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 impressions have proved accurate! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Chinyere - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Drives very well and the Navigation system is one of the easier ones in the market. The steering is a bit on the light side and takes some getting used to but once youve driven it a few times its really smooth. Feels stable on the road and visibility is great.

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  Excellent - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Kay - December 3 - 5:36 am

  Driving the XC90 makes me feel safe in all types of weather. The control and size are exceptional.

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  SUV of the future - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By ColoradoMike - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Bought a rare used 2003 XC90 just last month to replace a 1994 Toyota Landcruiser my wife decided she just couldnt handle anymore. SHE LOVES IT and Ive never seen her give a thought to an automobile before. I agree with her completely whenever she lets me behind the wheel. Its good looking, nimble and we feel safe when carting the family around in the Colorado high country.

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  Very Impressed - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By MIS - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Since this was my first SUV, I really didnt know how I would like the SUV after I bought it. It felt fine during the test drive, but thats only for 15 minutes. After I bought it, I drove it from Phoenix to Portland. It was impressive, comfortable and handled extremely well. Cruising at 80 to 90 was a dream. Im glad that I bought it. I have no further second thoughts.

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  Fantastic SUV - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Robert - November 27 - 3:06 pm

  Best Vehicle I have ever owned. I have driven many SUVs but never had so much fun, comfort, and reliability in one vehicle. I highly recommend going with Volvo. Well thought out design and great safety features.

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  Only useful as a city vehicle - 2018 Volvo XC90
  By Doc - November 27 - 6:02 am

  I test drove this vehicle. Wonderful interior, nice exterior styling. The electronics and safety are impressive. But... whoever designed and engineered the drive train was misguided. The 14 mile all-electric range is a joke. 8 miles at best. The gasoline powered range is laughable. 13 gallons fuel capacity. The T8 is really a front wheel drive vehicle with an electric rear wheel drive assist. I cannot imagine what the range would be if you were towing a boat or had something mounted on the roof. It is probably well suited for someone who lives in the city, drives the kids to school and goes to the market. With the short electric range, you will find the gas engine is virtually always needed and thus you are just hauling around an extra 500 lbs. of spent batteries. But with a full charge, this vehicle is fast from a standstill. Only two negatives about the rest of the car: The front armrests are too short for tall drivers and the ride with the optional wheels and tires is a bit rough, even with the air suspension. Positives are many, but this is a very expensive vehicle once you start adding options. Many dealers are selling them at or below invoice. The extra $5002 in tax credit would be appreciated, but the T6 is a much better value. BTW. I am probably getting another X5 diesel.

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  Shines in bad weather - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Guillermo - November 20 - 6:26 pm

  All around solid vehicle. Its an Ocean Race Edition, but with the 5-cylinder engine (thats how it was packaged in Canada). You only need a V8 if you plan on towing. Drive it in and around Calgary, which gets a wide range of weather conditions. The AWD is particularly impressive in the rain and snow (winter tires are necessary for half the year, of course). Other than routine scheduled maintenance, have only had a couple of fixes (head light and wheel bearing) which were covered under warranty.

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  The best ever - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Raviv - November 7 - 5:30 am

  I owned 4 different volvos. the S40, then 2 different S60 and now the XC90. The best of them all. A superb SUV... So far I could not find a single bad thing with this car. Had it serviced 3 times so far (12K service intervals), and there was nothing wrong was found. At 23K miles, I replaced front brakes which is not bad at all... I SIMPLY LOVE IT. Fuel is better that expected and I get around 18 MPG. The design of the car is stunning, nice lines, the internal is simply perfect, the external (see my suggestions).

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  I love my Volvo! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By FLRich - November 6 - 4:10 pm

  After driving Acuras for years, this is my first Volvo. Although I love Acuras and their reliability, the Acura MDX is just ugly! I love the way the Volvo looks, handles, rides, and the gas mileage is great for a SUV. So far the reliability has been up to par with my Acuras. I love my Volvo. I wouldnt hesitate to buy another one.

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  xc90 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By AWD - November 1 - 3:50 pm

  Very attractive vehicle. Ergonomics could be better. Its hard to turn a corner without changing the radio station as the secondary controls are on the steering wheel. Right side control stalk handles too many functions making inadvertant switching on and of of, say, the rear wiper a nuisance. Front passanger seat back control a joke.