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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  Fantastic SUV - 2010 Volvo XC90
  By oklahoma29 - March 31 - 7:50 am

  I looked at countless models of SUVs from 2008-2010. I knew from the beginning I wanted a Volvo, but I had to make sure it was the best fit. It definitely was and I love everything about it. The gas mileage is great for an SUV. The interior is awesome with no major blind spots like other SUVs in its class. Plus the price is much better than other luxury SUVs. I purchased a true base model, since the base has leather and sunroof. Those are the two huge features I wanted on my SUV. Even thought it is a V6 it has a lot of power. It gets up and goes. The brakes are also fantastic. Great SUV would purchase again and recommend to a friend.

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  Fix The Turbo - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Speechdr - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I like our new volvo but 11 MPG and a constant loud turbo noise should not occur on a vehicle with a $48,000 MSRP. Until the turbo noise is fixed, be prepared to feel like you are driving in a wind tunnel.

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  Fabulous first month with XC90 T8 - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Tom T. - March 22 - 11:31 am

  My initial experience with the car is overwhelmingly positive. So far I have put about 1000miles on the SUV, about 75% mileage comes from local driving - commuting to/from work, driving kids to school and other places etc. I have yet to take a long trip or push the car to its limits. Therefore it can’t qualify as a complete ownership review. But for whatever it worths, I share my $0.02 with current and will-be fellow Volvo owners. Maybe we start with some low lights Sensus Touch Screen Technologies are awesome, but also can be difficult to master. This is true in 2016 XC90. Its central touch screen has 3 views to slide from left and right, plus a “car setting” view that is pulled from the top. The screen navigation is complicated. After two weeks, I still have trouble remembering how to get to certain settings. I tend to consider myself a techie and quite adept at picking up new things, Volvo central control proved that I am not as smart as I thought I was. Key fab It’s a classy design with leather wrapped around bulk of surface area. It carries touch of a fine watch. Function buttons are located on the either side, and that is where the trouble comes. The buttons are small, difficult press and even more difficult to feel which is “lock” or “unlock”. You will have to see it. My key fab leather is blonde, matching the car’s interior. However, Being in the pocket and rubbing against other stuff all the time isn’t the formula to keep key fab clean. The key fab frame is aluminum. My key has received a couple of small dents on the frame so far. Volvo, if you are reading the post, please make the frame stainless steel. The aluminum frame doesn’t match the leather wrap nor the $80K car price tag. Park assist, Camera - bird’s eye view My T8 comes with vision package, a great value and a must-have in my opinion. I especially love the synthesized bird eye view of the car. I found it much more useful than park assist. I, for one when equipped with the overview camera, don’t have trouble maneuvering the car regardless parallel parking or back up parking. Park assist, on the other hand, reacts slowly. While I can see its usefulness for many, I only tested it for a couple of time before reverting to much faster manual parking. BTW, park assist did work quite well when I used it. The bird’s eye view image becomes wonky when other tall objects are nearby. This perhaps is the only knock on the vision package. I think it can be corrected via software algorithm. I hope Volvo has a future software update for this. Voice recognition Works about 80-85% of time. The number might seem high, but in day-to-day usage, it is not very dependable. Volvo obviously has some catch-up to do with Google etc in the voice recognition domain. One USB port and no SD card slot Dealer told me XC90 accepts micro SD card, but I am unable to insert the micro SD card to the slot next to the glove box release button. No place in the manual refers to micro SD card either. This interlude attests how much a dealer knows about this new vehicle. And one USB port in this connected era spells major inconvenience for the owners. I have to keep swapping between my phone, USB stick and passenger’s phones. Having said all of that, there is a lot to like, or may I say the word love, about XC90 T8. First and foremost, Quite and Smooooooth The twin engine combo has far exceeded my expectation. The transition between the electric and gas engine is so seamless that I often fail to notice the switch taking place. Thanks to the hybrid powertrain, the car starts with electric engine with zero noise and gas engine kicks in when more power is needed or cruising at high speed. The result? no 4 cylinder whining at low gear. the start/stop also works fabulously well in T8. In many way, the car waltzes around with V8 like grace, smoothness and tranquility. Not only twin engines augment each other well, regenerative braking and mechanical braking work in perfect harmony. I don’t believe any non-racing driver would be able to tell which braking is at work unless he peeks at the dashboard. Power I’ve not floored the gas pedal and rev the engine to the red line. The car is still breaking in, I have to be easy on the throttle. So I can’t verify the 5.3 sec from 0-60 mph, yet…. Even with that, XC90 T8 has plenty of juice at the low end, cruising around effortlessly with 5 people on board. With a gentle push on on gas pedal, freeway overtaking comes with ease. 400 horse power brings about the reassuring feeling. While I won’t use it every time when taking the freeway on-ramp, I know all the ponies are there there to haul the heavy SUV when I need to. Touch Sensus Except Telsa which I haven’t used, Volvo’s touch screen beats Mercedes, BMW, Audi and Lexus etc. in my opinion. The screen is clear under the direct sunlight and responsive to inputs. It may be prone to finger prints, but courtesy protective screen cover and mic

