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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  Test Drive of XC90 - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By MikeNLPD-9 - April 27 - 2:00 am

  The car some what tight inside

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  great suv. best looking in r-design - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By jk - April 26 - 11:03 pm

  i choose xc90 over a bmw x5 and so far so good. except i found out there is no pairing mode on memory seating with a remote key overall i am happy with my xc90 t6 r-design

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  New Volvo parents of a 2004 XC 90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By welcon1 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  JUst brought our new baby (XC 90) home this week. Already own a 94 940 Turbo and couldnt wait to have another Volvo in the family (but had to until daughter graduated from college!!!)... She (the SUV) is beautiful and exceeded our expectations. Smooth ride for an SUV, comfortable, and easy to wash (no sharp edges, corners, or protrusions to deal with). I KNOW MY FAMILY WILL BE SAFE FOR YEARS TO COME IN THIS VEHICLE. Its been like x-mas around here since our new "baby" has arrived.

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  NEVER will we buy a Volvo again.. - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Jen - April 23 - 4:00 am

  I am the original owner of this car. We paid MSRP (I know, I know). The car is loaded and was fabulous for about a year. We have had to replace all four tires 4 times, brakes 4 times, transmission, rear bearings.. engine problems, key fob problems, seat belt problem, water leaking... You name it, weve had it. The ONLY thing we did right was buy the extended warranty. Has saved us $10k, easily.

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  XC90 V8 review - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Dixon Gannett - April 20 - 1:03 am

  Have owned 3 XC90s - 2 T5s. The V8 2005 is the best vehicle I have ever owned - throttle responsive, quiet, smooth, handles very well for an SUV. Fuel mileage: 14 city, 21 highway, (maybe 22 after break-in). City handling - excellent, highway tracking - very good. Build quality - best I have seen in 50 years. Exterior design and fits - excellent. Interior design and fits - excellent. Volvo has done it with this vehicle. I would buy another in a minute and recommend it to my grand daughter or anyone. Hard to turn over - if at all - very safe Volvo design - Volvo for life! Fuel economy for V8 - very good on the highway.

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  Had many, this is the best - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By ga - April 13 - 10:30 pm

  I have driven an audi, honda, hummer, ford, land rover, nissan and this is by far the best suv. basic inside but great quality. leather is awesome. booster built in for my toddler and enough room for my baby car seat next door. so safe and quiet ride. head rests are great, can actually lean your head on them when you drive. will buy another one in a few years. not a single problem. the leg room is the only downfall if you have car seats behind you, you lose some front leg room but it is fine, just on long trips sometimes i want to stretch more but that is it! awesome!

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  not sure - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By jo-lin - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Had the vehicle a month and a few things puzzle me. With three rows of seating, my family is cramped. Also, the automatic transmission fells sloppy. Aside from these, has a nice car-like feel.

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  Solid, responsive SUV - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Gaylord - April 6 - 6:13 am

  After I ordered an 07 3.2, I spent a week in Germany driving a 07 V8 at high speeds. I was afraid the 3.2 might be a let-down, but it has not been. The six is completely adequate; quick enough off the line and the passing lane. Shift points match the engine well at all speeds. The XC90 is nimble for a two ton vehicle. Very comfortable seats, well designed interior, quality materials throughout. A very satisfying purchase.

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  Excellent midsize - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By frank - April 2 - 1:33 pm

  The child locks is an on and off buttom which is a pain with an older and younger kids, need individual door locks. Interior kinda cramped on long trips. huge Key. Need hatch opening button on key.

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  * pry it from my cold dead fingers * - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By pan - March 30 - 2:00 am

  i was looking for an suv that would comfortably convey my growing family safely, drive like a luxury sedan, remain a design statement, and last reliably for a minimum of 10 years. there is no other suv on the market besides the xc90 that matches what i was looking for, a year ago or now. 7500 miles in 8 months, no issues. i promise to repost when i cross the 250000 mile mark.