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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  Love this truck - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Xavier - May 21 - 6:30 am

  I bought this car in January and what a treat to drive. Rides smoothly, it is super comfortable and it is super quiet on the highway. Mileage on the highway is phenomenal (better than my 4cyl Nissan Altima - not as good in the City but as good as a 6 cylinder sedan. The interior is better than most SUVs - far better than the X5 and the Cayenne. Test drive and compare - you will not be disappointed. Great value for the money.

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  Loving our safe and thrifty hybrid T8! - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Franck - May 20 - 10:19 pm

  We already have a 2008 Volvo , which has been reliable and comfortable. So we had no qualms about purchasing such an upscale Volvo. The car is a joy to drive - the interior is an oasis of quiet refinement. We read reviews before road testing, so were anxious to try this SUV with and without the air suspension. I must say, the ride quality and auto lowering for ingress and egress with the air suspension are fantastic. We watched Youtube crash videos of the new XC90 and its competitors and came away convinced of Volvos class-leading safety. The new XC90 is packed with technology to improve safety and creature comforts, thus it took several weeks to learn all of our cars features.

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  No fun - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By wsa10 - May 19 - 3:26 pm

  I leased a 2007 AWD 3.2 Volvo XC90 in August of 2006. I am so glad that I chose a 24 month lease as opposed to a 36 month lease. We have 2 more payments to go, and cant wait to get out of this car. I knew the car wasnt all that fun to drive, but was surprised that it would be as unreliable as it has been.

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  T5 Test Drive - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By dkrill - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful car with great engine, much better than T6 (too squishy on accel). Safety is priority, XC90 is tops. Layout excellent, as well. Neat tailgate/hatch feature. Very comfortable seating, better passenger comfort than many minivans/SUVs. Nice dash layout. Step bar/running board useless, though. Too hard to step over and into car; gets clothing dirty, especially in winter. Better off with aftermarket step. European pick-up is steal of century. ~$275 FOR TWO FOR FIVE NIGHTS, INCLUDING AIRFARE, HOTEL AND SHIPPING OF CAR. Price is same as US delivery, from what Ive found out so far.

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  Good Deal for the Money - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By RD - May 14 - 4:13 am

  We came out of a BMW X5 4.4 and couldnt be happier. Performance is the same, ride is sporty but not as stiff; we pretty much got this thing loaded and got a free Garmin Nav unit as well. Ended up with the V8 because we didnt feel the 6 cyl could do the job. Fuel economy in 600 miles of in- town driving around 16.5 mpg; pretty good for a heavy car. The biggest thing for us was keeping the same size SUV and getting more interior room and with the 3rd seat down, there is plenty for her and the babys stuff. We got ours at the end of the month and after negotiating, they practically gave this thing away. Get the Executive pack with different leather and the blindspot info deal; worth it.

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  Overengineered, Overpriced, Unreliable - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Karen - May 14 - 3:40 am

  After 2 years of owning an XC90, we decided to sell it -- while we still could. On average, our car was in the shop for service every 3 months. Small, annoying things were always going wrong and they were generally related to the electrical system/computer malfunctioning. Additionally, in two years, the car had over 16 recall items -- many safety related. Also, for a mid-size SUV, the gas mileage was terrible. Anyone for whom reliability is a priority should steer clear and drive directly to the nearest Acura dealership.

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  Finaly a cool Volvo! - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Sickpuppy - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I think this is a fine automobile, By far the best SUV I have ever driven. Its slightly under powered but handles beautifully. Interior design is really good and ergonomic.

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  Cramped Interior Space - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By JJ - May 13 - 12:00 am

  Nice quality materials...my wife loves it but she is 53" tall and 110 lbs me on the other hand I am 61" 215lbs I find the interior way to cramped especially for knee room...the ride is nice but I feel like Im sliding off the seat due to poor side bolstering...the 2004 seats were better than the latest versions which changed in 2005...bad choice.

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  Just excellent. - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By odb - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Simply fantastic.had driven it for six months now, got nothing to complain about.hope to keep it for a long , long time.

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  Love it! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Debra - May 9 - 3:06 am

  This is a fantastic vehicle. The cargo room of an SUV and the performance of a sport sedan. Solid, heavy, and safe. A blast to drive. Acceleration at highway speeds is pretty impressive. Looks great, too.