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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Volvo for life! - 2003 Volvo XC90
By Barbra Ann - August 12 - 6:43 amI love my Volvo SUV because I feel safe and I know my passengers will be protected in the event of an accident. All the safety features that Volvo offers are the reason I purchased this truck. I will move onto another one next year. This will be my only vechicle brand for the rest of my life, VOLVO,
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Love this vehical - 2005 Volvo XC90
By Josh - August 11 - 4:21 amWhat a great vehical. I would recommend the volvo xc90 t6, what a well made suv. My wife and I fight over who gets to drive
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My 2nd XC 90 - 2008 V8 - 2008 Volvo XC90
By eastcoastjim - August 6 - 1:36 amWe leased our 2nd XC 90 in August 2008, and couldnt be happier. Our first lease was a 2006 XC 90 with the 5 cyl. turbo, and it was a mediocre performer. Way underpowered, it worked so hard all the time it got horrible gas mileage and forget trying to get it to do a 50 to 70 pass on the highway. It had some warrenty work, but none of the horror stories I have read elsewhere. Based on the improved reliability cited by consumers reports, we decided to lease a new V8. It is light years better - it feels like a completely different car, and the gas mileage is about the same between the two. There are only minor differences between the model yrs, and the incentives made them the same price!
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5th Volvo - 2003 Volvo XC90
By SK Love - August 2 - 9:13 pmThe XC90 was my 5th Volvo. I have loved every Volvo and have but good things to say. I rarely have had to go to service in between my maintenance service. The XC90 is so much fun to drive and get around in. It is quick & a VERY smooth ride. Love it!!
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2004-XC90AWD, 3750 miles and counting - 2004 Volvo XC90
By johng - July 28 - 2:00 amBeing a first time SUV buyer but a 7 year Volvo owner (850GLT) we were already biased toward Volvo but did do considerable research on other brands before we dove in. Although always a little shocked by their sticker prices (and lack of much room for dealing with the dealer, especially on the trade-in) in the end we just think it`s the best overall SUV available today. Mechanically it`s hard to beat. And it`s the best looking SUV by far. And being "safe as a bank vault" has it`s obvious rewards. We are at 3750 pretty hard miles at this point already and so far so good!
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Way Overpriced - 2008 Volvo XC90
By sdd - July 27 - 3:20 amWe bought the XC90 after owning a Suburban to get a smaller vehicle, a "luxury" SUV, and for the safety features. The safety features are there, but this SUV is not a sturdy vehicle for active families. The middle console has come out, the doors do not automatically lock/unlock, it rattles, the seats in the back rows are difficult to lay down-just to name a few of our complaints. For the money, we regret we did not purchase the Lexus or the Land Cruiser.
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Major Disappointment - 2005 Volvo XC90
By Jim Barnacle - July 26 - 8:50 amMy 2.5 Turbo moans and groans it way around town delivering me 15 miles to the gallon. The SUV is particularly annoying to drive in traffic because the car hesitates off the line (turbo lag Im told). The vibration of the turbo reminds me of a diesel. When I exit the car the vibration stays with me. This is a sad excuse for a premium SUV. I actually enjoyed my 2002 Ford Explorer more than this overrated piece of junk. I feel betrayed by the automotive press for their positive reviews. M
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Would never ever recommend or purchase again! - 2006 Volvo XC90
By lassiterlisa - July 23 - 5:43 pmPurchased a used 2006 Volvo XC90 AWD V8 a year ago, had 77K miles on it, but was in excellent condition and we thought very safe for our family. We didnt know it had a transmission that COULD NOT be repaired ONLY REPLACED. The Volvo dealership informed us that this particular transmission was not repairable. Unfortunately our warranty company wouldnt ok the replacement so we had to transfer the car to a transmission repair facility to try and rebuild it. They were able to get all the parts needed but 1 and Volvo wouldnt sell the 1 part that would fix our car. SO we had to purchase a USED transmission for $5,700.00 (new would have been $7,500).
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Volvo XC90 T6 - 2004 Volvo XC90
By BOBw - July 17 - 10:00 amThe car is outstanding on long trips except that it seems to need refills more than I would like. Would like a bigger tank. Also the mid range power from 20-45mph is a little too torquey and you need to baby the gas pedal. Otherwise the car is super quiet and easy to drive. Especially like the seats and my upgraded wooden steering wheel. Drove the toureg first and got a backache. Feels like quality all over. The extra row of seats has been handy and folds down when not needed. Solid car and when I want to take it on curvy roads, it can feel like a sports car. Have not tested off road or in snow yet.
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Minivan with Ground Clearance - 2007 Volvo XC90
By J G Stewart - July 9 - 10:03 pmMy wife has extreme Volvo loyalty and she bought this XC90 3.2 FWD straight base model in spite of my reluctance. I pondered a Kia Sedona, but couldnt bring myself to close the deal on that because I was doubtful the mpg would meet my minimum requirement. With my inaction going on indefinitely she bought this XC90, and I took her 2004 V70 base model with which I get 30 to 35 mpg on the highway at 70 to 80 mph under best driving conditions. The XC90 fuel use has been acceptable on the highway (22 mpg to over 26 mpg), but lower than I would like at 15 mpg in short trip usage in town. Total fuel economy over the first 12,000 miles has been 19 mpg.
