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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  A Safe and Smart Midzize SUV - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By jbeezer - January 19 - 2:00 am

  Sharp looking, safe anb a 3rd row that gives you room in the back...my wife loves her truck. The engine is a bit small but it is for my wife who does not floor it. Very smart design and comfortable ride.

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  Not what I expected - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Sue - January 11 - 8:50 am

  The interior is a little tight with small amount of shoulder room. Same for cargo area, deep but not wide. Standard audio system really poor. Has no bass sound and cannot be upgraded without a huge expense. Recommend you dont even consider buying it without the AWD.

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  Volvo XC90 - Wow - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By K Engvold - January 5 - 6:30 pm

  The part of my long commute that I simply love is the time I have to bond with my XC90. The power she has is awesome; the V8 is an absolute pleasure and provides the power that makes the XC90 actually feel like a sport car. The handling is so deceiving you forget you are driving an SUV. I have also witnessed Volvo being very attuned to improving this XC90 model over the years and I could not resist giving up my S80 for this XC90 as I have kept my eyes on the XC90 for the last 5 years. The fuel mileage is acceptable at around 20 mpg with a Tornado fuel saver installed.

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  One software issue after another - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By William - December 31 - 1:56 pm

  I have this car for almost a year and I been back to the dealership 6 times for various software issues ranging from annoying (the sensus navigation and infotainment system freezing and rebooting) to inconvenient (locks not working, moonroof not working) to dangerous (entire dashboard blanking out including speedometer and tachometer and auto-breaking going off without any other vehicles around). The car itself is beautiful and very comfortable, but the software is quirky. Volvo is constantly releasing software upgrades addressing these issues and other bugs, but you need to bring the car back to the dealership. Expected much better reliability for the price.

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  I love my Volvo - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Steveidrum - December 21 - 2:00 am

  And so do my friends. 3 other people have got them since seeing mine.

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  First Volvo Purchase - Not that Happy - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Bossgka - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Some functionality problems. Noticeable hesitation during acceleration NOT GOOD especially if pulling into heavy traffic; CD player has no repeat feature; no adjustable vent at drivers side floor heater it fries your leg; cup holders/middle console too far back for ease of use; warning sound on Pirelli stock tires started after 8 mo & 15K mi; rotation of tires not recommended on mfg checklist every 5000 mi; no compass, drivers side arm rest; poor gas mileage. Experience with dealership a major disappointment considering XC90 price. No follow-up. Overall not a good experience w/first Volvo, dont think we would do it again.

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  Best on (or off) the Road - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Gary Howard - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Wow, what an improvement over my X5! More room, better looking, and 3rd row of seats. What firs impressed me on the drive is the comfort and the ease of driving. Great stearing and very responsive. I LOVE IT!

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  our perfect safe car - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By joseph f konkolics - December 17 - 10:00 am

  driving our grandchildren in our XC90 puts our mind at ease knowing that their being transported in a safe vehicle. I read that the XC90 is "safer than sitting on grandmas lap, and whoever said that speaks the truth. we love our XC90

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  xc90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By sdath - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Excellent SUV. Only real down-side is the mileage, avg. 15 mpg

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  XC90 Transmission Nightmares - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By idealltg - December 16 - 7:33 am

  My 05 T6 XC90 has already had three transmissions replaced. Lucky for me its all under warranty but based on the frequency of the problem Im afraid that the new transmission will fail after my warranty has expired. Looks like the only solution for my problem, since I cannot use the lemon law, will be to get rid of this thing as soon as I get it back. The dealer has had it now for two weeks. They cant figure out why the new transmission went out after only one week!