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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  Best SUV on the road - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By St Louis Volvo - July 10 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Volvo XC90 gets better and better. They way it handle in any weather conditions cannot be beat. Its solid and rides very comfortable without any "truck feeling". I highly recommend it.

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  great at first NOW IM GETTING RID OF IT! - 2010 Volvo XC90
  By Penny Johnson - July 10 - 9:06 am

  We got it we loved it. we ordered it through the military program and got it fully loaded. 2 days after we got it it went to the shop, BLIS was not working properly. when we got it back the mirror was not on all the way and had to go back. our DVD player broke 3 months later and brought it in. we went to pick it up and they told us it had a recall and it couldnt be taken off the lot. I was mad bc we were going on vacation for the next two weeks and had to take our expedition. we went to pick it up and they LOST our headphones! AND it was dirty inside! i asked them if they would clean it and they said we had to pay for it! i will be trading this 6 MONTH OLD CAR

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  Solid and safe family transport - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By JCC - July 8 - 10:00 am

  It wont win any races, but it rides and handles beautifully for its weight and height. The seats are the most comfortable of any cars Ive owned. Going down the highway, the car tracks straight and feels solid. Exterior design is classy, and interior design is highly functional and efficient. The car is easy to drive and park, though the second row leg room is tight to make room for the third row and the generous cargo bay. The car was reliable during the 4 year warranty period. On the down side, the car is underpowered while only returning so-so fuel economy. It needs a new set of tires every two years. Had some electrical problems starting year 5. Dealer service and parts are expensive.

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  recommended - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By Rawas - July 8 - 10:00 am

  The xc90 is an excellent suv for people looking for design, build quality and durability. It has a special scandinavian character that puts it far ahead of other suvs. volvos are famous for thier safety,practicality and longevity. Built like a tank, with one of the most sophisticted premium audio system installed in cars.If you are looking for muscles and performance, this suv is not for you.

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  Wow what took me so long!!!! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By TCN II - July 3 - 6:36 am

  It is absolutely the best purchase i have ever made. It is comfortable, wonderful to drive and lots of room for "baseball stuff"

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  Volvo is Swedish for Unreliable Money-Pit - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By rogerb41 - June 29 - 10:06 pm

  Be careful of what you wish for. We liked the design of the Volvo XC90, but after we bought it..... Lets see: 30k miles, the ENTIRE front end had to be replaced (after about 4 shots by the dealer to fix it). At 80k miles, Transmission failed. Wow! $5,000 for a transmission!! Around 110k miles, the CD changer and radio stopped working. Would come on and go off randomly; sometimes staying on after the car was turned off. The roof liner on both sides of the windhshield came off. The At 113k miles, Transmission failed AGAIN! Said Good-bye this morning to the Money-pit. Will never own another Volvo (my wifes 2002 S40 was the same story)

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  Bought it cheap! Best car Ive ever owned!!! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By timinsantafe - June 27 - 12:47 am

  Seems like if you have the T6 AWD your doomed from the beginning with transmission and electrical problems. I picked up a 2004 2.5 5-cylinder with 80,000 miles and a blown motor at my local Volvo dealer for $2000.00!! Volvo had just installed a new transmission in it about 2000 miles before I bought it under warranty. I Called LKQ and they delivered a fresh 40,000 mile engine to my front door for $800 including shipping! Before I dropped the engine in, I installed a new timing belt water pump and replaced all the oil and coolant seals. Took about 3 days of wrench spinning and I now have a perfect 1 owner 2004 XC90 2.5 AWD with 80,000 miles for about $3200!!

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  Volvo XC 90 DOnt buy one - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By SAB - June 21 - 5:53 pm

  First of all horrible mileage, 13.6 MPG average over 2 years. We had multiple problems with this SUV, loose front end, side frame supports needed adjustments. Needed new tires after only 20K miles ??? no warranty ?? I will say the dealer was very good about everything, even though it took them 4 tries to fix one of the main problems.

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  2016 XC90 T8 In Shop FOR 14 Days Today Owned for - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Mike Aiello - June 20 - 5:59 am

  We have experienced what appears to be a complete failure of the control systems of the 2016 XC90 T8. It started out with an SRS error and has become a complete reloading of all software, replacement of poor door lock module, AC water leak under the carpet and not a faulty connector. Been at the dealer service center for the past 14 days and is expected to be there for at least another week or so. DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE - Ask them about the software issues before you buy. You will find out the since the XC90 T8 for 2016 is a brand new vehicle, they are experiencing issues that they have to learn how to diagnose. If you want to be a guinea pig like us, buy. If not, wait of find something else. This is our first and last experience with Volvo ownership. Period.

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  Happy so far - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By rx - June 17 - 10:00 am

  vehicle is great. unfortunately, dealership did not live up to the quality of the XC-90. prone to door nicks - the side bumper strip does little to protect the body. performance is excellent when you realized it is not a barn burner. general quality was better than expected (0 defects).