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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  Volvo XC 90 T6 Still Loving It - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By TAK - June 20 - 9:36 am

  We bought this car new. This has been my favorite car to drive. We bought it because it had all the safety features that we wanted which were ahead of its time, its nice size, and its towing capacity. Despite the practical reasons for buying this car, it is fun! The power is incredible. It has phenomenal acceleration even at high speeds on the highway. It is usually no contest, even against other sport sedans. I have had this car for five years and 80,000 miles. It is the only car that I have loved for more than a couple years, and it is just as fun as the day we bought it.

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  Love the XC90 - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By JB - May 30 - 11:18 am

  Ride noise is a little more than I would have asked for, but all the other extras turn a slight negative, into a small deal. Have only owned for a month, but we are thoroughly enjoying it - great road feel, handling, technology, SAFETY, etc.

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  BMwho??? - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By jaymiz - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Awesome! After trying to negotiate for a 3 series and falling way short from what the dealer thought was reasonable, we went over to the Volvo dealership. It took my wife two seconds to decide that she wanted the car and didnt even test drive it! It has everything and more. This SUV is a sure bet with its options and styling.

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  I love my 2017 XC90 - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By NYC carguy - May 25 - 12:34 am

  I love my 2017 XC90 T6 Momentum. I have had it for about 4 months and done multiple road trips will no problems. The car accelerates like a beast when merging or passing and handles very well. After reading a lot of reviews about road noise, i made sure that i got the 19" stock wheels and as a result the car is fairly quiet (still need to be careful with potholes though). I would definitely recommend.

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  XC90 + Extended Warranty = Happy Driver - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By SafeDriver - May 21 - 3:50 am

  I really like my XC90. While it has had some minor issues, overall it has been a pleasure to own. After driving this vehicle in LA, i got rear ended badly (the Lexus was totaled that hit me) and my XC90 was a tank. I cant say enough good things about his vehicle.

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  Safest SUV, Stop Crying about MPG - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By Dave - May 19 - 7:16 pm

  People, youre talking a Volvo not a Honda, you will live through a horrific crash, you will have 311hp, this vehicle is safe, and because of that it weighs as much as much larger SUVs so the 13-18 mpg isnt that bad. Stop crying about fuel economy, put your family in a Prius if thats important to you, if you want a truly safe, well built, nice looking SUV this is the truck for you! Remember you get what you pay for, theres a reason that this truck is over $50,000 without things like navigation and rear view cameras, because you are paying for safety! This is another of those "imports" that you can buy and still buy American, Volvo is a proud member of the Ford Motor Company!

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  All around SUV and reliable vehicle - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Stretch999th - May 11 - 2:00 am

  HAve owned approximately three months now - has performed flawlessly in blizzard conditions and handles great in the city. Pleased with the ride, interior, etc. The rear windshield wiper nut cover came off but was replaced without question at the dealership. So far, no major problems to report.

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  XC90 Ocean Race Edition - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Bill - May 4 - 5:06 pm

  I replaced a BMW X3 with this car. As I wanted a little more room, I compared it to the 2006 BMW X5. The ORE is a better value. Hesitant about the V-8, but average mileage is 20.0 mpg in mixed driving. My 2.5L X3 averaged 22 mpg. I gave up 2 mpg for an extra 125 h.p., a smoother ride and more room -an excellent trade off. Excellent storage and cargo space. Very quiet ride.

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  Volvo SUV - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Mullen - April 30 - 12:23 pm

  Ive had a van since 1983, I didnt want to go "low" I liked driving a car/van/suv that was higher up. So when it was time to turn in the vans we looked at all the SUVs out there. The Volvo is the first car I ever loved- -every aspect. I feel safe in it, and it meets all my needs for a car. I tell everyone how wonderful it is.

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  Our First Volvo and First Hybrid - 2018 Volvo XC90
  By Sam - April 28 - 2:43 am

  I am a new ones of the XC90 T8 for just over a week. We selected this car to be our family friendly car when we have visitors and when we go on a road trip. We replaced our Mercedes R530 with tis car. The R530 has a fantastic 3rd row seat that can fit adults (yes adults) in the 3rd row comfortably. So we wanted another SUV with third row that could eat adults. The Volvo XC90 came closest in this regard. The third row can seat adults not as comfortably as R530 but is not as tight as any other SUV with the 3rd row. I have always owned BMW and Mercedes cars and I am very impressed with interior quality of this car. So I am not sure what the other reviewer is talking about a bad interior quality. We got the Denim Blue with Brown interior and we already got so many complement that how sharp everything looks. Also, regarding the instrument panel and center touch screen controls, I find it very intuitive for me and well organized. I do not have any issue with safety in using it because I have already configured all the settings and do not need to fiddle with them while driving. All the users complaining about the screen is because they try to fiddle with it while driving. So I attribute it to bad driver behavior. So far, I love the car and it has meet all of my intial expectations. I will try to update this review after few more months.