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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  Best family SUV - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By MyothercarisaBMW - December 20 - 3:03 am

  Picked up the car in Gothenburg on OSD - recommended "free" adventure for those who can wait for the car. The safety features incl. 3rd row side curtains and whiplash protection, V8 and 3rd row seating made us buy it over Lexus, Cadillac, Toyota, Honda and Acura competitors. The car is really fun and comfortable to drive and gives a solid impression.

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  GREAT GREAT GREAT SUV - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By sigep - December 15 - 2:00 am

  Shopping for a Cross Country, until I test drove the XC90 T-6. Quality and Safety is all about this SUV. Driving the XC-90 will blow you away, its sooo smooth you cant believe its a SUV. OH, did I mention all the Safety features. Purchased it on the spot. You have to experience this yourself, hard to discribe.

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  i must have gotten the good one - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By doug - December 1 - 1:03 am

  we have put all but 23 miles on this vehicle and are not unhappy. 5 cylinder is a bit noisy on hard acceleration but we change the oil when due, put gas in the tank and drive. still has original battery, did do the 105000 maintenance. at 70000 put front break pads on. just put the 3rd set of tires on last august this vehicle can carry a lot of stuff. the back seats are rather flat so no comfortable for long trips however like ivory soap, only two of us ride in the think 99.44%of the time. we can get 2 bicycles in but it is a hassle so they go on top. only if i go by myself do a bike go inside. expect to drive at least another 100000 miles before retiring

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  Viva Volvo - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By ViVa_Volvo - November 30 - 5:56 am

  I have had the XC90 for 6 months now and it is very comfortable and easy to drive. Gas is not as bad as I thought...love it

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  Perfect truck at the right price - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By Costin Harnoncourt - November 28 - 12:36 pm

  We got this truck because it looks great, is very comfortable, rates very high in safety and best of all we got $10K of the sticker price. The seats are amazing, room for 7 and lots of trunk space. Great stereo system and power everything. The only problem is poor gas mileage

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  Great SUV - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By RBURD - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Quiet, performance, spacious, great to drive, power, excellent options, all wrapped in a volvo saftey net! I would tell anyone wanting an SUV that drives like a car, handles exceptionally and is quiet to buy this one. We have owned 3 other SUVs and this is the best yet. Go for the T6! It is a big difference.

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  Our Family Volvo - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Danny Rey - November 22 - 2:00 am

  The car is a little tight for my 6 2" height. Next to impossible to reach into the back seat and deal with baby in a middle car seat facing backwards. This is due to the head rest. You feel well protected on a cold rainy day. Car is tight and solid on the road. Gives me a peace of mind knowing that my wife and two babies are in what I feel is one of the safest vehicles on the road.

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  love my xc90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By novastylist - November 22 - 2:00 am

  i love the way it looks, drives,and feels !!!!!

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  My first Volvo - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Oceancruiser - November 17 - 10:50 pm

  i bought it with 29k miles on it..this car on the highway is awesome with lots of power because of the twin turbo engine..in the city feel very comfortable and quick enough to move in traffic.

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  Da _hit - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Tricky - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Second to none. If you can, pick up your 90 in Sweden.