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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  Smooth cruiser - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By carnut - July 12 - 4:33 pm

  This is our 6th Volvo. Smooth and comfortable on the highway. We keep up with the maintenance and have the transmission fluid flushed annually. Best mileage was 23.4 mpg on the highway with premium 93. Most filling stations add 10% ethanol now which has lowered our fuel economy averages.

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  Great Car/Terrible Mileage - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By Chris - July 3 - 2:20 am

  My wife has always wanted the XC90, so we took the plunge when the lease on our Pathfinder was up. Its a beautiful car, and weve owned Volvos all along growing up. From a comfort standpoint, the car is top notch. More interior room than the Pathfinder. Powerful stereo system. It was good to get the familiar Volvo safety Ive been used to over the years. Only problem, the gas mileage is horrible. Were aveaging 14.8. But hey, what do you expect for a car that is "dripping" in safety features, thats more important Also, had to drop some paperwork at the dealership one day and something punctured my tire as I was driving out, they reimbursed me for the new tire!

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  Awesome Black Sapphire Metallic V8 Sport - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Bill - May 14 - 5:16 am

  I love this car!! Tested the 2007 X5 V8, MB GL450 and the Audi Q7. This one had the best performance for the price. Handles like a dream and has more than adequate power. Im not sure what a previous poster meant about not having auto locking and a compass. I have both. The auto lock is turned off from the factory, you just turn it on as per page 108 of the manual. The compass is on my rear view mirror. Test this one before you buy anything.

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  Mostly great! - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By WSB - April 30 - 10:06 am

  This is our 6th Volvo, but not necessarily our favorite. While the XC90 provides seating options that our V70 wagons and S70 and S80 sedans could not provide, the 2.5T engine is clearly underpowered for the weight of this vehicle. Gas mileage is POOR and would have been worse if we had chosen the V8. We love the safety features of this vehicle. It handles well and is roomy enough for our passengers--- mostly children.

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  Just bought the T6 AWD XC-90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By LoriRayna - April 17 - 2:00 am

  We compared this car with the Lexus RX330. Both were great. The Lexus has better luxury features and the Volvo is more rugged. Unfortunately, Lexus couldnt touch Volvos price. I do like the car and it is fun to drive, but for the high price of the car, it would be nice to have the upgraded luxuries as standard. Add a towing hitch,running boards, or navigation and get ready to pay pretty penny. Running boards alone=$850. Also, turbo chargers make a loud whistling noise which dealer says is unavoidable.

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  not so sure about this car - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Cleen - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car used from the local Volvo dealer. With only 38,000kms on it & half the price of a new one it seemed like a no brainer. It also came with the entertainment package & third row seating. I want to love this car. I think it is the best looking SUV out there. It handles beautifully its unassuming & overall a great family vehicle. But. I cant get over how loud the engine is, and how poorly it accelerates. Go up a slight incline it sounds like the transmission is slipping. Coming down a decline, it does the same thing and clunks into gear. It really bothers me. I keep thinking it has transmission problems. Also, at 2500 rpm it revs really loud! Its being traded in for an LR4.

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  The Vehicle is OK - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Mike - March 1 - 10:23 pm

  If you really want to buy this vehicle, buy it for what Volvo is known for. (Safety) The vehicle is a smooth ride and feels like a tank.

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  Versatile, fun, well-constructed........ - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By DJCA - February 22 - 10:00 am

  We use our thrid row seats infrequently, but when we do....sure nice to have. The vehicle is solid as a rock, it drives very car-like and the engine is spirited, though it probably could use another 25hp. I wish we had purchased the navigation system.....would have been a fun accessory. The sound system is amazingly good once programmed, but trust me, to unlock all of the audio features you have to spend 2 hours on the setup.

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  Awesome design; time will tell - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By dkpmd - February 13 - 2:00 am

  This is a well designed vehicle. It has seating for seven(in a pinch; small third row seat), acceptable performance for an SUV and near car like handling. A very nice package. One small problem is my inability to find a snow tire/wheel package for the vehicle. Tirerack.com does not yet have a package listed on its web site.

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  Very happy so far - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By JAGinKorea - February 10 - 5:00 pm

  Took delivery of this vehicle in Korea using the diplomat and military sales program. Very simple process to custom order the vehicle from the factory and saved nearly $9K over state-side MSRP. Zero mechanical or quality issues since it arrived 8 months ago. Incredibly versatile SUV for my family of five- weve used a variety of seating configurations for different trips, extra guests etc. Very quiet at standstill and on highways and a nice sound to the inline 6 when you step on it. I had driven the V8 version several times before and it is more fun, but I couldnt justify the extra cost and Ive never felt I absolutely needed the extra power. One of the best family vehicles out there.