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  perfect - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By skillz - March 16 - 2:00 am

  It is a great car i suuggest everyone to buy it

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  Versatile SUV` - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Erica - March 12 - 11:50 am

  I was skeptical about venturing back into an SUV, as my last SUV was a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which was a gas guzzler and fairly trucky ride. One test drive of the XC90 cured me of any concerns I had related to comfort. The XC90 handles almost identical to my S60, which was traded for the XC. Volvo did a great job of creating a functional, elegant SUV that does as good of a job hauling stuff as it does safely transporting our daughter. And all without sacrificing safety.

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  My XC90 - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By jane - March 9 - 11:40 am

  I saw this car at a dealership and bought it as a birthday gift for myself. First Volvo and I love to drive it. The V-6 has plenty giddyup on the interstate. The third row seats give you flexibility and stows away nicely with a cargo mat when not in use. The XC is large enought to get the job done and stylish enough to look good doing it.

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  Great ride, safe people mover, FUN drive - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Bubba - March 9 - 5:00 am

  This is a well thought-out vehicle. You immediately feel in control and in pampered comfort. Quality, fit-and- finish, design...all above average. The V8 and tranny are smooth and work well together. Gentle purr of the exhaust pipes is subtle, but brings a grin to your face as you leave the others in your dust. MPGs are acceptable for the amount of weight (safety steel built-in) and 7- passenger roominess. Regular unleaded gas seems to work OK.

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  4X4 Sports Car - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Mary Williams - March 8 - 2:36 am

  The comfort of the vehicle is exceptional for an SUV. The performance and handling feel like a sports car. Safety has always been a priority with Volvo and I find it is with their SUV as well.

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  Great value for money - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By birdman - March 2 - 3:00 pm

  Ive now driven almost 2200 miles with my XC90 3.2. No mechanical or other problems. The ride is a bit stiff but that does help the handling. Overall, it is an easy to handle car, but one does notice it is big and heavy. The AWD keeps it on the road all the time and it doesnt flip/ flop turning corners as much as other SUVs. But it does a bit the tendency to go straight when turning corners, probably based on it being a primairily FWD based car. The 3.2 is a nice engine, with enough power to handle the car and a full load of passengers and luggage. I can imagine with the weight of the car that the V8 would be a lot nicer to drive, although the mileage will be even worse.

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  The best SUV on the Market - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By CarMan - February 25 - 5:20 pm

  Having driven most of the SUVs on the market, the Volvo XC90 combines safety and comfort with ease of operation and a car like ride. Not only does its design allow for a roomy passenger and cargo compartment but as far as occupant safety there is no comparison with other SUVs on the market today. The vehicle is built on the large sedan platform so it gives you all the advantages of an SUV with the ride of a luxury sedan.