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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  Volvo is Swedish for "fill her up again" - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By navydocwv - July 23 - 6:06 pm

  I love my new 2008 XC90, but with only a V6, I thought I would get a little better gas mileage. I am averaging 13 MPG. (My guess is that it is such a safe and heavy car from all the steel in it.) I got better gas mileage in my V8 Dodge Durango which was a larger SUV. Other than the gas mileage, this car is cream of the crop and will turn heads. I got the Willow Green which is a great color.

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  Home Run for Volvo - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By AJAK - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this XC90 for my wife for its many safety features. Especially the Rollover/Stability control protection. We have been impressed with its build quality and good looks.

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  xc 90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By tetonvet - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Fun to drive. Great lines.

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  VOLVO Rocks - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By si900 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  First Ice storm in Colorado many vehicles slipping out of control including many other SUVs including vehicles listed in your report. Only two vehicles were able to ascend a hill both were VOLVOs XC 90 and XC 70. The Audi all wheel drive looked like it was on ice skates.

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  XC90 5 cylinder AWD - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By steveoh - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Solid, dependable and enjoyable to drive. The vehicle corners extremely well. The anti-roll feature see to that. I find the 5-cylinder turbo charged engine delivers all the power I need. The "car" is also very comfortable on long trips. Gas mileage: although rated at 24 highway and 18 city. I tend to get 21 on the highway and 15 around town.

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  Great Safety and Interior!! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Bob Savanh - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Got the vehicle in 08/2003, now has 6,500 miles. Tested the MDX, and Pilot before deciding on the XC90. I average 20.4 mpg combined city and highway. Today, I drove 130 miles with the cruise set @ 62.5mph and averaged 25.7 MPG for leg bumped to 70- 80MPH the rest of the 320 mile trip and averaged 24.5 mpg for entire leg (all highway). I wouldve opted for the AWD model if available because the torque is too much for FWD under hard acceleration.

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  its a "10" - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By mbatenic - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my 5th car and 4th SUV. By far the best one yet! It handles great in any weather, sand, or snow. Gas mileage is great even for city driving. The smaller turbo charged engine is suprisingly powerful, and has a very smooth ride. When test driving, the V5 engine was more smooth riding than the 6. A very good and wise choice!

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  A Car Freaks Truck - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Bruce Aufhammer - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I love this car/truck. Having owned far too many vehicles during my 40-plus years of driving, it amazes me to say this is my favorite. It handles superbly, accelerates from most speeds like a sports car (once you learn to push your foot through the fire wall to take full advantage of the turbo and transmission), and its ride is supple like a well-toned gymnast---muscular and lithe. Its load space and seating are very flexible; the stereo blows everyone who hears it away; the seats are comfortable for many hours; and its drop-dead handsome to most---always evoking a what IS that?

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  Thanks for giving the Customer the best - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By BillyBoyXC90 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  It is one of the few SUV that has three row seating. I disagree that it takes up to much of the second row, in fact you can move the second row seats up to give the third row more leg room which is only needed if you seat an adult in the third row. Another great feature is that unlike the Mercedes or BMW there is actually room behind the third row for bagagge, Bottomline is that the seating arangement is very versitile and better than any of the other SUVs we test drove (tested 9 different makes). This car has not only met our expectations but, exceeded it. You would be hard pressed to find a better all around SUV for a family.

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  Recent Purchase - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By keithschultz - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle over other suvs based on safety concerns and size. So far the vehicle has been great. Complaints are as follows: 1. Second row seats do not recline. 2. About 14 mpg overall 3. There is no compass. Positives: 1. Good interior design 2. Good engine response with little turbo lag. 3. Excellent handling for a vehicle of this weight 4. Excellent brakes. 5. Good sound system