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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  2016 XC 90 - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Ro Ta - February 18 - 2:08 am

  This car is very nice while it works. However there are way to many issues with it. Software issues are very common. I basically had to take it to the shop for two months straight. The most frustrating experience was just having the car flat out not start with plashing park (brake service warnings). This has happened like 4 times in 6 months. Not only did this happen on my current Volvo XC 90, I had the same exact 2016 prior to that, in which Volvo ended up buying back. Replaced that car, but the other day I was at the grocery store and boom Same message, car will not start and is currently needing to be towed back to the dealer. I would stay away from Volvo. While the car is super nice, when it works, it is just way to un reliable and has way to many issues. I mean, come on! Its a brand new car!

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  I hate myself for trading my Mercedes GL450 - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Dr. EA - January 5 - 5:40 am

  I thought Im buying a better car! I traded my confi and very reliable GL450 2010 for this piece of junk! Its definitely not worth $60K. The electronics are terrible, the panel control needs to be reprogrammed to make it user friendly, 9 month later I still struggle to maneuver it and Im techy savvy! The A/C is not reliable goes from silent to wind tunnel and we can barely hear each other in the car. This past summer the entire car blacked out during a trip on the highway, it was 108F outside and the near exit was 8 miles away...we melted, let alone the entire car was out power (no lights, radio, A/C etc.), only the engine was running! This happened 3 times so far! The panel also has tons of buggs and crashes very frequently. The brakes squeak! I took it to the dealer who are very helpful but was told the rotors are not available and are on back-order! several recalls so far cant count them!! I have a parking aid, the sensor doesnt work 9 out of 10!! I paid for it but dont use it!! The app has a starter that 9out 10 doesnt work and never starts the car!! totally unreliable!! Last thing, the trunk controls buttons (front and back) are extremely slow responders (it takes sometimes 3-5 seconds before they respond, which led to an accident, backed the car while the trunk was open thinking it was closed!! AVOID THIS CAR, until they fix it!!