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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  Best of the best - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Roger Champoux - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Best ride, best performance for value, safest on the road.... and most of all, most versatile. HOT HOT HOT

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  Simply the Best - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By JellyBean - October 10 - 2:00 am

  The xC90 is simply the best of its class and all SUVs on the market, including those costing substnatially more money. It rides like a luxury automobile but has the room and power (we have the turbo) of larger SUVs. Superb performance in bad weather - rain or snow.

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  Well worth the wait, effort and money - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By GWNorth - October 10 - 2:00 am

  After a 6 month exhaustive search and study of SUVs, the XC90 was chosen, mainly for its extra safety features. If you have children, that in itself, is worth the price.It is stronger then its competetiors in some areas (interior room and design, gas mileage), weaker in others (towing capacity, off roading) but, simply put, no other SUV even comes close to the Safety features.

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  Good Ride/Bad Mileage - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Bob Scruggs - October 4 - 11:08 pm

  My 2006 xc90 is my fourth Volvo, all bought used. They have all been excellent cars. The gas mileage of the first three has been acceptable. I was not prepared for the disastrous mileage of my xc90. It has a T-5 engine (five cylinder). My average mileage is 12.5 miles per gallon. It is obvious to me that I cannot keep this car. The comfort, style, and performance are outstanding, but I cant afford the mileage. I have done everything to put the car in tip-top shape, even the sparkplugs which cost $25 each. The motor performs well, and is extremely smooth. My only hope is that the software can be updated to give me better mileage. And this is more of a wish than a hope. No, I didnt do due diligence when I bought this car, because of the great experience of my prior Volvos. I know Ill lose money trading, but Ill lose more money keeping this particular car. My wife and I are up in the years, and this was to be our last car; but it will be, I hope, our next to lat car. I cant wait to trade. I can get a luxury car with better mileage. But I will inquire about the software which might help the mileage before trading. A sad story ....

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  I was Robbed! - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By Biggirl7 - October 2 - 7:00 am

  I had alway want a Volvo. Well I bought this Volvo XC-90, Jan 2008. I was robbed. This car has been in the service dept ten times in one month. Plus still not fixed right yet! Maintenance plan is not worth the money if dealership cant fix my Volvo. My parking assist has not worked right yet! It comes up after I am finish parking. Plus side bar on SUV are too high for ladies. I thought I wanted this Volvo, but now I would gave it away for a good BMW. Other bad things with this car is too tight up front, very uncomfortable. After paying 50k for it, gas is about high as the car! This car is not worth the money. I wish I had BMW! Dont believe Volvo.

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  2007 Volvo XC90 - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Kelsea - September 29 - 2:16 pm

  I first drove this SUV with my dad, and I fell in love with it. I was so amazed by its performance and all the features. Its my third new car and the Volvo SUV by far is the best. If you arent looking for fantastic gas mileage then this is the car for you. Its almost like being in a day spa, I have heated seats in mine and its so nice in the winter time.

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  Please DONT buy, lost a lot of money on this puppy - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By too_trendy_1 - September 24 - 7:07 am

  Oh boy, lets see, bought the 2004 xc90 T6 last year 2014 with only 72K miles on it,good deal right!? WRONG! The transmission "fell out" about 3 months after owning it. We had a HUGE thunderstorm, which lead to a flood in the Volvo due to the seal on the sunroof needed to be cleaned. Back Breaks and drums needed to be replaced a few months later. Then no real problems for about 6 months, and then it wouldnt start. The techs couldnt figure out why? Put in a new started, bought a new key, and it still wasnt starting, 11 months later, GOT RID OF IT! Traded it in .. I wasted close to $7,000 plus in repairs, and lost on it when I traded it in. DO NOT BUY the T6 I should of done my research

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  The best SUV Ive ever owned - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Myrtle Beach Momma - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Since we bought this car, Ive been in heaven! It handles so well and it is an extremely safe vehicle. Everwhere we go , people turn heads to look at my car! I usually find someone staring into it at least once a week. After test driving many new American SUVs this ones the cream de la cream! I dont even mind making car payments again!

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  It fits four Kids - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Jill Lara - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I have had good experience with this car. I have had to have it in for service about 2 times. The people have trouble fixing it. It takes about 2 days for the service. Only problem.

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  Mostly Happy - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By mostly happy - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I totally enjoy driving my new Volvo. I feel that it is extremely solid and safe for my family. Many people comment on the good exterior look. Extremely happy to be out of the mini van.