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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  Great Car - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By slj - July 14 - 5:10 pm

  Debated on whether on not to buy one since JD Power and Consumer Reports didnt like them. After driving Land Rover, BMW, Acura, Infiniti and all the other SUVs, we didnt find one that we liked as much as the Volvo. Bought it and are so glad we did. Rides nice, quiet and smooth. Volvo has been great to deal with, we have had no problems with it. all the complaints that others mention in the review we havent seen. Is great to drive around town or on a long road trip. The kids in the back are comfortable and happy and we up front are as well. No regrets at all buying it and am very glad that I did despite the not-so-good reviews from the above mentioned organizations.

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  Jury is still out - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By Jury is still out - June 28 - 7:06 am

  The wife and I have been driving the XC90 V8 for a little over a year now. The drive is exceptional and the power is second to none. This vehicle drives like a fine tuned sports car and grips the road like velcro. The vehicle is a real head turner going down the road and at traffic lights. Dynaudio is the best. Navigation is OK, but could be a little better with response times. I have missed a turn or two when driving. I am a bit surprised that some of the interior plastic decor parts (pieces that cover some of the metal have fallen off and the middle console is loosey goosey when you go to store something away. We are leasing and will be turning the vehicle in at the end of 2009

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  volvo xc90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By ada6 - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Solid, safe,useful, gas-hungry. Needs better rear view.

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  Volvo XC 90 T6 Still Loving It - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By TAK - June 20 - 9:36 am

  We bought this car new. This has been my favorite car to drive. We bought it because it had all the safety features that we wanted which were ahead of its time, its nice size, and its towing capacity. Despite the practical reasons for buying this car, it is fun! The power is incredible. It has phenomenal acceleration even at high speeds on the highway. It is usually no contest, even against other sport sedans. I have had this car for five years and 80,000 miles. It is the only car that I have loved for more than a couple years, and it is just as fun as the day we bought it.

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  XC90 + Extended Warranty = Happy Driver - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By SafeDriver - May 21 - 3:50 am

  I really like my XC90. While it has had some minor issues, overall it has been a pleasure to own. After driving this vehicle in LA, i got rear ended badly (the Lexus was totaled that hit me) and my XC90 was a tank. I cant say enough good things about his vehicle.

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  Our First Volvo and First Hybrid - 2018 Volvo XC90
  By Sam - April 28 - 2:43 am

  I am a new ones of the XC90 T8 for just over a week. We selected this car to be our family friendly car when we have visitors and when we go on a road trip. We replaced our Mercedes R530 with tis car. The R530 has a fantastic 3rd row seat that can fit adults (yes adults) in the 3rd row comfortably. So we wanted another SUV with third row that could eat adults. The Volvo XC90 came closest in this regard. The third row can seat adults not as comfortably as R530 but is not as tight as any other SUV with the 3rd row. I have always owned BMW and Mercedes cars and I am very impressed with interior quality of this car. So I am not sure what the other reviewer is talking about a bad interior quality. We got the Denim Blue with Brown interior and we already got so many complement that how sharp everything looks. Also, regarding the instrument panel and center touch screen controls, I find it very intuitive for me and well organized. I do not have any issue with safety in using it because I have already configured all the settings and do not need to fiddle with them while driving. All the users complaining about the screen is because they try to fiddle with it while driving. So I attribute it to bad driver behavior. So far, I love the car and it has meet all of my intial expectations. I will try to update this review after few more months.

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  NEVER will we buy a Volvo again.. - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Jen - April 23 - 4:00 am

  I am the original owner of this car. We paid MSRP (I know, I know). The car is loaded and was fabulous for about a year. We have had to replace all four tires 4 times, brakes 4 times, transmission, rear bearings.. engine problems, key fob problems, seat belt problem, water leaking... You name it, weve had it. The ONLY thing we did right was buy the extended warranty. Has saved us $10k, easily.

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  * pry it from my cold dead fingers * - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By pan - March 30 - 2:00 am

  i was looking for an suv that would comfortably convey my growing family safely, drive like a luxury sedan, remain a design statement, and last reliably for a minimum of 10 years. there is no other suv on the market besides the xc90 that matches what i was looking for, a year ago or now. 7500 miles in 8 months, no issues. i promise to repost when i cross the 250000 mile mark.

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  Great Volvo - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By cdenter - March 18 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV and I am pleased with the handling. I feel safe with the roll over safety features and can comfortably take turns. The seats are very comfortable and the ride is smooth. Gas mileage is as stated on sticker at around 18mpg for some city/highway driving back and forth to work 30 mile round trip.

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  Safe but Sorry - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By John - March 13 - 9:50 am

  Weve had Volvos in the past and this one has been a real disappointment. Requested an extended warranty after multiple problems and Volvo did honor our request. You feel safe driving it but the rattles and excessive tire wear are just a few of the issues. This was a model year but we took the risk becasue of our luck in the past with Volvo.