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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  Scandinavian Delivery - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By bobliles - September 22 - 1:33 am

  We picked up the car at the Volvo delivery center in Goteberg, Sweden and drove to Oslo, Lillehammer, over the mountains to Balestrand, back through Sweden, Karlstad, Stockholm, Kalmar. Climbing the mountains was no effort for the V8 and was unaffected by the altitude. We drove 1700 miles in ten days. The only challenge was parking in an Oslo underground garage meant for the dimunitive European vehicles. Mileage for trip was 23.8 mpg which is excellent considering the mountain and in city driving. But minimum octane in Norway/Sweden was 95. Ive been a Honda/Acura owner for 30 years. Owned an MDX and test drove a new MDX recently. The Volvo XC90 is the ultimate.

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  Good All Weather Performer - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By FlagstaffMeg - September 18 - 10:00 am

  The XC 90 is a reliable powerhouse especially when negotiating mountainous curves. Although, it cant compare to the handling capabilities of the original 1998 XC 70. That was a great vehicle! The XC 90 interior is very nice and comfortable as well as aesthically pleasing. The exterior is described as "cute" by most of my friends. My XC 90 is black with tan interior and custum wheels. I think it looks flashy in an understated way. It turns heads.

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  SUV to Strongly Consider - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Xopher_02467 - September 16 - 6:23 am

  Weve looked at every mid to large sized SUV over the last couple of years, waiting for one to come along that was extraordinarily safe; of high quality design and build; and with three rows of seats. The XC90 fits the bill perfectly. The 3rd row is usable by almost everyone - kid and adults alike, and when stored the cargo area is large. The SUV drives like a car, and you feel completely in control at all times, even during our nasty winter weather. All in all probably my favorite car Ive ever owned.

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  Finally Got One - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Kirk Frady - September 9 - 10:00 am

  After 6 long months of waiting, we finally got our XC-90(2004 Model). Overall, its all the car we expected it to be and then some. The leather seats are extremely comfortable and provide adequate lumbar and under the knee support. The XC-90 handles more like a sports sedan than an SUV and takes the bumps well. Lots of safety features. Awesome vehicle. Having said all that, the XC-90 does have some minor drawbacks. First off, our Volvo dealer wasnt willing to budge on the sticker price, period. What you see is what you get. First time weve ever had to pay sticker on a car. Bottom line is....get one if you can.

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  Love it! - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By chunka Smith - September 7 - 10:49 am

  This is our second XC90 and we love it more than the first!

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  Bought Back as a Lemon by Volvo - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By MEK - August 29 - 7:40 pm

  This car gave me problems almost every time I drove it. The car was a lemon and was bought back by the manufacturer. The list of things wrong with it is dozens of items long. Many of the problems were an inconvenience, but several of them actually made the car dangerous to drive. Volvo should be ashamed of themselves for releasing this model before all the bugs were worked out. The collision mitigation system was erroneously triggered on several occasions, which means that the car braked itself to a full stop while I was driving at speed and there was no accident imminent, the belt pulled me back into the driver seat and alarm bells went off, as well as the HUD flashed red lights. That was only ONE of MANY things that went wrong in the car. All of this with less than 3K miles. I will avoid Volvo at all cost for the rest of my life.

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  The XC-90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By buffpru - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I have driven Jeep Grand Cherokees for several years and was very accustomed to their ride. In comparison, the Volvo drives and rides like a regular car and not like a SUV. I have also been impressed with the performance and Volovs attention to detail. This is a fun car to drive and own.

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  Volvo is a Chinese owned nightmare. - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By jsh - August 27 - 12:00 pm

  This car is a beautiful car,, with extremely poor reliability, dont buy this car it makes range rover look low maintenance. from day one its been in the shop, belts brakes. Chineses software is crap.

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  The Best SUV Ive Owned - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Robb Arnst - August 25 - 5:23 pm

  This is the best SUV that Ive owned. Previously I drove a 2000 Mercedes ML320, and the Volvo rides much better, more like a car than an SUV. It has a good solid feel to it. Im 64" tall, and I find the seats very comfortable. The rear seat leg room is good, and the third row seats can actually be used by an adult. Power from 2.5L engine is adequate, but it doesnt have as much pep as my Mercedes, which I miss. If you want more power get the V8 version. Ive been getting about 20 mpg on the highway. The winter driving mode with the AWD is a nice feature. I drove home in a substantial snow storm with no problems. I looked at a lot of vehicles, and this is the best!

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  The Best Family Midsize SUV - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Chad Dimatulac - August 14 - 2:23 pm

  After having a new baby, my wife and I went looking for a better SUV with 3rd row seating. We had looked at Land Rover LR3 and Lexus GX470 but we settled with the Volvo XC90. Besides the excellent safety features of XC90 that my wife had strongly leaned-on, it had better gas mileage 17 city-23 hiway, smartly engineered 3rd row seating setup/folddown, middle seat booster conversion feature, premium sound, wider screen DVD (8.5in), ULEV-2 engine, and a luxurious ride. This is an all-weather and light off-roading vehicle with luxury that is more fitting to a family. The way this SUV is built - its a best buy for a reasonable price. But then there really is no price for safety for your family.