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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  Wouldnt buy first year model ever again - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By NY to LA Gal - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Too many kinks -- seatbelts not working and were recalled, turbo too noisy. The car hesitates/drags between first and second, which is especially dangerous when making a left turn from a light. Also, when closing hatch it smacked down on my head.

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  My Favorite Volvo Yet - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By leslie logan - July 31 - 12:56 am

  This is my 6th Volvo in 35 years. I do look at other cars but I always end up purchasing another Volvo. This one is the best ever. It is every bit as comfortable as my last car, a 2001 S80. The turning radius is better than the S80 which makes it easy to park even in tight spaces. I did not get the third row of seats and Im so glad. The "trunk" space is large and so well designed. I use the pop-up area for transporting anything that could tip over. It is my favorite feature. I also love the solid feel of this heavy car. The safety features are outstanding and thats really why I ultimately decided on this car but it has it all. I also think it is the best looking SUV on the road!

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  OK - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By TuNeRkId - July 29 - 7:43 pm

  We purchased our 07 XC in 2007 brand new. The truck has been OK , but not what I expected from a $45,000 car. It has good seat comfort and driving position but it also feels a lot bigger than it actually is. The car has decent acceleration, but nothing to write home about. The best thing about the car is the brakes witch stop you on a dime! The 3.2 our car has is a little bit thirsty and doesnt give as much power as I would like. Our average mpg (mostly city driving) is around 16.5 (on road trips weve gotten up to 22). The 3rd row seat is tight but easily moved out of the way! The transmission is great especially the manual option! Overall it has been a good car but could be better.

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  A Great Car Except for One Thing - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By John George - July 29 - 6:36 pm

  I spent several months researching what car to buy for my wife. She wanted an SUV. I wanted safety. We purchased a 2005 XC90 T6 with 39000 mi. The car was like new, had had all the factory recommended service & checked out perfect! Since the car had 1 1/2 yrs of warranty I was not concerned about reliability. Boy was I wrong! After only 400 mi. the car has spent the last 3 weeks in the shop waiting for a back-ordered trans. The climate control is bad & surround sound cuts in & out on turns. We love the car but are afraid this is an omen of things to come. Also, the "back-ordered" trans tells us ours isnt the only Volvo with this problem. Cant someone make a safe & reliable car?

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  Good but needs a overhaul - 2010 Volvo XC90
  By someone! - July 28 - 12:40 pm

  I got this car for my wife and we did the European delivery program which was amazing, I recommend it dearly, Ive owned many volvos and this one is the best so far, the only problem Ive had with it is the right middle pillars plastic molding will rattle over jittery bumps and the materials in the interior are not up to date. but one thing if you get the 3.2 you probably will want AWD because it makes it drive much better and without it its kinda slow

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  Volvo for Life...NOT ANYMORE! - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Jason L - July 27 - 11:07 am

  After owning 5 Volvos before this one, we were Volvo for Life! This car looks great....with that said, thats about it. DONT BUY THIS CAR. Got ours new June and it has been in the shop almost half the time. TONS of false promises from Volvo and the dealer about fixing it. Pretty sure they are ALL lemons and we are about to start the Lemon law process with our dealer. For the record Volvo has had to buy back tons of them already! So many issues I dont know where to start. Volvo knows there are so many problems, but refuse to do anything about them. They are trying to come up with fixes on the fly. That was exactly what the dealer told me. The Turbo on the 4 cylinder is a joke and it sounds like a jet engine from inside the car and nothing can be done about it. The tablet that controls EVERYTHING, is the devil! Never works, freezes up, goes off for no reason and on and on and on. Doors locks dont work, foot activated tailgate doesnt work, I can continue! VOLVO YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF! If you are considering this car, look at the new Acura MDX, or the Audi Q7.

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  Another Volvo Success Story - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By David - July 27 - 3:26 am

  I have driven many SUVs including Land Rover, Explorer, Isuzu, and GMC - but for the value - this Volvo is the best. It turns heads and starts conversations, looks aggressive, and yet is super comfortable inside with all the creature features you could want. My only wish - better mileage - but it still beats the LR and Explorer in that department.

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  V4 engine but turbo charged drive - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By twinmom - July 25 - 2:40 pm

  Great SUV. Very smooth on road. Not great mileage. Very comfortable interiors. Love the double sun roof.

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  T6 AWD - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By APC - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy driving this SUV

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  250,000 Miles - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By LJ - July 19 - 10:46 pm

  My fiances 2004 T6 AWD Volvo has 250,000 miles and it drives like its brand new. Its had no problems (just regular maintenance). He changes the oil regularly and uses premium gas. His dad (a small business owner) has two newer Volvos he purchased as company cars that have also racked up some miles, and they also drive wonderfully. My fiance and his dad absolutely love Volvo XC90s and this lead me to purchase one for myself. I recently bought a used 2004 2.5T FWD with 53,000 miles and I love it so far. I hope she also makes it to 250,000!