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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  Battery died because of software glitch - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By kawvt - December 2 - 1:36 am

  I bought this car 9 months ago and have had it die 3 times on me. The battery had died because of a software glitch (they think) as described in a technical bulletin Volvo Int. put out. Each time the vehicle has been in my garage and when I went to start it, nothing. I love this car but am so disappointed in the reliability. I also think for a beautiful SUV such as this is, and not a big mammoth SUV, it should get much better gas mileage. Our local dealership has been great but it has been extremely inconvenient to have our brand new Volvo die. I love the way it drives, handles, its comfort, but if I have another problem, Im inclined to ask Volvo Int. to take the car back.

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  Eurotrash is the name of my wifes XC90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By dumbchuck - November 14 - 9:16 pm

  ...because thats what it is. Its in the shop now waiting for a new motor because a bearing self destructed and sent metal fragments throughout the engine. Volvo better be including a new turbo with the replacement. Had to get a new seat module (brain) because the car kept losing memory 3. It took us maybe 6 trips to service before Volvo finally authorized the replacement. We had been back as many times for the engine noise which nobody could identify until the oil seal blew (even though they could hear it). When they did anything at all, it was to tighten the heat shield on the exhaust or adjust the steering (knocking out the alignment). Dealer service has been nice but ineffective.

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  Transmission - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Carl Swanson - November 13 - 10:00 am

  This is our first Volvo, great looks, handling. The transmission has a serious problem that the dealers cannot seam to solve or Volvo. The pickup in first gear is great when it shifts to second it seams to die and fails miserably to respond as one would expect that a smooth move through the gears. The t6 looses out in this reguars, plus it is not safe when you gun it and it lets you down. Would like to hear from Volvo as to how this happned and why it cannot be fixed.

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  Good for the kids - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Aronky - November 10 - 11:43 pm

  This car is built very well and feels great to drive. Rides really good, and is great for hauling around kids and stuff. Love the split tailgate and the really supportive seats. Great for long trips, but would recommend the larger engine this 2.5L inline 5 is very sluggish but gets the job done if its just for driving the kids around.

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  Traction problem - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Longford - September 24 - 10:10 pm

  Has been getting stuck everywhere! Recent snow has highlighted problem. Great satisfaction of Land-Rover driving rescuer. Has been to dealer before, who said 4 wheel drive was working normally. NO IT ISNT! Will go to an independent if Volvo cant sort it. Suggestions are a damper in the software, or a gearbox fault. Been very satisfied with overall package, but wife now wants a 4x4 that does not humiliate on a little bit of snow, or wet grass.(Hello Land Rover!!)

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  Buyer Beware - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By prb - September 21 - 3:43 am

  We purchased this 2007 SUV in Oct 06, 1300 miles later, and 200 miles from home the water pump went out. Volvo cannot get a part for three (3) weeks. We were left stranded with little or no support from Volvo. Customer service is as worthless as the warranty. Although, I rated the vehicle well, I would never, ever purchase another, simply due to the poor support from Volvo. In all fairness selling dealer did more than they had to and has tried to assist where they could. Vehicle remains 200 miles from my residence awaiting a water pump.

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  Just right SUV for family - 2011 Volvo XC90
  By philo4 - August 19 - 1:58 pm

  We had a minivan for a decade, so its time to change to something different. Looked for a 7 seats SUV and XC90 was our choice. I write this review after 6 months of driving. Its designe is old but still looks good. The engine is just adequate for 4700lbs vehicle, but not refined. The gas mileage is bad and its idling is rough. Volvo needs to improve its engine badly. The ride is ok for SUV but the seats are very comfy. I feel very secure with the XC90. Its not a fancy nor fast SUV but more like driving solid built vehicle.

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  Urgent Transmission Service Required - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By viking - August 6 - 10:00 am

  We waited six months for it. With 200 miles on the odometer, taking daughter to school, my wife had to call Volvo roadside assistance due to sudden sluggishness follwed by a dashboard message "Urgent Transmission Service Required." The dealer had the car for 4 days, and flew in a Volvo master tech to fix the problem - bad solenoid that locks in gears. Dealership never heard of problem, but one of the salesman heard that it had happened in a handful of other XC90s with low mileage. Aside from this early problem, we love the stylish exterior, the comfy interior, the practical seating, the decent soundsystem.

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  Jury is Still Out - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By aniemyer - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I have driven SUVs since buying an Explorer in June, 1990, one of the first. In the first two weeks I put 2100 miles and significant off-road duty on our 2004, where it kept up with a Chevy Silverado 2500. Two days after that trip the engine surged a few times, steadied out, then died after one more in-town trip. 5 days and a 360 mile round trip to the dealer, its back after having the plastic air induction shroud replaced for cracking along the seam. (and a hassel over a loaner from the dealership, which was resolved). We are worried that we now have a lemon on our hands and a 2+ hour drive one-way to and from the dealership.

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  Its so great! - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By lh - July 14 - 1:06 am

  I cant say enough about this car. It is easy and fun to drive, is very safe, and feels like a sturdy well built car. I chose this car after driving several others in the same price range. This by far seemed like you were getting more "bang for your buck"