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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The most awesome SUV - 2006 Volvo XC90
By Jan-Michael - November 18 - 11:00 amThe Volvo XC90 V8 is a suv with a very good performance, and to drive it almost feels like a volvo V70 or a similar car. The brakes are really effective, and the seats are really comfortable, but a sunroof would be perfect above the third-row seats. The XC90 has a huge cargoarea if you fold down the third-row seats, its the same size as in the Excursion, or even bigger. The XC90 is the best SUV Ive ever driven. It has awesome performance, good cargoarea, Superb Audio-system, awesome quality, quickneasy removeable tow- hook. The materials in the car is very well chosen, everything feels "well done", nothing feels cheap or plastic.
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New owner XC90 T6 Momentum mostly love it - 2016 Volvo XC90
By KMR - November 7 - 3:42 pmMostly love the car, owned it for about 3 weeks now. Pro - Safety systems, looks, comfort, sufficient power. Cons - lack of console storage space, small cupholders, not enough USB ports, interior noise when driving, B&W audio system not as good as advertised, touch screen is distracting if you need to change settings while driving.
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Vermont in a Volvo - 2005 Volvo XC90
By paster - November 5 - 9:33 pmI was in vermont this week. On the top of a mountain the temp was 26 and the car was horrible on the ice. We put the W button on but the car just had a mind of its own. I was frightened so bad for my life I may get rid of the car at the end of 05 or 06.
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Volvo XC90 -- 2003 - 2003 Volvo XC90
By RoJo - October 19 - 10:00 amToss up between the X5 and XC90--we choose the XC90. Although were happy with the vehicle overall, the gas mileage, acceleration, audio system and navigator system need Volvos attention. Overall the vehicle gets high marks for style (interior/exterior), craftsmanship, comfront and maintenance.
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Mostly Happy - 2004 Volvo XC90
By mostly happy - September 22 - 2:00 amI totally enjoy driving my new Volvo. I feel that it is extremely solid and safe for my family. Many people comment on the good exterior look. Extremely happy to be out of the mini van.
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High Tech on Wheels but Keep Eyes on Road - 2017 Volvo XC90
By Bookman - August 25 - 11:22 pmThis car drives great and is as comfortable as my living room but the tablet-like controls are a challenge. It requires eyes off road to scroll through the dozens of options; the driver mode default selection does not work, it always starts in Comfort even if you choose Eco or Dynamic (I saw this complaint in a review from 2016 model) and in order to switch between the modes you have to find the roller ball by the gear shift and turn it just right; should have a button or voice command to switch cause when youre getting on a highway and need Dynamic the last thing you want to do is fish for it. Finally learned that you can control climate with voice commands so thats really cool and helpful b/c again eyes off road to change fan setting or temp. A few times I turned fan up at start and it didnt catch, wondering what thats about. Totally dont understand the auto climate feature. And the navigation is terrible. My former XC70s nav was amazing but this one asks for Street Number, Street and City in one command and then cant understand what you say and gives a crazy place back. Should ask for each one individually like the XC70 did. I am hoping all the technical stuff in the car lasts and no glitches develop with software. Positives include the driving assist that helps keep me in the lane-very effective, and the media system offers lots of options like favorites, etc. which is fun. So far the car is a total joy to drive and ride in and it looks great.
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OK - 2007 Volvo XC90
By TuNeRkId - July 29 - 7:43 pmWe purchased our 07 XC in 2007 brand new. The truck has been OK , but not what I expected from a $45,000 car. It has good seat comfort and driving position but it also feels a lot bigger than it actually is. The car has decent acceleration, but nothing to write home about. The best thing about the car is the brakes witch stop you on a dime! The 3.2 our car has is a little bit thirsty and doesnt give as much power as I would like. Our average mpg (mostly city driving) is around 16.5 (on road trips weve gotten up to 22). The 3rd row seat is tight but easily moved out of the way! The transmission is great especially the manual option! Overall it has been a good car but could be better.
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A Great Car Except for One Thing - 2005 Volvo XC90
By John George - July 29 - 6:36 pmI spent several months researching what car to buy for my wife. She wanted an SUV. I wanted safety. We purchased a 2005 XC90 T6 with 39000 mi. The car was like new, had had all the factory recommended service & checked out perfect! Since the car had 1 1/2 yrs of warranty I was not concerned about reliability. Boy was I wrong! After only 400 mi. the car has spent the last 3 weeks in the shop waiting for a back-ordered trans. The climate control is bad & surround sound cuts in & out on turns. We love the car but are afraid this is an omen of things to come. Also, the "back-ordered" trans tells us ours isnt the only Volvo with this problem. Cant someone make a safe & reliable car?
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Good but needs a overhaul - 2010 Volvo XC90
By someone! - July 28 - 12:40 pmI got this car for my wife and we did the European delivery program which was amazing, I recommend it dearly, Ive owned many volvos and this one is the best so far, the only problem Ive had with it is the right middle pillars plastic molding will rattle over jittery bumps and the materials in the interior are not up to date. but one thing if you get the 3.2 you probably will want AWD because it makes it drive much better and without it its kinda slow
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V4 engine but turbo charged drive - 2016 Volvo XC90
By twinmom - July 25 - 2:40 pmGreat SUV. Very smooth on road. Not great mileage. Very comfortable interiors. Love the double sun roof.
