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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  Medicore SUV - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By Midoles0621 - January 13 - 4:48 pm

  This Volvo is an average SUV . Nothing special , some materials are hard ( rest hand , etc. ) . The ride is very hard .

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  VOLVO XC90 - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By SLMCPA - December 2 - 2:00 am

  NICE SOLID DRIVING CAR, BUT DISSAPPOINTING OVERALL. I HAVE HAD TO TAKE THE CAR BACK FOR WARRANTY WORK NEARLY EVERY OTHER WEEK. TIRES WERE WORN OUT AT 10,000 MILES. SEATS DROP ALL MEMORY IF MORE THAN ONE DRIVER USES THE SAME KEYLESS ENTRY. FIELD OF VISION ON THE SIDE AND SIDE VIEW MIRRORS IS VERY BAD. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL NEAR MISSES. WE HAVE THE THIRD ROW SEATING OPTION AND THE INTERIOR FEELS VERY CRAMPED IN ALL THREE ROWS. RUBBER GASKET UNDER ROOF RACK IN THE FRONT MADE A TERRIBLE HUMMING NOISE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED.

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  Own it 1 week, at service shop twice! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By fromny2la - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Looks beautiful and hopefully is safe, but had to bring it back twice within four days of purchase. Makes loud swooshing whistling noise upon stepping off gas pedal. Per the dealership, they are aware of this and are working on a "fix." Alignment is off completely. Service couldnt find anything yet car still veers completely to the left. Car shakes if you go over 60 mph. Was told by a good friend that she know three other people with similar problems.

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  NOT BAD BUT NEEDS WORK - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Robert B. - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Comfort level is high in the front but diminisshes as you go rearward. Not really large enough to have 3rd row. After 3000 miles I feel as though the vehicle is definately lacking in size and performance even with the T6. The shifting from 1st to 2nd gear under high acceleration is horrible but, it handles very well. I have the running boards and they will tarnish your pant legs in bad weather. The sound system is very well thought out and sounds great. The same goes fr the seat heaters which work wonderfully. I must admit though I am still upset that Volvo hasnt followed up with the entertainment system for the vehicle.

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  From one car guy to another - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Jeff V - September 28 - 3:35 pm

  This is a really great SUV. Classic Styling, spacious and well appointed interior and just the right amount of prestige. And then you look more closely. I really want to love this car and, truthfully, I just got done telling my wife that its been a good car for us. Nearly 10 years and 115,000 miles without any real problems. I mean, the transmission has slipped or done mildly sporadic shifting a couple dozen time throughout owning the car but were one of the lucky few whos transmission hasnt failed them (do lots of research on the transmissions around 2004-2007). Weve been diligent about regularly scheduled service (which is not inexpensive at all) but have not had any major surprises or mechanical issues. Still, It looks great, has a ton of conveniences and is very comfortable so I really wish I loved it more than I actually have. In the end, its a small taste of luxury but upon closer look its built with low quality parts that scratch, break or rattle more than they should. It drives as though its twice the size and twice the [already heavy] weight. Pot holes are jarring and it eats through tires (AWD) and brakes faster than my 5 yr. old crushes a juice box. Did this car treat me well? Absolutely. Would I buy this again? If it was brand new and I was paying with someone elses money. Sincerely, The hypercritical, undecided Dude

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  $50000 Lemons with multiple recalls - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Angela O. - September 28 - 2:30 am

  Purchased for safety and reliability of Volvo. Mistake! Wonderful for the first 2 1/2 yr even with multiple recalls, then at 56k mi the problems started. Over last 12 mths I have spent over $4000 on repairs including 4 tire replacement (not the cheap ones!)twice within 10k mi and brake repacement twice within 8k mi. Now AWD is not functioning and the battery goes dead due to malfuctioning module. I am told that I must replace at my expense the AWD module and brake module for approx $3000-$4000! Cmon Volvo thats not normal wear-n- tear...thats a recall! No more Volvos for me!

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  First and LAST! DO NOT BUY - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Sarah McCarthy - September 27 - 2:20 am

  I purchased this vehicle and within 60 days these were replaced: blower motor, locking mechanism on fuel door, entire rear differential, front rotars and Brakes, latches on 3rd row seats, 2 wheel bearings, and 4 new tires. I am very sad because I LOVED how it looked and felt- but it literally is falling apart underneath me. I will never purchase another Volvo XC90 and wouldnt recommend it to anyone.

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  Needs a model refresh... - 2011 Volvo XC90
  By jdoria - July 20 - 8:17 am

  I bought one of these solely based on its price when compared to the competitors. With the included 5 years of service, it cant be beat. This one came with every option, BLIS, Xenon, DVDs, Navigation, etc. The Navigation is something I would skip if I had to do this again. I have other cars with easier to use systems. I serves our needs at a "just-good-enough" rating. Its the only car I own that still has a "key". (no proximity token with push button start)

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  I want to love you - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Vol fan - June 14 - 9:20 am

  I really want to love my 2016 XC90 momentum. A great looking car. I have 25,000 miles on the vehicle in less than 1 year of ownership. We have been in the shop for a total of 2 weeks to fix Sensus which boots and reboots. Navigation that stops. Loud clicking noises every time you turn, stop and go. Fealership replaced wheel bearings but still have the clicking issue and now the ride is horrible even after new tires etc.. as the vehicle shakes, rattles and rolls. I just took a very painful 8 hour family trip to Disney and now I am looking for my next vehicle. Pros. Good gas mileage, great interior layout with useable 3rd row seat. Love Sensus when it works. If the clicking could stop and the vehicle rode smooth like it did when first purchased then I would love it.

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  Bring your checkbook - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By letsrole - May 24 - 9:56 am

  I purchased this vehicle used with 107,000 miles. I should have checked Edmunds reviews 1st. At 117,000 miles, just like previous reviews - transmission problems. Cost for replacement, $6,000 and only a one year warranty.