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 SUV (When It WORKS) - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Dave H - October 10 - 8:49 pm

  When my wife and I leased this SUV, we fell in LOVE with it. The screen, controls, the safety features and even the gas mileage was great. We had it for 5 months and then the entire computer system went NUTS. Left me stranded in a parking lot without being able to start the car because the computer applied the parking brake and would not let go. Then the car only started the first try 70% of the time. It took some button pushing and resetting with the door locks the other 30% (NO IDEA WHY) Then the noises started. The dealer ended up replacing the entire front end and still noises persisted. It ended up being faulty transmission and engine mounts. To reiterate what another reviewer said, the dealer had to learn from Volvo Cars of America technicians how to work on the car. Our XC90 was in the shop for more than 2 months that we had it. We are now giving the car back to Volvo but if we were to keep it, it needs a software upgrade and the windows screech all the way down and up. I love the styling and honestly love the SUV, but it seems they need to work through many items to make this Car of the Year worthy.

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  Poor Reliability and Quality!!! Dont Waste Your Money!!! - 2013 Volvo XC90
  By sah2075 - September 14 - 6:12 am

  Volvo shouldnt even classify the 2013 XC90 in the midsize luxury SUV category, because it is a poorly designed and unreliable vehicle that is poorly manufactured. Issues I have had with my XC90: * Brakes- Squeal, rub, vibrate...dealer would not fix. * Starter went out...leaving me stranded in the middle of the highway * AC compressor went out * Loud rattles and clicking noises while driving * Leather seats get scratches on them easily from clothing rubbing against them * Back up warning alarm did not alarm at times * Blind spot indicator sensors would not work properly at times. * Third row seat is a waste, no adult will fit in it.

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  Do Not Buy This Car - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By jennelle - August 13 - 9:45 am

  Do not buy this car. I bought brand new from the Ontario dealer. I have had one problem after another. However, I only have 700 characters here. Most were minor but annoying since my closest dealer is 1 1/2 hrs away and they dont offer authorized repair anywhere but at a Volvo dealership. Now at just 60,000 miles the transmission and drive shaft have to be replaced to the tune of $5000+. If the dealer does the repairs is $8000 . And Volvo wont help one bit. Talking to my local mechanic and reading the blogs the Volvo SUV have had a lot of major mechanical problems. Do your research... do not buy a Volvo SUV you will be sorry.

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  Be Careful - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By zuomo - February 15 - 6:26 pm

  I guess you can say that Im retracting my original rating of 8.5. Since I posted it my XC-90 has been on the lift more than on the road. At 9k miles it needs a new transmission. Volvo is paying for it but after the dealer took apart the original one, only to find Volvo corp shipped the wrong replacment transmission. The vehicle also makes some annoying noises at hwy speed that they cannot seem to fix. I feel like a sucker. Never again! by the way they will NOT pro-rate powertrain warranty the additional 9k miles. Why did I even ask???

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  Run Away, Run Away! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By MickeyNY - January 7 - 5:33 am

  I shouldnt have been so quick on the purchase of this over-rated, over- priced baby SUV. The exterior lines of the vehicle are great, but the interior space, terrible design for the defroster (which left my interior windows frozen on several mornings and at one point didnt even work! Its a design flaw, Im told). My old s80 was just wonderful and carried me everywhere in quiet, effortless style. I had absolutely no problems with it. This thing is a loud, poorly put- together "luxury" vehicle that gets me 13 miles to the gallon in the city (better on HWY, of course). There is nothing wrong, Im told, but I still hate it and will be trading it back in this summer for another s80. Run Away!

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  Do NOT buy a Volvo - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Never again - January 5 - 9:23 pm

  My T6 is in the shop for a replacement transmission, now in order to get any warranty they say they must replace the DEFECTIVE radiator. The cost started out at an estimate of $4800 soon it will be over $7000? All of this at just over 100K miles. One should expect at least 150K miles from a car costing nearly $50K new. VOLVO has no Heart no soul and is not built well at all.

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  Poor Quality - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By John Connor - November 12 - 1:16 am

  Car is anything but advertised quiet luxury. Noisy blowers, airconditioner makes noise like 1960 aftermarket models. Interior design weak. Drivers seat restricted due to design of drive center. One of the poorest quality cars/trucks I have ever owned.

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  The global exie 90 is 1 of the most unsafe cars on - 2018 Volvo XC90
  By Crsig woodland - October 7 - 3:02 pm

  Volvos technology screen is horrible totally User unfriendly and makes driving extremely hazardous worse than texting. Navigation is totally unusable voicing unrecognizable. I knew more about the car then the dealership Working with them was extremely frustrating ready to pull my hair out!! MONMOUTH VOLVO

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  Not that great - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By jeff - September 24 - 1:43 pm

  Weve had to bring out car in several times already and its 4 months old. The heat was blowing hot and cold air which turned out to be a software problem. It was also making a very annoying whirring noise, which we were told was normal for rack and pinion steering. It finally went away after our last visit to the shop. Gas mileage is poor. Design on some of the dials arent to great since they have little faint light indcators which are impossible to read in the sun(the fan level indicator, e.g.) The trunk unlock feature is annoying, you cant just pop the trunk.

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  Over Rated - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By Carl - September 5 - 2:20 am

  We have owned this vehcile less than 60 days and have had to have the front right blinker light replaced( cracked at factory), have replaced the cam shaft value as it "popped off" leaving a large oily mess and the 90 portion of the XC90 emblem on the back had to be straightened as it was installed crooked at the factory. We are averaging 17 miles per gallon and this is FWD ! We did get a "good" deal based on the over $40K sticker price and final price of $36,250 with dealer cash and X plan discount. This is our first Volvo and may be our last. Traded our Infiniti and have had second thoughts many times.