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 great SUV! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By xuan liu - December 10 - 10:00 am

  This is a truely great SUV, the best I have ever had!

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  XC90 V8 First Trip Review - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By ABVBYND02 - December 5 - 7:56 pm

  We have put the first 900 miles on our XC90 V8. On our longest trip was going from Sacramento, thru Clear Lake and then up to the North Coast on Hwy 101 to near Crecent City, we averaged 20.4 mpg. That is driving thru the mountains, passing other vehicles (motorhomes and trucks with trailers). The speeds ranged from 70 on the Hwy, and between 35 and 50 thru the various towns, up and down hills and mountains. The vehicle handled like a dream,took turns in the mountains extremely well and never felt like it couldnt handle everthing we threw at it. We even took it off paved road, on a dirty, dusty dirt road, that leads to the coast, and even crossed 3 small streams. This vehicle is awesome!

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  so far so good - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By han - November 27 - 12:16 am

  best looking suv in its class

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  Family of six - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By mjs - November 24 - 8:10 am

  Owned the car for four years and very satisfied with performance and reliability. Perfect sized. Not too big or small. Four children and both parents travel regularly in it.

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  Excellent to own - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By XC90 in Illinois - November 23 - 4:00 pm

  We bought the SUV last Feb and we love its safety, comfort and its easy to manage in severe snow storm. The heated seats and back provide warmth as soon as you start the car in cold weather. The premier sound is a plus to enjoy on the road and the children can select their favorite channels while we listen to our music. The sensor windshield is so convenient to have. The temperate can be set so it will not be too cold or too hot. This is a wonderful car to have and we love it since day one. We are Volvo lovers. Our first Volvo is 1990 240. Our 2nd Volvo is 1995 940 sedan and we still drive it.

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  excellent all round performance - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By pete - November 23 - 4:53 am

  I have used this vehicle on the school run as well as on long distance trips overseas in Europe. The comfort reliability and ability on and offroad is exceptional. A recent trip to france with 6 people luggage and 12 cases of champagne proves that this is really in a class of its own. Our Mercedes SUV and X5 dont come near in comfort and drive quality. Lastly, the interior space is unbelievable in the XC90.

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  Love it - Love it - Love it! - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By arrowmm - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Such a great car! Did alot of research - Edmunds really helped. The child seat was my weakness. My son is 3 and cant use it till 4. I noticed how well worth it it was the first 5:00 am I drove to work. xenon headlights made a big difference and the handling on LA freeways was so comforting - coming from an explorer HUGE difference. Worth every penny.

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  Hmmmm - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Leeroy - November 21 - 10:00 am

  The styling and creature comforts in the XC90 are outstanding. For an SUV, the fuel economy is pretty good at an average 18.5 MPG in combined city and hiway driving. The engine and road noise are almost non-existant. We took it cross country from Louisiana to Washington State (2700 miles)loaded. It got a flat 20 mpg fighting a head wind and 93 degree temp. with the AC fully engaged across the State of Texas. In Colorado it saw mountain passes at 11,000 feet in elevation. The winding mountain roads were a testament to the nimble handling abilities of the XC90 as well as the powerful twin turbos when throttled at highway speeds. Overall review - excellent.

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  2004 XC90 T6 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Andy - November 16 - 2:23 pm

  I purchased this car used in 2006 for my wife. It is a great family suv. My wife does not like large vehicles and the XC90 has been an easy adjustment for her, It drives more like a car than truck or big SUV. The pros of the XC90 are a good ride, good handling, and a comfortable interior. The cons of this vehicle are poor fuel economy (16mpg city 21mpg hwy) combined with a small gas tank. The range on the XC90 is about 300-350 miles.

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  pimpit - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By xc90pimp - November 4 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is awesome. It definitely is in a class of its own. The style is like no other. It doesnt have that blocky US SUV feel. The ride is the smoothest. Interior lacks a little in the leg room when talking about the second row. But hey the seats are plush and comfortable. And as alwyas all of the safety features are well ahead of other SUVs.