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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  First Volvo - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Tony B - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Picked up the XC90 on Dec. 31. Its my familys first Volvo. Weve driven more than 200 miles already and continue to love the vehicle each time we step inside. In the short span that weve owned it, weve already encountered heavy rain, fog, snow, ice, and slush. The XC90 has performed well in each condition.

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  Awsome - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By hornmusic 1120 - January 26 - 2:00 am

  I love my car

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  2008 XC 90 is Great - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By Chief1 - January 25 - 11:36 am

  Great car. Enjoy the comfort of the ride. The Sirius radio is a great addition. The SUV lacks armrests for rear passengers. Lack of the armrest is huge disappointment. Lack of armrest made our rear seat passengers uncomfortable. I cannot understand why developers did not include rear seat arm rest for passenger. The styling is great. The car is eye catching. The performance of the front wheel drive is great. Numerous safety features are available.

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  The Ultimate car - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By MIchel - January 19 - 12:10 pm

  The car has a really good handling. It also takes 87 octane.The best car I ever had.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By chippy - January 16 - 10:00 am

  Traded in my old Jeep Grand Cherokee for the Volvo. The Volvo has many more amenities and features; it is comparable in seating space and has more cargo space. The stowable 6th and 7th seat is quite a plus.

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  Great Value - Great Safety Features - 2018 Volvo XC90
  By David - January 15 - 1:20 am

  Traded in a 13 Ford Escape Titanium for a 18 XC90 Momentum with the Momentum Plus and Convenience Packages. Very happy with purchase after 2,200 miles and 8 weeks. Wrestled with decision - final competitor was the Q-7. Volvo won my business based upon the features offered, safety rating, outstanding active bending LED high beam headlights and PRICE! Q-7 was/is a fantastic vehicle - but feature for feature the Q-7 is just more expensive and I couldnt justify the additional cost of $3,000 to $5,000. On top of this good pricing we got an additional $3,000 Conquest Award due to owning a Mercedes Benz! I liked that the Volvo has a spare tire in it vs. run flats on the Q-7. The park assist on the Volvo (parallel & perpendicular) is something that Audi didnt offer. Huge sunroof in the Volvo came in the Momentum but was an upcharge in the Q-7. Styling (inside and out) of the XC90 is very striking (in a positive way). Decent base sound system. Seats - very comfortable ... and I like the seating position as well ... good visibility. 2nd row seating is generous and comfortable with plenty of room for big feet. The 3rd row is handy - certainly not something for full-size adults for anything longer than a local trip - but reasonably comfortable for smaller adults and the younger generation. Good overall cargo capacity. Comes with roof rack too. The trailer hitch is cleverly concealed to give the rear of the vehicle a nice finished look. We have the 21" wheels with Pirelli tires - and while the ride is no doubt a little stiffer - I dont find it objectionable - I like the looks of the larger wheel. The 4 cylinder definitely has 6 cylinder performance - and inside the vehicle it also sounds like a 6 to me - not sure if Volvo has intervened to make the engine sound more robust when inside the cabin. Outside it sounds like a 4. My wife was able to lock her key in the car - something that shouldnt be able to occur. Youll need to devote some time to read the manual to learn all features of the electronics and safely features - but its well worth the time spent. Needs more USB ports. Could use a sunglass holder in the overhead area. Only time will tell regarding quality. Overall both my wife and I are pleased with the XC90. I never thought Id consider a Volvo - but trying to be objective I drove 8 to 10 different mid-sized SUVs including the XC90 - and I was impressed. MPG has been slowly improving.

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  Fuel pump failure - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Shane Brossette - January 9 - 3:46 am

  My XC90s fuel pump failed at 8000 miles! Volvo replaced the fuel pump, filter, and fuel tank. This was very unsettling and frustrating so early in my ownership.

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  Only one engine option? - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By tayste8 - January 9 - 12:29 am

  I currently own a 2006 Volvo XC90 V8 and Im in the market for a new SUV. My Volvo dealer gave me a loaner 2016 XC90 Inscription to drive for the day. I was impressed with the comfortable seating, cabin layout and conservative exterior design. I WAS SOLD.....until I actually drove it. The 4 cyl engine is the only option and right away I noticed the lack of performance off the line, on hills and especially passing at low speeds. Mid range performance is decent and there were moments when I felt it all come together but I couldnt get past the under sized engine.

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  Best SUV Ive Owned - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Dan - January 6 - 10:30 pm

  I just purchased a 2007 Volvo XC90 3.2. I was thinking about the V8 however I wanted better fuel economy. I was concerned that I would be sacrificing power (fun) for fuel economy. I didnt, this true SUV has power and is fun to drive. I know the V8 has more power but it is not necessary. I considered a Land Rover LR3. However I selected the XC90 based on the safety features as well as the ride. It is far superior to the LR3. If you need an SUV for getting around town and you want a comfortable ride for road trips then this is your automobile. It is also excellent in the snow so you can get to the mountains to do some skiing. I love it! Must have - Sirius satellite radio and running boards.

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  I hate myself for trading my Mercedes GL450 - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Dr. EA - January 5 - 5:40 am

  I thought Im buying a better car! I traded my confi and very reliable GL450 2010 for this piece of junk! Its definitely not worth $60K. The electronics are terrible, the panel control needs to be reprogrammed to make it user friendly, 9 month later I still struggle to maneuver it and Im techy savvy! The A/C is not reliable goes from silent to wind tunnel and we can barely hear each other in the car. This past summer the entire car blacked out during a trip on the highway, it was 108F outside and the near exit was 8 miles away...we melted, let alone the entire car was out power (no lights, radio, A/C etc.), only the engine was running! This happened 3 times so far! The panel also has tons of buggs and crashes very frequently. The brakes squeak! I took it to the dealer who are very helpful but was told the rotors are not available and are on back-order! several recalls so far cant count them!! I have a parking aid, the sensor doesnt work 9 out of 10!! I paid for it but dont use it!! The app has a starter that 9out 10 doesnt work and never starts the car!! totally unreliable!! Last thing, the trunk controls buttons (front and back) are extremely slow responders (it takes sometimes 3-5 seconds before they respond, which led to an accident, backed the car while the trunk was open thinking it was closed!! AVOID THIS CAR, until they fix it!!