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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  shop talk - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By klaypt - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This one is getting ready to become a "lemon law" mobile. Ive had the brakes worked on so many times volvo is ordering "specially manufactured larger" brake pads and rotars for this "unique problem". THESE DO NOT COME STANDARD ON THE XC 90. You too can get the special pads and rotars that actually fit the vehichle, you just have to have it in the shop most of the first two years.

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  4 Months Driving Experience with XC90 - 2010 Volvo XC90
  By AusTXGK - July 17 - 7:13 am

  We purchased the Volvo XC90 in November 2009. We replaced a 2004 Ford Expedition in order to downsize and gain a little better fuel economy. Pros: The interior and exterior quality and styling of the vehicle is excellent. The leather seats are the best quality/most comfortable of any vehicle I have owned. The vehicle is exceptionally quiet and drives very smoothly at cruising speeds. Cons: The acceleration of the vehicle is a little jerky from start to about 30 mph. It is very noticeable as the vehicles automatic transmission shifts gears. I think the 6 cyl standard engine is a little undersized for this vehicle. Also the gas mileage is disappointing at average 20 MPG (17 MPG city).

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  Great Car - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By slj - July 14 - 5:10 pm

  Debated on whether on not to buy one since JD Power and Consumer Reports didnt like them. After driving Land Rover, BMW, Acura, Infiniti and all the other SUVs, we didnt find one that we liked as much as the Volvo. Bought it and are so glad we did. Rides nice, quiet and smooth. Volvo has been great to deal with, we have had no problems with it. all the complaints that others mention in the review we havent seen. Is great to drive around town or on a long road trip. The kids in the back are comfortable and happy and we up front are as well. No regrets at all buying it and am very glad that I did despite the not-so-good reviews from the above mentioned organizations.

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  Perfect but serious software issues - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By KJ - July 14 - 12:59 pm

  This is our 4th XC90 in 12 years (we always lease 3yrs at a time). This is also our first model since the major redesign in 2015. Its currently driven around 8000 miles and we have had severe software issues including: Random battery drainage caused by software issue (locked out 3 times), constant "car is unlocked" notifications in iPhone app even though the car is locked (false alarm), GPS offset where the car thinks its 100miles from where it actually is causing random warnings when driving at 60mph where t thinks its in a 25mph school zone etc., very unreliable cellular connectivity making Spotify and Pandora features pretty much unusable, occasional connectivity loss in a well covered area and many over random weird issues. Volvo should rethink their software strategy seriously, stop patching a dead horse and change to a completaly new platform.

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  Standard suspension is WAY TOO HARSH! - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By BCWatty - July 3 - 5:31 pm

  Make sure you can live with the suspension, I could not deal with how harsh the ride was and traded the car after 8 months and 14K miles. You know how some cars are better than the sum of its individual parts (VW GTI, for instance)? This car has all the right parts, but, the vehicle made me feel like a beta tester - the computer which controls everything is too slooooooow - a trip for service had the software updated, but the computer got slower, not faster. Too much intervention with touch screen required to perform the simplest functions, and it is slow to react. The sensors go off randomly which flabbergasted me with trying to get them to just shut up! The rear seat belts constantly rattle against hard plastic, which drove me crazy, too. The dealership experience is not up to the standards of its peers, either. The design of the car is beautiful, but it just needs more refinement to be competitive. It is my fault I did not pay enough attention to the suspension during my test drive - my other car is a Ford Mustang, which has a much smoother ride experience. Either pay for the upgraded suspension, or know it will try to beat you to death with the standard suspension. I had such high hopes and am disappointed the car failed to meet my expectations.

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  Why did I buy this car? - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Terry - July 1 - 10:42 pm

  Update: Still hate my car, cant wait to get rid of it. Waiting for the 2018 BMW x5 to come out..... Have now had 3 app upgrade. Had no choice, my nav system stopped working. Have 12,000 miles and squeaky brakes and Im told I need new brake pads, really! It is just so hard to even figure out how to properly play the radio system. Ive had my car a year and I still cant figure it out. Had 3 recalls also. When they do take my car in for repair it takes them days, days. Just last week they had it 3 days. Should never of gotten this suv. I am not happy at all. Oh it looks great and thats what I fell for. But is not worth the $66,000 I paid for it. DONT BUY this you will be sorry..... I am

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  Safety with style - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By comp - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding daily driver. Easy to navigate in city traffic. Lots of power when needed. Very comfortable on long trips. Excellent gas mileage.

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  Jury is still out - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By Jury is still out - June 28 - 7:06 am

  The wife and I have been driving the XC90 V8 for a little over a year now. The drive is exceptional and the power is second to none. This vehicle drives like a fine tuned sports car and grips the road like velcro. The vehicle is a real head turner going down the road and at traffic lights. Dynaudio is the best. Navigation is OK, but could be a little better with response times. I have missed a turn or two when driving. I am a bit surprised that some of the interior plastic decor parts (pieces that cover some of the metal have fallen off and the middle console is loosey goosey when you go to store something away. We are leasing and will be turning the vehicle in at the end of 2009

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  volvo xc90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By ada6 - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Solid, safe,useful, gas-hungry. Needs better rear view.

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  I love this car! You dont need the T6 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By jsal - June 23 - 2:00 am

  The safety features are endless. I have small children and thats the most important. With this car I get that, along with pep, performance, fuel economy, style and everything else youd want in an SUV. You dont need the bigger engine to have the "get up and go". You can have it and better gas milage with the 2.5T.