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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  so so volvo - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Big D. - November 4 - 5:20 am

  Well with now 35000 miles on my XC90 numerous things have been addressed. New rear wheel bearings, Complete front brake job @25000 miles. Rattles coming from places that myself or the dealer cant find....still over all with the things that did go wrong(they were replaced under warranty) its been a good vehicle.

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  My Big Mistake! Take our advice! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By crawfojj - October 30 - 6:50 pm

  Yeah, so I got married and thought about getting into a family style vehicle. But, I wanted something with a little spunk to it. I opted for a used 2004 Volvo XC90 T6. Yikes! Bad call on that! I owned it for 6 months...and although I didnt have to take it to the shop at all it wasnt fun in the least bit. It had good size and visability and I def felt safe...but thats it. Gas mileage was HORRIBLE! And it aint cheap considering you have to use premium! My seats ripped and the sunroof leaked anytime it rained and/or took it through the carwash. Also, it approached the 70k mile mark and I noticed my transmission slipping. Time to get out and cut my loses.

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  Volvo XC90 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By KerryLD - October 25 - 9:13 pm

  I just purchased this vehicle. My first feeling was that the car was neither as luxurious or as smooth a ride as it should be for a "luxury SUV." It is hard to work the third row seat when attempting to lay them down. Also it is extremely difficult to see behind on either side because of the headrests, front and back. The car has many blind spots which make for uncomfortable backing up. As the "safest" vehicle on the road they should have given you better visibility. Finally,though, the true value of the vehicle showed when I hit a large pool of water and did not skid or move from side to side. There is nothing like sitting in the front seat at 65 mph and feeling that sense of safety.

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  Best of the Best - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By FredM - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I felt that this was the best SUV that I drove. I drove the x5 (all over the road), the Acura MDX (Too stiff) but lots of goodies for the price. I have to wait for mine to come in. Seems like there is a long waiting list

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  GREAT SUV - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By MGAIL - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED MY VOLVO XC90 FOR 3 MONTHS AND IT IS A GREAT SUV! DRIVES GREAT, RIDES SMOOTHLY AND HAS PLENTY OF ROOM. THE 5 CYLINDER HAS GREAT POWER AND IT GETS 20 MPG WHICH I AM PLEASED WITH. A GREAT VEHICLE TO OWN. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

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  V8 XC90 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By MF3681 - October 20 - 10:53 am

  Great fit and finish. The V8 comes with the 7 seat package, rear A/C, leather, etc. Still brand new but no initial problems, just like a high end Japanese car. Performance is excellent and the vehicle handles very well.

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  New Volvo - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Leonardo - October 19 - 11:24 am

  Its a spaceship. Genuinely impressed. The touchscreen takes some playing around to adequately understand (>4 hours). Very comfortable.

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  One of the best in the luxury SUV market - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By GLXwagon4mo - October 9 - 10:00 am

  The luxury SUV market is getting crowded, but this one is definitely worth considering! This SUV has the typical European feel when driving - It has gives enough road feedback and feels firmly planted. It has some body roll around corners, but much less compared to other competitors (except the BMW and Infiniti). It also has the utility that many other midsize luxo SUVs lack. The safety features set the std for this market - Boron roof, Roll Stability control, pretensioners for all seven seats, list goes on.

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  We love our XC 90 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By petermw - October 5 - 11:33 pm

  We received our XC 90 in Sweden and drove it 3200 miles in Europe and had it shipped to our Oregon home from London. Our family of 7 enjoyed all the comforts of the car as we drove along the highways. In spite of the high fuel costs in Europe and now in the US, we feel that it is an economical car to drive. It is easy to drive, we love the warning system when we are parking and have the car in reverse. Our local dealer is a pleasure to work with, as well.

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  a smooth ride - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Philly-XC90 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  The XC90 5-cylinder seemed a little sluggish at first, but now that weve got a few miles on it, its more than quick enough. The ride is so smooth that you really have to watch the spedometer to keep at a reasonable speed. Size is good; more than the RX330 at a better price.