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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  Good so far - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Greg Robins - June 10 - 9:03 pm

  Just new to Volvo after driving Japanese for all my life (except Audi for a wonderful 3 years). Compared to previous MDX and 4-Runner, the XC90 has all the luxe one would expect at this price. Great seats, simple control-layout, great ride, decent power and capabilities. Low road noise and nice, high perch. Great grocery bag feature at back that beats a cargo net hands down. Handsome exterior design.

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  Its OK - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Toddow - May 28 - 9:36 pm

  Ive decided to write an objective review. Ive had the opportunity to own numerous cars/truck/suvs in my lifetime. The XC-90 first of all is an outstanding ride. I drove it all the way from Arizona to Alabama and have driven it on short trips as well. Its a great "in-town" SUV and the saftey features make you feel very secure while driving it. The interior is sub-par, and most items feel flimsy. The center console "creaks" whenever you touch it and the dials are a little childish looking. But, with that the ride is awesome and the service (only every 7500 miles) lets you know youre driving a Volvo.

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  XC90 10,000 MILE REVIEW - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By lamluver - May 9 - 2:00 am

  OVERALL, I AM NOT DISAPPOINTED. FUEL ECONOMY CAN CERTAINLY BE IMRPOVED UPON. I AVERAGE 14 IN CITY DRIVING AND AROUND 18 HIGHWAY. WONDERING IF I HAD NOT CHOSEN THE TURBO 6 I COULD HAVE GOTTEN BETTER MILEAGE. FEW MINOR COMPLAINTS BUT OVERALL A SOLID VEHICLE.

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  Volvo XC90 - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Roy - May 7 - 3:10 pm

  I recently bought an 2007 Volvo XC90 with the 3.2 6 cylinder motor. I do not like the sluggishness of taking off from a stop sign, light, etc. It seems also to handle like a bus, and not a sport utility vehicle.

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  principal - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By john santamaria - May 3 - 10:15 pm

  There are many question that "still" am not able to answer (you do authomaticaly).

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  Good Car - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Jackchez - April 6 - 10:00 am

  We have the 2.5L turbo. It has been very good with only minor repairs. Tires and front brakes at 45000 miles. I dont know why others say tires every 22000 miles. A pleasure to drive and will keep it for another 10 years!

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  Transmissions awful! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By T6 VOLVO - March 31 - 9:40 am

  We bought our 2004 xc90 nov. 2007 with 57,000 and it has been a great SUV. Very strong but when the transmission light went on at 87,000 I was not a happy customer. We called the Volvo dealer and they told us to bring it in. They were very helpful and we have a "brand new" transmission at no cost, yet it doesnt have "manual" anymore. a lot of drama but its driving well and I cant complain

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  Great, apart from parking brake problems - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Hugo F - March 21 - 8:57 pm

  Bit spoilt also having a tesla (hence the infotainment system seems slow and buggy compared to the tesla, even though its miles ahead of typical cars) but the interior is really nice as is the lane follow and adaptive cruise. Very relaxing on long journeys. Had problems with the electric parking brake locking on, stranding my wife in the school parking lot. Volvo said the car needed to be towed to the dealer; I found this thread and someone mentioned pulling the parking brake fuse to reset the system (open hood, look inside fusebox cover to identify the fuse, pull, leave a minute, replace, done) - this fixed the issue totally for us. Going to get the dealer to check for a firmware update for that component at the next service.

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  Why get anything else? - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By fslee - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Never wanted to get into SUVs becauase of fuel efficiency. BUt saw 18/24 and jumped! Must get 5-cyl trim for all the reasons listed by others. Better room than BMW, much better styling than Benz, best fuel efficiency overall. Shockingly good sound system.

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  Great Workout! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By rg - February 8 - 10:00 am

  The steering is too tight in this SUV. My arms ache everytime I drive this car. My dad drove my XC90 one day, he asked if it had power steering!!! Hard to park this car, makes a very big turn - hard to make a tight swing.