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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  Luxury and Practical - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Tanya - June 13 - 11:03 am

  Love my volvo, i get great compliments on the looks at the same time i packed it to the rim and used it to move into my new home. It comfortable and fun, from dressing up for a nice dinner to heading out to the beach with your surfboard on the roof rack, I LOVE IT!!

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  I loved that car... - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By NavyMom - June 6 - 7:53 pm

  Overall I had an excellent experience with my Volvo XC90. I had some of the same issues in that I had to replace the brake pads and tires frequently, but I do mostly city driving with a lot of stop and go. I had no major problems until December of 2009. The check engine light went on. It was time for the 60,000 mile tune-up and when they changed the spark plugs and coil, everything was fine for about 2 weeks. Then the engine light came back on. It took an overnight stay and a cold start for them to find the issue;a cracked gasket head!! There had been no warning signs, no running it hot, nothing! The repair cost of $6000 made me decide to trade it for the new XC60 T6 AWD. I miss it :(

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  Not Sold Yet - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Andy - June 4 - 5:43 am

  I picked up the car in early November and love it, for the most part. It has plenty of pep, plus styling, safety, and space for the family. It is a great overall package that is really unmatched in its segment. unfortunately, my car is back at dealership for the second time in the first month with an electrical issue. Its electrical system periodically just goes completely dead. When it does restart (so far, it has), lots of service warning messages appear on the otherwise great message center. My dealer cant find the problem. I am starting to research lemon law protections.

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  Owned since Nov. of 2003 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By L Maraschin - June 2 - 3:53 am

  This is our first Volvo... we are very happy ! This has been one the best car makers that we have dealt with. We attended two different "pre-sale" Volvo events and the Volvo Owners half-day drive event at Laguna Seca racetrack in CA. This car is so much fun to drive and the safety features are great. I have read here that some have had problems with the "turbo lag"... I took ours in to the dealer and they re- programed something and it is much better now, more peppy. However, that has made the gas mileage go south a bit... I guess you cant have it all ??? It is still better than our old Suburban was. We would like to check out the V8 engine and maybe trade up at a later date.

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  Our third XC90, but not our favorite - 2013 Volvo XC90
  By jns1014 - June 1 - 5:27 pm

  New is a steering-wheel activated bluetooth which replaces Volvos after-market dashboard control, but why on earth did they eliminate the voice-activated system? Now we can only dial calls from our phone book, and need to take our eyes off the road to do so? Very backward thinking for such a safe car. Also, the rear park assist warning is barely audible now, with only the rear speakers quietly beeping. Forget about hearing it with the AC fan on and radio! The back-up camera is a nice additional feature, though. And, the navigation system no longer allow "stored" locations.

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  Great Car with bad design flaw - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By Bill - May 29 - 9:38 am

  The XC-90 8T has a serious design problem. If the car sits long enough ( usually 7 to 8 days) the car goes into a sleep mode to protect the batteries. The result is the car is dead with no power available. The car must be entered using the manual key and the only way to start the car is to get a jump start. I am an international commercial pilot and go on long trips all the time. When I return I must get my airlines maintenance to give me a jump to start. Needless to say I am the joke of the airline and having to to this at 4am during blizzards in Chicago is a nightmare. I have a 1995 snow plow I can start after sitting 6 months but a new 84,000 Volvo XC-90 cannot sit 2 weeks how sad.The dealer has been great but Volvo has not provided any hopes for a fix. I am pursuing the Lemon laws for my state

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  "Volvo for Life" Great Motto - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By Lucy Boudet - May 18 - 10:20 am

  This is my 2nd XC90. Came out of a great experience in a 2005 XC90 and couldnt find anything I really wanted better. Tested a Mazda CX9, Mercedes M Class, Subaru Tribeca, Highlander, Lexus RX 350...and on and on. It may not have the fun "zoom-zoom quality of the Mazda, but the Mazda outside mirrors vibrate like crazy...rear seats vibrated...tracks in the floor looked so cheap. Mercedes was nice but didnt like the paddle shifter and its too small cargo area. Volvo makes the most beautiful, classy looking SUV. Nothing beats the feeling of quality in my XC 90. This new engine drives great. I thought Id miss the Turbo. Not at all. Great lease deals make it the perfect family vehicle.

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  Volvo XC90 - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Perfect_Aim - May 17 - 10:00 am

  The Volvo XC90 is probably the best SUV out there. Its comfort level is very high, and its gas milage is okay (if you want better mileage, go with the five seater). The Volvo XC90 will turn heads on the freeway, and give you comments where you go.

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  One Bad Hombre - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By swan23 - May 17 - 10:00 am

  This is the SUV for folks who hate SUVs. More like a station wagon on steroids. The most well thought-out car in years, every detail considered down the center arm rest which fold back to hold a sandwhich for the driver. The brakes a smooth as butter, better than my A6, the engine shifts smoother than any car I have ever owned and the only negative I can find is reduced visibility over the left shoulder due to the reinforced pillar which was a trade off for increased roof strength which I would trade anyway. The only car that comes close in price is the Touareg and the rear seat in that is claustrophic.

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  Dont Buy this Vehicle... - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By ranchoslacker - May 15 - 10:26 pm

  if you care anything about value for your money. Every time I turn around I am spending money to drive this pig. New brakes, new tires, horrible gas mileage, fragile engine parts, cheesy leather on the seats -- Im sure there are more breakdowns and bad news to come when the warranty expires (which is substandard). Plus, all the airbags mean huge blind spots -- very dangerous to drive without some sort of rear camera navigation system. Finally, the sheer arrogance of the sales and service people (my own servie rep, who is a saint, excluded) is amazing and enough to say "no thanks." After owning Swedish cars for more than a decade, I will NEVER EVER EVER consider anything from Volvo again