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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  2007 XC90 AWD V8 - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By DENNIS - March 29 - 7:40 pm

  First XC90 was 2003 T6. Gas hog and poor performance. Traded it in on a 2006 V8 AWD, used, dealer special. Traded that in for a 2007 V8 AWD, new, because I wanted a Nav system and I love the new Titanium Metallic Grey color with black interior. 2007 best of the lot and a Wednesday car built. Powerful,smooth, comfortable, great sound system, excellent visabiltiy, fun to drive and solid as a tank. 6200 miles and no problems. Truly a world class vehicle. Looked at a Mercedes M, BMWx5, MDX and Volvo was the best of the group. Most power and most cargo room. You can spend a lot more money and you cant buy a much better vehicle.

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  Best traveling vehicle I have ever owned - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Rita Bordlemay - March 28 - 9:00 am

  I travel up to 30,000 driving miles per year and thousands more in the air. I always try to drive when it is available since owning the XC-90. It is the most comfortable car I have driven for trips. It took about two weeks to adjust the seat, but after the trial & errors of the adjustments, I never move the seat again. I love my car.

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  very nice car - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By mountaindriver - March 25 - 10:00 am

  7500 miles so far and only a few minor annoyances which dealer fixed. Love the free Volvo service loaner. No major problems at all. For a heavy car and only the 2.5T motor, this car does great in the mountains. I frequently leave other cars behind on sharp curves and hills. Average MPG is a respectable 20. Milage has improved over time from just over 16. Engine needs time to break-in. Ride and cornering is oustanding. Sex appeal is very high. I bought mine on their Overseas delivery program and cant wait to buy another Volvo.

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  nice,safe and solid - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By kdb - March 24 - 2:00 am

  We have had the Volov xc90 for over one year, we love it! We purchased it because we wanted a safe family vehicle. We purchased it over the Lexus and BMW, because we wanted more room for cargo. The interior is very flexible for family needs. It was the only SUV at the time that had design feature for safety (air bags, crumple zones etc) for the third row where the children would likely be. We felt that at the time it had the best safety features.

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  MY VOLVO SUV - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Barbra Ann - March 24 - 2:00 am

  IN THE PAST YEAR I HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE,SECURITY OF SAFETY FOR MYSELF AND PASSENGERS THAT I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED IN ALL MY YEARS DRIVING. THE VOLVO STANDS UP AND BEYOND ALL MY EXPECTATIONS. YOU HAVE TO HAVE ONE!

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  New Volvo SUV Exceeds Expectations - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By 2005 Volvo XC 90 - March 18 - 10:43 pm

  In 2002 I bought a new Volvo V70 CC wagon, which I loved but missed the kingly height of an SUV. In April I gave the car to my college-aged nephew and bought a 2005 XC90 T6 for myself. My new SUV now has 8000 miles and has only surpassed my expectations in function and handling. Some drivers/reviewers have dissed the programming commands on Volvos audio and navigation systems. I dont know what they are talking about, but Id tell them this: Practice makes perfect. Once mastered both systems are easy to operate, and operate like a dream. The navigation system, AKA "Inga," is so handy and reliable I now cant imagine driving without it. Overall my new XC90 is not just good, its spectacular

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  Its all good - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By dwyercc - March 18 - 10:00 am

  This car is a pleasure to drive, and is one of the best looking cars on the road today. The only thing I do not like is the lack of driver headroom...and I am short. I cannot imagine if I was a large person fitting into the Volvo XC90. Aside from a few minor noises we have had no problems at all. We ordered our car, and got a free trip to Sweden to pick it up. What a kick. That alone made buying the car worth it. You need to be patient though because it takes an extra three months to have the car shipped back to the states after picking it up in Europe.

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  If only the quality matched the looks - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Tom Cheney - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Very poor inital quality. Very slow to make design changes to fix obvious problems. Wait 3 years before buying one as they have many bugs.

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  Great Volvo - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By cdenter - March 18 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV and I am pleased with the handling. I feel safe with the roll over safety features and can comfortably take turns. The seats are very comfortable and the ride is smooth. Gas mileage is as stated on sticker at around 18mpg for some city/highway driving back and forth to work 30 mile round trip.

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  Safe but Sorry - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By John - March 13 - 9:50 am

  Weve had Volvos in the past and this one has been a real disappointment. Requested an extended warranty after multiple problems and Volvo did honor our request. You feel safe driving it but the rattles and excessive tire wear are just a few of the issues. This was a model year but we took the risk becasue of our luck in the past with Volvo.