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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  Better than expected - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By MKMVA - November 22 - 6:46 am

  When we purchased the XC90, we did not plan on moving and having to maintain 2 households 300 miles apart. We have already put 24k miles on our XC90 and have not had one problem. The fuel economy has been wonderful! Better than expected. Our navigation system has been a life saver in our new city. With 3 boys. We needed a comfortable and safe ride. This car has fit the bill.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By johng - November 8 - 7:03 pm

  This vehicle is our 5th Volvo. When we saw it on the showroom floor, after reading about it, we bought it. The safety,quality,performance and ride of a Volvo keep us coming back to it, even when we consider other similar vehicles on the market. The cargo space in this vehicle is excellent. Need I say more?

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  Dont Buy - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By MTG - November 7 - 6:56 pm

  I would not buy this vehicle again. Have replaced almost the entire suspension of the this vehicle and the transmission failed twice, once at 60K miles and again 6 months later. As other customers have said, the customer service was awful.

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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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  Bad Bad SUV. Frustrated - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Me - October 16 - 11:40 am

  I purchased the Volvo XC90 V8 due to the safety and convenience features. I have nothing but problems with the SUV. It stalls and is a hazard. Upon checking the internet, there are many purchasers that have had problems with the Volvo XC90. Next time I will stick to Toyota/Lexus. This Volvo is a headache. By the way, this is supposed to be my wifes SUV. She is 7 months pregnant. She will not be driving this vehicle! Another issue is the towing capacity. It is rated at 5000 pounds. This is with the driver only. Any passengers and cargo decreases this capacity rapidly. Also, it requires a transmission cooler and brake controller. The dealers wont install them.

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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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  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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  Mechanical Problems - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Steve - October 9 - 3:50 am

  I purchased the Volvo for its safety and value. During the 27 months I have owned it, there have been at least 10 recalls, the brake pads had to be replaced at 20,000 miles (and I had to pay for them even though I leased it with all maintenance included) AND the transmission was replaced at 37,000 miles. I cant wait until my lease is up!

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  xc90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By dennis cuocco - October 4 - 10:00 am

  The Volvo XC90 T6AWD is what a SUV ought to be. Comfort, performance, duribility and price coupled with excellent safety features far exceed what other manufactures can offer. You can spend a lot more money for a similar type of vehicle and you can not buy a much better SUV.

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  Volvo Experience - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Eric Burnette - September 30 - 5:30 am

  Quality construction, great reliability, excellent acceleration, eye catching design, only the Cayenne can compare (exterior design). Improve stereo sound quality (lacks richness and depth). Interior functionality (design, seats, storage, cupholders, tailgate) is genius, spartan in an exquisite sort of way. No wasted electronic frills, paint quality is superior, braking exceeds expectations. Lives up to the Volvo name and tradition.