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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  The XC90 is a fantastic vehicle - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By nsaliba - January 21 - 2:00 am

  We traded our 2000 suburban on the XC90 T6 in November of 2002. There is a tremendous difference in the quality and the way both vehicles perform. The quality in the craftsmanship between the vehicles is not even comparable. The XC90 is first class, while the suburban is a typical GM with very little consideration for workmanship and quality. Relative to performance is goes without saying, the xc90 is light years ahead of the suburban.

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  The judge is still out - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By lalal - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Fund car to drive and great looking . The worst gas mileage possible and a small gas tank to boot . Wipers ceased to function in the snow and the vovlo roadside is useless on weekends as the dealership is closed on Sunday ....

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  Its a Cool Car - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By GDP - January 21 - 2:00 am

  The Volvo XC 90 is a very cool / sleek SUV with all the safety features to keep your kids safe and sound. It does feel "heavy" but I guess that makes it all the more safer. We love it.

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  My favorite vehicle to date - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By mike - January 18 - 9:53 am

  This vehicle gives a great ride to both the driver and front seat passenger. The second row is great for medium- sized adults and children. As for the third row, I would say that only small children would be absolutely comfortable on a long trip (or a short one for that manner). I feel really good about the many safety features included in the vehicle and that is the main reason I bought it primarly for my wife to drive.

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  Driven over 115,000 miles - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By dough - January 17 - 10:23 am

  If the headlight covers were not so pitted, it would still look new, inside and out. After 60,000 miles I started changing my own oil and at 105,000 had that service done by a pro. We have the 2.5 and I wish it would shift to 5th gear earlier than it does. Otherwise, we just drive the thing. I have read a lot of reviews and we have not had the issues some reviewers note. Had a couple of issues that the dealer took care of. Does what I want. Looks fine in the driveway, starts and goes when we want. I carry most of the stuff. Level floor works like a mini van. Hope to get another 100,000 miles before replacing. Replaced front brake pads at 70,000 miles

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  Awesome and safe suv - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By volvolvr - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I love my Volvo ... and I love even more that its an SUV. Safe, quiet and sleek. Its the BEST!

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  First Volvo - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Flyingman - January 12 - 3:26 pm

  I was close to buying a VW Touareg before I test drove the Volvo. I found the volvo to have excellent power in the 2.5T, better mileage, and more space. I prefer the boxier look over the bubble look that is currently so popular. Only have a few 100 miles, but am really impressed with handling, especially on Hwy. Mileage is mostly city, so in the lower mid teens, but on hwy it was very close to advertised, 22-23mpg. It does not have any cheesy extras you really dont need, very practical. A bit sluggish at parking lot speed but if you punch it front tires will screach out without hesitation. Ill follow up in a few months but for now Im very pleased overall with this purchase.

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  XC90 Beats VW Touareg Hands down - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By ltwxc90 - January 11 - 2:44 am

  I have owned my XC90 now for 4 months and what a great SUV. My last SUV was aTouareg and what a disappointment! It was the worst! It had a faulty transmission and when it would shift it felt as if the Whole car was going to break apart. VW Service was horrible, I would take it in and no one would do anything. Even after having the Transmission replaced it still did the same thing. My XC90 is great! From its smooth ride to better fuel economy, Hands down it is the better car both inside and out. The service I have received at my Volvo dealer is second to none. I have owned a BMW and Mercedes and in this case Volvo service even beats those two! Great Job Volvo

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  I Roll, Volvo - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Volvo Pride - January 5 - 5:56 pm

  My 04, XC90 is a tank; in a good way. Handles great in the snow and any wet weather and most assuredly can tear up the pavement. The third row seating could use more room, but after all it is a midsized suv. This is my 5th Volvo and 7th in two generations. I have 167,765 miles on my vehicle with the original transmission and turbos. Tires have come and gone, but the brakes have only been replaced once. As far as cost of upkeep...I bought a Volvo. No one who buys a Benz complains about price.

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  Recommend! - 2009 Volvo XC90
  By Peter - January 3 - 3:16 am

  We were looking to go upscale for our next SUV. What first caught my eye was the xc60, which is rated very highly. But when we thought about it, we decided to go one larger and get the xc90, which included the third row. True, its not really made for hauling 7 adults all the time, but it gives us the flexibility to throw a few extra kids on board for outings. Other than that, we find our R-design 3.2 to be classy, fun to drive, we get a lot of compliments, etc. You get luxury and a certain degree of performance as a bonus to safety and versatility. If you want a sports car, buy a sports car. If you want a sophisticated SUV, go Volvo!