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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Back for Seconds - 2009 Volvo XC90
By Second Timer - January 25 - 7:03 pmWe just bought our second XC90 after having owned an 06 since Jan 06. We had such a positive experience and now, with the unbelievable new warranty (five years 60K miles, including all routine maintenance plus wear & tear items) buying another one was a no brainer. Its safe, functional and fun to drive. Only complaints. Lousy gas mileage and third row seats are not great for anyone older than ten.
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T6 - 2016 Volvo XC90
By Jessica Dreicer - January 18 - 11:37 pmLove it!
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Great Family SUV! - 2004 Volvo XC90
By SonnyH - January 5 - 6:50 amI purchased this XC90 from an original owner about 2 months ago with a little over 80K on it. The XC90 is a very tight/safe ride to be in. Before searching for an SUV Ive looked at the Sequoia, MDX and Pilot (all good cars) but at the end decided to purchase the XC90. The main reason for that was the safety features (curtain airbags on all seating rows) and how stable the car handles on the road especially at high speed.
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Performs quite well - 2006 Volvo XC90
By Tony - January 3 - 3:03 amWe bought ours as a certified pre-owned vehicle and have had no problems what so ever since purchase. Overall the fit and finish of the XC90 is very good and reliability is excellent.The 2.5T is not a powerhouse of an engine, but on the highway and around town its adequate. Its a good,safe family car.
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Florida Volvo XC90 - 2006 Volvo XC90
By Gerry Kirkpatrick - December 30 - 11:26 amI enjoy driving this vehicle and feel extremely safe in it My only disappointment is in the gas mileage. I traded in a Tahoe in perfect condition to get rid of the 8 cylinder engine only to get less gas mileage. If I had know about the mileage I would have gone with the more powerful 8 cyl.Volvo as it had a smoother ride and more power on the road.
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Happy Mom of 3 Boys! - 2006 Volvo XC90
By Ray Clay - December 22 - 8:50 amWonderful and easy handling. I purchased because I wanted a safe family vehicle. I received luxury and performance on top of safety.
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Volvo Buying Back My 2016 XC90 Plug-in Hybrid - 2017 Volvo XC90
By Lynn - November 14 - 8:18 pmMy first indication of problems to come was the check engine light was on when I purchased the car. It took two days to resolve originally and then it recurred several more times, which required a visit to Volvo each time. I have a love/hate relationship with this vehicle. I love, love, love the interior design and features. There is great mood lighting, an excellent sound system, comfortable seats, classy styling, touch screen, AUTO PILOT (the best thing ever in Southern California traffic - Ill never buy a car without this feature again), parallel parking assist, second row seat adjustment for larger/smaller passenger leg room and much more. Twice my car auto braked and likely saved me from accident, so thank you Volvo, but many other times as I am driving in a residential street it dings loudly with an orange bar code. It falsely alerts me and sometimes even breaks slightly, that I am going to hit a parked car that I am no where near. It scares me each time it does this. My moon roof poured water in the second row of my car when I took it to the Costco car wash. This fix (replacing the moonroof and making adjustments) took about a week. I have had multiple issues with temperature control systems, both requiring extended visits (about a week each time) at the service shop, while they ordered parts and made repairs. My seat belts, seats or whatever squeaks as I am driving down the road. Its like nails on a chalkboard. Ive been in several times for this and now I just give him. My quiet Volvo riding experiencing now has me twitching at the sounds. I have continuous issues pumping gas (they made a repair for a check engine light on a fuel related issue, just not this issue) where the pump clicks off and I cannot tell if my tank is full. Im scared to keep pumping as gas will spill out, so I stop and fill up at another gas station or another occasion. Volvo offered to buy my car back and it has been a very smooth process, so much so, that I will be purchasing a 2018 XC90 Plug-in Hybrid. I am hoping they have worked out some of the glitches. Fingers-crossed... Update, 1/8/18!!! I have been in my new 2018 Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid Inscription for several months and I reached 3,400 miles before my check engine light came on. What a huge disappointment! As luck would have it, my thermostat needs replacing (a 3-5 day repair estimate). This is EXACTLY the same issue as on my 2016 XC90 Plug-in Hybrid. You can’t make this stuff up! Buyer beware of the mechanic/computer problems on this car. They are real! My service advisor told me that they haven’t seen this issue on other 2018 models yet (I am one of the first buyers in my location of this model year).
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Its a great car. - 2004 Volvo XC90
By esm - October 1 - 2:00 amThe car is great but there needs to be more storage area.
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Good but not a great car. - 2004 Volvo XC90
By Maxr - September 29 - 8:03 pmGood car we have had this car for almost 7 years so far it is a good enjoyable car so far the brakes are squeaking we have put it in to many repair shops but it is still squeaking but like all volvos it is safe and/or good in comfort
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I Will Miss It - 2005 Volvo XC90
By volvo4life2 - September 16 - 6:48 pmAfter proudly owning a 2005 for 3 years and 35,000 miles, I will be switching over to a 2006 S60. After living in a large city for about a year now, I can no longer handle the 12 mpg that the V8 provided me in the city, and the parking. BUT dont get me wrong I drove my car from 67,000 to 96,000 miles. I loved every second of it. It was the SAFEST car on the road. If you dont believe me, check out the Volvo Saved my life club. I am slightly worried that the S60 wont be as safe. I had the Navigation System, TVs and Parking sensors. Never used the TVs but the nav system and parking sensors daily. Two more things I will be without, sadly
