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:

• 

  Test Drive the Comp - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Florida - September 17 - 2:10 am

  I have owned Ford and Chevy SUVs and numerous other cars. Clearly this car is vastly superior in all respects. In my experience, many of these critical points presented are not true. The Turbo makes almost no noise. The air conditioning fans have multiple modes of operation and is very quiet. The stereo is totally simple....Just read the owners maunal please. wo piece back which gives comfortable seating at tailgaters and such and it is very easy to load large objects into back. The third seat is a wonder verses the competition and I regularly use thrid seat for kids/kids friends

• 

  volvo T6 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By xc74 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  the wood steering wheel is an upgrade

• 

  The worst car Ive ever had - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By universaltaste - September 15 - 4:19 pm

  We have a 2004 Volvo XC90 that required our transmission replace 22 months ago with a 4K bill attached to it, then just last week had to have it towed in again. The first time we did not have our vehicle for 3 weeks, and now again one week has passed already. They claim fluid leaked causing severe damage to the car and now the transmission not only needs to be replaced again, but also the radiator, axle shaft, oil cooler, oil line and a host of others to the tune of $7331.90. The car currently has 122K miles, and the last time the transmission was replaced is was well under 100K miles. The dealer has even told me over the phone this fluid leaking a “known problem

• 

  Loving It - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By sandra123 - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I am a first time Volvo owner and have absolutely no regrets. The ride is as smooth as glass and it is an amazingly comfortable ride. Friends have told me the seats are more comfortable than their living room couch. I have the third row seat and thats quite comfortable as well although with the seats up you dont have much trunk space left but no worries because Volvo has every accesory so strap your luggage to your luggage rack. Ive been in lots of luxury SUVs and this is the best ride. I live in the city and dont get more than 11-12 city miles to the gallon. Thats my only complaint. The engine is small but pretty powerful.

• 

  We wanted to love this car.... - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Smokejumper - September 10 - 3:30 am

  The xc90 has a beautiful look to it. When we decided to get rid of our Acura MDX, we tested several luxury SUVs. Both my wife and I really favored the Volvo. That is, until we drove it. We wanted to love it so much that we returned for 3 test drives but in the end it was just underwhelming. The engine is underpowered and the driving experience was nonexistent, but we might have lived with that. What really disappointed us was the interior. Volvo was proud to tells us that their seats were designed by a medical doctor and took 6 years to complete. Well, they really arent that comfortable. The interior felt like an empty box....Spartan appointments for a vehicle over 50k. The infotainment console is too far away from the driver and the system was unneccessarily complicated. The positioning of controls did not seem to have a logical or ergonomic design. Overall, the xc90 felt cheap and hollow. Just how cheap was really apparent once we drove the BMW X5, Mercedes GLE and others in the luxury SUV class. We felt it was very overpriced.

• 

  A Most Excellent Vehicle! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By scooter - September 9 - 9:30 am

  This is a fabulous vehicle for my needs, both mountain and city driving in all weather conditions. It is excellent on the highway, comfortable, easy and satisfying to drive. It has a voluminous cargo capacity and with an aftermarket rack system, all things bikes and skis are on top, safely transported. My mileage is better than sticker, 25 highway on about 18 around town. With snow tires it is a go anywhere winter vehicle. The 6CD sound system is excellent. There has been one factory recall for the front tie rod ends. I have not had any mechanical or other issues with this vehicle. It is the 5th Volvo in our extended family, and my third one. For me, this car is a keeper!

• 

  XC90 Inscription Pit Crew - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By J E Clarke - September 5 - 8:18 pm

  If you have a desire to be part of the Volvo pit crew, purchase yourself an XC90 Hybrid Inscription. We received delivery of the first one in our city just over a year ago, and its been back to the dealer 7 times, receiving software updates for bugs 5 times. Volvo needs to get the electronics working in this car, really disappointing.

• 

  High Tech on Wheels but Keep Eyes on Road - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By Bookman - August 25 - 11:22 pm

  This car drives great and is as comfortable as my living room but the tablet-like controls are a challenge. It requires eyes off road to scroll through the dozens of options; the driver mode default selection does not work, it always starts in Comfort even if you choose Eco or Dynamic (I saw this complaint in a review from 2016 model) and in order to switch between the modes you have to find the roller ball by the gear shift and turn it just right; should have a button or voice command to switch cause when youre getting on a highway and need Dynamic the last thing you want to do is fish for it. Finally learned that you can control climate with voice commands so thats really cool and helpful b/c again eyes off road to change fan setting or temp. A few times I turned fan up at start and it didnt catch, wondering what thats about. Totally dont understand the auto climate feature. And the navigation is terrible. My former XC70s nav was amazing but this one asks for Street Number, Street and City in one command and then cant understand what you say and gives a crazy place back. Should ask for each one individually like the XC70 did. I am hoping all the technical stuff in the car lasts and no glitches develop with software. Positives include the driving assist that helps keep me in the lane-very effective, and the media system offers lots of options like favorites, etc. which is fun. So far the car is a total joy to drive and ride in and it looks great.

• 

  Best of the Bunch - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By RRyba - August 1 - 9:16 pm

  Before going for the XC90 V8, I drove the Porsche Cayanne S, Lexus GX470, Lexus LX470 and Acura MDX, Whiule the other SUVs had a lot more bells and whistles (voice activated Navigation/Bluetooth, etc.), this SUV had the best performance, look, feel and room of the bunch, for the price. I love the power, the cabin is very nicely appointed. Everything is logically laid out and performs perfectly. I added the Bluetooth system, which works great with our phones. This is my third SUV and I am completely sold on Volvos after driving this one.

• 

  Love Ruby - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By SRado3 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Great Car!!! Would buy it again!