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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  This car was NOT ready for prime time - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By MrMan - February 21 - 12:31 am

  I was one of the first to take delivery of the 2016 model (non-first edition). The car is great if you are just taking it for a short test drive. All of those glowing reviews.... Were from reviewers that took it on a few hour test drive. Actually owning the car was a different story. Mine leaked twice, and after a long, drawn out, months and months long story, it was lemond and I got into a Q7, which is far and away a better vehicle. Its not even close. And the leaking wasnt the only problem that I had. For the first several months that I owned the vehicle, my car spent more than 30 days in the shop. The support from VCNA and the dealers is just awful. I could literally go on and on for pages about my experience, but Ill just leave it at that.

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  A little disappointing - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By Mr. Phillips - October 31 - 10:47 am

  Thought the newly redesigned SC-90 would come out as a classy car. Unfortunately, the Chinese influence has taken over. Too much cost cutting in poor quality materials. In the past the quality of steel used in Volvos were second to none. Today, can not say the same. Ride is comfortable, yet quality better in other equivalents. Hopefully, once they begin assemble in Charleston SC, overall quality will improve to compete against BMW. Not yet there. However, in this case looks are deceiving. As for performance, a gas guzzler for the size and type. Do not waste your money or patiently wait.

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  Volvo converted me to Audi - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Robert Stuart - October 20 - 9:26 pm

  Over 1/2 the cars weve owned have been Volvo...This one will change that. This has had constant noise in the form of clunks, squeals and rattles. There is always an error light or message on and weve spent a small fortune on parts. Im a certified ASE mechanic and do all my own work but this has been a challenge. New rack and pinion, new exhaust, new struts, new springs, new tie rod ends, new radiator, new pulleys and new tires every 15K. This thing cant keep tires or brakes! The gas mileage is great, the power wonderful but everything else failed. The stereo is substandard and no one will touch it for aftermarket because of Volvos proprietary computers. The mirror trim has fallen off, the light dimmer/turn signal indicator fell off, windows get stuck. In short, this has left my wife stranded more then any vehicle shes owned. Tried to talk with dealership about issues but they create even more...worst dealer weve ever worked with. Tried to talk with Volvo and they didnt care. You can get a lemon but when the dealer and the manufacture wont help and in fact, exasperate the situation, it tells you its time to move on. Were shopping for two new vehicles and wouldnt consider owning another Volvo. At this time, Audi looks best and seems to have the best customer support.

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  Worst SUV I have ever purchased - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Janeen - December 6 - 10:00 am

  So many problems with my XC90. Volvo sent this SUV out and did not finish putting it together. The carpet fell down in the front seat, outside window trim was not attached, numerous problems with the braking system-very loud noise, exhaust was entering car, Anti skid warning light kept coming on, When unlocking the front door the trim around the lock came off, made repeated trips to dealership and they said they fixed it and they did not. Cant wait to get rid of this SUV!

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  I hate this car - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By mbj1227@gmail.com - May 10 - 5:44 pm

  I ordered this car last May and took delivery in January. Since then it has been in the shop 12 days for a myriad of ailments. "Hybrid System Failure" warning had it in the shop 8 days. Parking brake failure and alarm had it in the shop 4 days. The touch screen cuts in and out while driving, sometimes the windows wont roll down, it wouldnt shut off once. Lots of electrical glitches. The battery charge never charges more than 18 miles on the screen, but in reality the battery range is about 7-10 miles if that. The gas tank is too small so I have to fill the tank each week even with the battery. The interior is not well laid out - no storage space and the glove compartment barely holds my bottle of Advil. I bought this car for a family vehicle but it is far from being family friendly. It is not easy to move the seats up and down, not enough cup holders... DO NOT BUY THIS CAR.

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  unreliable - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By John James - January 22 - 7:53 pm

  We purchased this vehicle new and it has been towed twice, once because the powersteering went out and the other due to severe violent vibration. The vehicle has 28,000 miles on it and has had sporadic vibration problems since 8 months after purchase(has been evaluated 6 times and vibration returns).The electrical system has caused the doors and rear hatch to lock up.The engine was repaired because of a malfunction.The luggage rack vibrated loudly when driven on highways until 3 repairs alleviated the problem.

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  I was Robbed! - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By Biggirl7 - October 2 - 7:00 am

  I had alway want a Volvo. Well I bought this Volvo XC-90, Jan 2008. I was robbed. This car has been in the service dept ten times in one month. Plus still not fixed right yet! Maintenance plan is not worth the money if dealership cant fix my Volvo. My parking assist has not worked right yet! It comes up after I am finish parking. Plus side bar on SUV are too high for ladies. I thought I wanted this Volvo, but now I would gave it away for a good BMW. Other bad things with this car is too tight up front, very uncomfortable. After paying 50k for it, gas is about high as the car! This car is not worth the money. I wish I had BMW! Dont believe Volvo.

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  The worst car Ive ever had - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By universaltaste - September 15 - 4:19 pm

  We have a 2004 Volvo XC90 that required our transmission replace 22 months ago with a 4K bill attached to it, then just last week had to have it towed in again. The first time we did not have our vehicle for 3 weeks, and now again one week has passed already. They claim fluid leaked causing severe damage to the car and now the transmission not only needs to be replaced again, but also the radiator, axle shaft, oil cooler, oil line and a host of others to the tune of $7331.90. The car currently has 122K miles, and the last time the transmission was replaced is was well under 100K miles. The dealer has even told me over the phone this fluid leaking a “known problem

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  XC90 Inscription Pit Crew - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By J E Clarke - September 5 - 8:18 pm

  If you have a desire to be part of the Volvo pit crew, purchase yourself an XC90 Hybrid Inscription. We received delivery of the first one in our city just over a year ago, and its been back to the dealer 7 times, receiving software updates for bugs 5 times. Volvo needs to get the electronics working in this car, really disappointing.

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  Major Safety Issue - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By Phil - March 10 - 3:04 pm

  On 7 different occasions, my new XC90 automatically and aggressively braked the car while I was driving on a highway because the City Safety collision avoidance system sensed that I was about to get into a head-on collision but there was never a car or object in front of me. The collision avoidance system is defective and brakes the car for no reason. Every time it happened I was driving on a highway and its a miracle that I didnt get rear ended. Volvo was completely unhelpful in figuring out what was wrong. My car was in the service department for 60 out of the first 100 days that I owned it. Volvo kept telling me that they couldnt recreate the problem so there was nothing they could do. The service department at Volvo of White Plains was beyond unhelpful. They were flat out rude and dismissive of my concerns. After several months of this problem, I went on the NHTSA website and found that several other people have reported the same problem. I then had to file the vehicle as a lemon under my state lemon laws. Volvo eventually repurchased the vehicle. This was the worst experience that Ive ever had with a manufacturer. They never once took me seriously even though the car had a major safety problem and several other people have had the same complaint. I bought this car because I thought Volvo made the safest cars. I made a big mistake. Think twice before you buy this car.