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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  So far so good - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By merrickjjbp - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle for a group; we had four kids and four adults on vacation. Drives like a luxuary car. Great interior finish. Why did it take 100 years for somebody to rethink the interiors ergonomics. Three rows have space and flexibility. Only downside is economy Overall, great vehicle

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  2 Years W/ My XC90 2.5T AWD - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Frank - March 27 - 4:23 pm

  I am just completing my 2nd year of ownership with my XC90. As others have mentioned it has spent some time in the shop and seems to be recalled every 6 months or so. The XC90 is a very safe SUV and has a vault like feel to it very similar to Mercedes Benz. My biggest issues are all the little things that go wrong with it. I am now replacing the chrome window trim on the driver’s side for the 3rd time. The design of this is so poor, it’s held to the window frame only with double stick tape. There is also a removable armrest/storage compartment that is starting to fall apart and Volvo is refusing to replace or repair it. A great service department is key to owning this vehicle.

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  The SUV I Love to Hate - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By JLS - March 23 - 8:16 pm

  Ive owned my XC90 just over a year. Been in the shop over 6 times for warranty items ranging from the air intake on the engine to the air vents breaking. Most frustrating is that the same parts keep breaking. The air intake has been repaired 3 times and the vents 2. Ive also been frustrated with trim parts falling off and the third row seat breaking. Ive owned Volvos for years and have had little to know problems other than routine maintenance. This Volvo is the vehicle I love to hate. Love the ride and creature features, hate the reliability and build quality.

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  A Volvo that turns heads?? - 2011 Volvo XC90
  By rocco - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive just owned the XC90 R-Design for a bit over a week, so I can not speak to its durability or reliability, but I can say that this is one of the best looking, most comfortable, spacious, versatile and well designed SUVs/crossovers on the market. I looked at EVERYTHING in the segment before deciding on the Volvo for offering what is, in my opinion, the most attractive package at a price that cant be touched by BMW, MB, Lexus, Acura. I am a loyal BMW owner and have been extremely pleasantly surprised by Volvos offering. While the XC90 is an aging design, the R-Design breathes new life into it.

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  No idea of the troubles... - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By C.TAYLOR - March 22 - 9:40 am

  Ive bought my 04 XC90 believing the car was reliable. Later to find out the first month I had it the transmission light appear. the transmission had to be replaced a long with the radiator and later the radio had to be replace as well next the driver side window track had to be replaced then the doors would open while driving on its own while locked. A few months later the steering wheel became loose, it cost me ninty dollars to have it tighten. The transmission I can some what understand because it was made by GM. I thought I bought a car without an American part. Unfortunately not so. This will haunt me for the life of this car. The brakes and tires well its a heavy car big deal!

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  whats up with the tires? - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By carpool mom - March 19 - 2:00 am

  in spite of very careful rotation etc I am on my third set of michelins at 24,000 miles

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  owner - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Sandra Nicholson - March 16 - 11:56 pm

  This vehicle is everything I expected. It handles great, has a luxury interior and a updated exterior design. The only complaint that I have is that the vehicle accelerates a bit slower that I would prefer. This is due to the weight of the vehicle. The weight of the vehicle is what offers safety. To sum it up, I would rather be safe thant accelerate quickly.

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  Not Bad - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Dave - March 8 - 5:46 am

  Poor gas mileage is the only major issue we have.

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  First Luxury SUV - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By pdamski - January 20 - 10:00 am

  This is my wife and my first entry into the luxury SUV market. We have really enjoyed the ride, luxury, and utility of the XC 90. I have taken the Volvo "Drive For Life" class and now feel like we have one of the safest vehicles on the road today. With gas prices climbing, the average mpg is a concern. I also own a Toyota Prius, which is my commuter car. We will always choose the XC 90 for longer trips, gas prices be damned.

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  Overnight Test Drive & Still thinking - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Bob B - January 16 - 11:25 pm

  Ill put it this way, the wife loved this car. we currently have a GL450 and its aging and getting to be time to change. Our dealer was nice enough to give us a Inscription for an over night test drive. We found the performance better then what I have read in many reviews, though the comfort in the seats was ok. Im sure there are plenty of settings that we could play with to adjust the seats. While driving, the wife found operating the radio and climate was a little cumbersome due to the ipad like technology. Again, something to get used to and we were new to the car. Ride quality and steering was very nice, but the funny thing is my wife picked up on the tiny steering wheel as compared to her GL. Over all though, the car seemed fantastic and its still in consideration. Our only, and its probably minor to so many out there, is the climate package on the Inscription. This gives you the heated windshield which would take some getting used to. For me it was like looking out a screen door with all the vertical wires running through the glass. Again, not a deal breaker, just something to get used to.