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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  Lemon law buyback with less than 5k miles! - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By JDW - February 21 - 11:35 am

  Beautiful vehicle inside and out but buyer beware, this is NOT a reliable car. Owned less than 9 months, with less than 5k miles and has been in the shop for over 90 days for various issues (battery draining, Sensus screen not working, thermometer broken, the list goes on) Volvo is refunding purchase under FL lemon laws. Advise to stay away!

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  one year of ownership - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By Greg - February 8 - 6:40 pm

  I really wanted this car. I really expected it to be all I wanted in a SUV, stylish, comfortable, technologically advanced, with a semi-auto pilot function and reliable. All my expectations were and still not fulfilled. The car manifested noise level higher than normal since the beginning. Noise from the outside plus a cabin not soundproofed like competitors. The electronics promised wonders but delivered nightmares. The car main and driver screens continuously black out and takes forever to reboot. Once you start the car it takes longer than usual for the system to load, you cannot even engage the reverse right away and expect to see the camera: you have to waaiiiiiit. And the service says that is normal. Absurd. the semi autonomous driving is no better than the rest of the car. If and when it engages you might expect it to stop working without any warning. The handling and engine are up to par with the rest of the car: rubbish! I do not want this to get too long, so I will just conclude saying that the customer service is useless as the car itself. If you are in the market for this segment go with anything else but this car, it is plenty of great alternatives and I regret my purchase everyday.

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  Cant wait to get out of this car - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Andrew M. - February 11 - 12:02 am

  This is our second XC90 since February of this year. The first was back at the dealer so many times with various software issues that Volvo of North America bought out the lease and got us an identical 2016. The second vehicle has been equally disastrous. Brake problems at 3,000 miles (rotors and pads, front and back), defective auto stop, battery charge issues, recalls, suspension squeaking -- need I say more? 128 Volvo has been very accommodating on both the sales and service end and I have now filed a complaint with Volvo of North America to end the lease. Such a shame, as the car is gorgeous and drives sweet when I have it. The computer system is confusing to say the least and the climate control goes from no air at all to a veritable Swedish wind tunnel. We had an XC60 for years with never a problem. Im chomping at the bit to get out of this vehicle.

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  **DO NOT BUY** - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Matthew Bailey - November 23 - 4:21 pm

  Vehicle has nothing but issues, **audio went out - this means everything navi voice, turn signal notice, locking notice, music, bluetooth EVERYTHING. ------------- audio module replaced ---------- ** now insane amount of squeaks and rattles at all speeds -------- ** outlet for phone charging, etc NEVER WORKS, numerous replacement of $2 part ------- ** upgrade charge to autopilot 2 continually fails not allowing usage of the actual system, or even just adaptive cruise bottom line... do not buy the car. $60,000 vehicle cannot hold a candle to other vehicles... great concept just not there yet.

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  Lemon. They had to take it back - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By SanibelVolvo - November 13 - 11:34 am

  At times the car was horribly unreliable. Other times it was reliably horrible. SERVICE departments were not helpful. They couldnt figure out problems. VOLVO USA was argumentative and in denial. Got a Q7. Everything works. Better performance. FAR better electronics. SUPER reliable. I still miss the XC 90 magic blue color and the seats. (My Q7 has regular, not luxery package seats). Will NEVER buy another Volvo. NEVER.

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  2016 Volvo XC90 Stay away for now - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By XC90noway - December 21 - 9:12 pm

  Ive had the car since February and this is my third and last Volvo. The quality of the software in the car is just terrible! Internet would not come in. Voice recognition just did not work... Every time Volvo fixes something on the car, something else breaks. This last recall brok the GPS. It doesnt put me in the right city! Some features are there to configure but simply do not work... Do not try to disable the auto-engine stop feature. Although the option is there to select it or not, it doesnt do anything. Hope you like driving in comfort mode because, even if you can configure the driving mode at startup, the car will always start in comfort mode. So, you need to disable auto-engine stop and comfort mode everytime you get in the car! Volvo is adding new features to the software (Apple CarPlay)... How about fixing the software that is there and then add new things? As I said, this is my last Volvo.

