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:

• 

  The judge is still out - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By lalal - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Fund car to drive and great looking . The worst gas mileage possible and a small gas tank to boot . Wipers ceased to function in the snow and the vovlo roadside is useless on weekends as the dealership is closed on Sunday ....

• 

  My favorite vehicle to date - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By mike - January 18 - 9:53 am

  This vehicle gives a great ride to both the driver and front seat passenger. The second row is great for medium- sized adults and children. As for the third row, I would say that only small children would be absolutely comfortable on a long trip (or a short one for that manner). I feel really good about the many safety features included in the vehicle and that is the main reason I bought it primarly for my wife to drive.

• 

  Finallly - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By TinCup - January 1 - 2:00 am

  After months of waiting with a deposit on a car I had never seen my XC90 finally arrived. The 2.5T AWD drives great. It has a high fun factor for an SUV of this size. Very verstile, very nice. The car gets a lot of attention on the road.

• 

  Volvo For Life-What a Joke - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By rmapro - December 30 - 4:03 pm

  The XC90 is my 7th Volvo & will be my last.At 60,000 mile service the check engine light came on & the dealer replaced the mass airflow sensor for $600.00. The next day after the repair, the check engine light came on again, the dealer told me the oil trap needed to be replaced, a $1200.00 repair. I found out from a Volvo mechanic that if the mass airflow sensor was bad, the XC90 would barely run, It was running fine when I brought it in. After finding out that Suburban Volvo charged me $60.00 higher then list price for the sensor. I contacted Volvo customer service & they told me that the dealer was independent & could charge what they wanted. She said Volvo would not help.

• 

  First and last Volvo - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By kyle - December 25 - 4:10 pm

  Great car for the first couple of weeks. Then it would not accelerate. It took four trips to the dealer, and me having to drive the car for them. They had to change the fuel tank, and pump. Lots of noises and clunks, that they cant fix.

• 

  Good Value for the Money - 2010 Volvo XC90
  By cabotcourt - October 27 - 11:10 pm

  I was apathetic about buying the XC90...too many of them on the road, until I saw the styling of the R-design package...definitely sets itself apart from the pack. The 5 year maintenance/wear and tear program and safety record was what ultimately sold me. Overall, very happy with the vehicle. Just wish it had better gas mileage. A few other minor annoyances like the brake pedal being too close to the gas pedal and the seats seem a bit narrow, but once you get used to these "quirks" they take a back seat to the overall value I think the vehicle offers.

• 

  xc90 work car - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Richard Fryman - October 14 - 10:20 am

  I bought it mostly for work and trips to Florida. So far a great car, plenty of get up and go. The spacious interior anddriver conforts were just what I was llooking for.

• 

  Volvo XC90 V8 - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By NHMan - September 24 - 1:33 pm

  Last vehicle was a 2004 Acura MDX. The XC90 has a better, with the V8, engine and transmission. Very comfortable with most of the controls in a good position. Only have 700 miles but have been averaging 19 mpg. Only driven it in the rain but the handling, while not sporty, is good. If you want a good overall SUV, this should be high on your list. Any BMW X5 will offer better handling and performance but doesnt have the cargo space.

• 

  mysterious noises, radio changes station - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By david carter - August 31 - 5:46 pm

  For $51K one would think that vibrational noises would be non existent. On wash board dirt roads or hitting a bump in the road just right there is a harsh rattle/thumping sound coming from the left suspension. This can be felt in the steering column.There is a disturbing wind noise from the right quarter panel area at 60 mi or above. There is a strange click sound from the tail gate that happens every few minutes, this even occurs when the car is still. Most frustrating is the radio and cd player change stations or tracks on its own. The car has 2000 mi on it,has been in the shop off and on for over a mo.and problems persists. Spoke to the owner today, not even an apology. Very disappointed

• 

  How Swede it is - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By SoCalVolvoowner - August 24 - 10:00 am

  In car-crazy Southern California, this stands out from all the rest. Color (a green metallic that I did not think Id like and actually love) wheels, and overall style all catch the eye of my freeway companions. Its pretty zippy, although for really fast get-up-and-go I wish Id sprung for the T6, but I dont eat as much gas in the T5 and its quick enough for most of my driving.