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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  Oh my god what a POS - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Jim - May 21 - 6:25 pm

  Consumer reports and Edmunds have this SUV totally wrong. In 9 months its been in the shop 5 times, and has had 4 recalls and almost got me killed twice from safety installed technology features. The software crashes more that a PC in the 90s. Glitches in the software caused the entire dashboard and ipad system to go down when I was on the highway doing 70, then it locks up and wont go more than 30 miles and hour about getting me killed, has to towed in, takes 3 three days to get back and there only answer is we fixed it by updating the software?? Next the active collision system keep going of when car that are in the lane beside me slow down forcing my XC90 to abruptly break getting me almost rammed from behind 4 times. The brakes have been recalled and the transmission started locking up. entertainment system goes down and want respond almost every day and there is a delay in the car staring. After 18000 miles the belts had to be replaced from fraying... This is a piece of software digital crap read reviews of this car from people who own. The technicians have no idea and it takes weeks to get parts. Im begging you if you have children dont by this car,,, its dangerous..Volvo is owned by company out of China and has all the quality of a product you would expect out of that country. They may not MFG it there but its got that money first quality maybe mentality

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  Edmunds Helped Me Make The Right Choice - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Diane - May 20 - 6:56 am

  I did my research before buying our 2007 Volvo XC90. Needed an AWD and wanted a safe and roomy ride for our grandchild. Edmunds really helped in the process of elimination and we are so happy we chose (and found) a Volvo. Thanks!

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  Awesome vehicle - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By KIKI - May 19 - 10:53 am

  I am a 65 year old grandmother and feel really good driving my grandchildren around in this safe vehicle. This is the 6th volvo my immediate family has owned. We love them and "drive them until the wheels fall off." Before this 2005 xc90 my last volvo was a 1997 960. It was awesome too.

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  Fabulous vehicle! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Mark 4 - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, luxurious feel. Safety system is A+++++. Exterior is very unique, doesnt look like every other midsize SUV. Highly recommend this vehicle.

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  What A Joke - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By David - May 9 - 2:33 pm

  I purchased the Volvo XC90 for safety and reliability. The air conditioner has died three times, the engine blew up when the service department turned off the service light, leather seat split at the seams at 80,000 miles, font head lights faded and had to be replaced at 60,000 miles. There are no after market parts, Volvo stands behind its product as little as possible and charges $1,000.00 for just about everything. Even the key broke and thy charged $300 for a new one.

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  Volvo XC90 - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By chogan01 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Nice car thus far reliable. Gas mileage on the lower end of its suugested performance

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  Boston Snow Storm - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By JAB111 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because of the third row seat, Volvo saftey and the great experience we have had owning previous Volvos. But in the snow storm over the past weekend, I was amazed at how well the XC90 handled the 24 inches of snow. It went everywhere with no problems.

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  Finger Nail Across the Blackboard! - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Jerry L. - April 5 - 1:47 am

  before i bought this car, i did a lot of research, and test drove every car in its class. on paper this car has the most standard feature among all of the same vehicle in its class for the price hands down. but soon after i got the car, i start hearing break noises...... now i am driving a loaner car for the fourth time! every time so far has been with the same issue.... noisy breaks. perhaps this problem isnt as serious as those electronic failure or engine and transmission issues, but for a new car that i have driven for less than half a year(it has literally been at the dealer ship for about 28 days for repair total i kid you not! the previous time i sent it in for breaks and they fried the turn signal module while doing software update, i waited over 3 weeks for that one time since the parts come from abroad). if you ever drive on the freeway and hear loud squeaky breaks and try to look for that semi but then realize that it was you then you would know how it feels. i have told Volvo and the dealership that this will the last time i am fixing this issue. if they still cannot fix it i would need to end the lease. Volvo and the dealership have been nice so far, the reason i didnt say helpful because my issue has not been fixed. my suggestion for those of you considering this car is wait until the 2018 model, heck i dont think they have fix the break issue for the 2017s. i also wish that those of you that have gotten the vehicle do not experience what i have experienced, it is beyond annoying and frustrating.

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  great SUV! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By xc90 lover - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased my XC90 about 2 weeks ago and I couldnt be happier. The ride is smooth and very comfortable. It was a toss up between the Acura MDX or the XC90 and what was the desiding factor was the feel of the road while I was driving. I could manuver my volvo very easily.

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  axle glue - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By VULCAN - April 3 - 2:00 am

  both front axles had to be repaired by adding cement grease(thats what dealer called it). This stopped vibration of axle in both front wheels. Also a spring had to be applied to emergency brake to keep it from rubbing.