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  Not there yet ..... Need more work . No reliable - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By rani sharma - September 8 - 1:30 am

  when the car came out and I reviewed it on line I was so happy that I got a car I wanted to buy . did a test drive and loved the car but center console is too cumbersome and will take some time to get used to. Was bout to pull the trigger but I read multiple reviews on lien about the software issue and poor costumer support of Volvo . One of my co worker who own it and he was Curs***** Volvo right and left when I asked him how his experience with the car. He has issue with the battery Darning for no reason and other software issue. I wanted to like this car so bad but with so may issue I decided to go with time tested Mercedes. Sorry Volvo I really loved this car and how it looks and technology but may be I have to wait for next 5-6 yrs before they fix the bugs . I owned a Honda for seven years and never a problem with it .

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  Great ride but electronic nightmare - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By CGleas - January 15 - 2:18 pm

  I love the ride and the drive of this vehicle. However, it has had one electronic glitch after another-each computer reboot leads to a new issue that cant seemed to be resolved at the dealer (Volvo of Louisville). The touch pad has gone completely blank, the temperature gauge can have wild swings, the apps dont work well- the latest is that when I start the car or first back it up in the morning, the radio changes from sirius XM to a Christian FM channel. I have the beige Napa leather seats but the drivers seat has worn thru the finish and I await a new seat cover for a car that is 11 months old. Unless you have much time to spend at the dealer, I would not recommend this vehicle. I tried to trade it in, at the dealer where it was purchased, and was told I would have to pay $52000 in addition to turning in this vehicle to get an similar XC90 ($32000 is owed). Shocking, right? but Kelly the manager said this was her best offer. Do the math, my car is worth about $23000 according to this manager. I would consider this extremely poor resale or an extremely poor manager. Anyhow Im stuck with an untrustworthy and overpriced vehicle for now.

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  Worst New Car Experience Ever - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By DCHammer - September 13 - 11:22 pm

  The 2016 T8 Volvo XC90 was the car I wanted to love. Looked forward to owning it as soon as I heard it was in the works in 2014. Got what appeared to be a good deal on the lease. Unfortunately for this $70K car, Ive had more days in the shop for repeated repairs than all the other automobiles Ive owned in 4 decades put together. Software problems, sunroof water leak problems, transmission problems, navigation problems, acceleration problems. Now it needs to go back in the shop again and the local Volvo dealer has closed. The nearest Volvo dealer that will take care of warranty service is 5 hours away. Volvo is not interested in taking back their lease. I will be investigating our states lemon law. If youre looking for a good PHEV, I suggest the Ford CMax Energy. Half the price, twice the car except for smaller size and no AWD option.

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  Buyers Be Very Aware!! - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By JT - March 5 - 4:33 am

  Oh, were do I start? I will keep this short. DO NOT buy a new model year Volvo XC90. Our first 2016 XC90 was in the shop more than we drove it. Volvo ended up buying it back from us. The problems are too many to list, but range from dashboard and info screens going dark (while driving), auto park feature wanting to engage when stopped at a stop light, exhaust noises during acceleration, AC not working properly from time to time, the $2,600 B&W sound system whos speaker grills rattle more than anyone should tolerate and driver profile settings not working/syncing with the key fobs, acceleration is jerky and anything but smooth (we have the Polestar performance chip installed) and various infotainment glitches. Now the kicker, Volvo wanted to keep us "in the family" and worked a deal to get us a new 2017. LOL, this one has the same issues and has been in the shop 5 more times, with one of those service appts lasting 4 weeks. Also, it gets terrible gas mileage (15 mpg city-20 mpg hwy) and the ride is so stiff it’s worse than driving my BMW with the sports suspension pkg. You feel EVERY bump and crack and not in a good way. The whole driving experience is like a twitchy, nervous gazelle before a lion feeding frenzy. Don’t believe all the reviews that paint a glorious picture after driving this SUV for a few hours. The designers, engineers and Volvo management should be ashamed of the car they approved and built I wish we would have walked away after the first one was returned. Now I see why the original Volvo company went bankrupt. Never Again