we ran out of gas before we could get it to the dealer and the car wouldnt restart. Had to get it towed to the dealer. The second time we had enough gas to get it to the dealer fortunately. We also had issues with the "Park Assist" where it intermittently would shut off. Our dealer finally determined that one of the sensors was broken and they replaced it. Another time, my wife was driving it down the highway with the kids in the car when it suddenly lost all power. Thankfully she was able to get it to the curb safely. She called the dealer whos advice was to "turn the car off and then turn it back on". She did so and it worked - but the whole situation did not engender confidence in the car. Not been a great experience thus far and were only a year into it!

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  Volvo XC90 -- 2003 - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By RoJo - October 19 - 10:00 am

  Toss up between the X5 and XC90--we choose the XC90. Although were happy with the vehicle overall, the gas mileage, acceleration, audio system and navigator system need Volvos attention. Overall the vehicle gets high marks for style (interior/exterior), craftsmanship, comfront and maintenance.

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  Any Better? Not - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By james graff - October 10 - 2:00 am

  My XC90 is incredible! The entire family fits along with dog and gear without sacrificing any safety or comfort. Im glad Volvo finally did it. As far as Im concerned, after owning a X5 for 2 years, Bmw cant even be concidered any longer.