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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  First 1000 miles - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By nicksal - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Traded a 2000 Suburban on the XC90. Clearly a fantastic vehicle. My wife and I have enjoyed every mile so far. Our 3 children 7,4 and 3 are very comfortable without any compromise. No matter where we are, people stop and look at the car, often being complimentary. I recommend this car over a Suburban or an Expedition based on personal experience.

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  Dont buy 6 cyl FWD - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By RonP - March 31 - 9:10 am

  We bought the XC90 3.2ltr FWD 7 passenger for its comfort and versatility when the grandkids visit. We thought the inline 6 cyl would get decent gas mileage, at least better than the Explorer we had. Wrong! In town we are only getting 12-13 mpg as opposed to advertised 18. Highway 22 mpg about what expected. The 6 cyl is significantly underpowered - having to downshift constantly. Also the car has the most unintuitive controls, i.e., washer/wipers, door locks, headlight controls Ive ever seen! Must be Swedish logic! It is a comfortable ride however for a mid-sized SUV.

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  We love our new xc90 - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By Susan MacPherson - March 29 - 5:21 pm

  We owned a 2007 xc90 and just updated it to a 2017. We love all the new features- it is more luxurious and has added conveniences than the older model. But it still has all the aspects we liked in the previous one. We feel great about the purchase.

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  good suv - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By nac - March 27 - 10:00 am

  impressed with fit and finish . I am not really into sound systems but truely and excellent sound system ( no tape just cd ). Lag of turbo takes alittle getting use to and view outside (sideview) not great .Very solid ride especially in the rain and very easy to fold and adjust seats. Climate controls alittle awkward but work well. Needs more center storage in front ( very good storage in back ) compared to acura mdx, i am sure the engine in the acura is better but the material inside the acura are cheesey and overall the folddown split rear seat is much nicer. Acura dealer in this area was rude to say the least.

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  2.5T XC90 AWD Versatility, Climate - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By john_helen - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I love my truck. I have used it to haul 7 passengers and I have used ith with everything but the drivers seat flat to move cargo. Driving the XC90 inpsires confidence. The SUV feels nailed to the road and does not suffer from the tippy feeling of other SUVs. It also doesnt feel as big as it acutally is. Very easy to handle. The safety features were a huge selling point as this is primarily a family hauler. But it also was just plain fun for Dad to drive. More character then the MDX and mouch more value for your dollar then the Lexus GX. The X5 is more of a drivers car, but offered none of the versatility of the XC90.

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  Love those Volvos - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Rosey - March 18 - 7:43 am

  This XC90 is my third Volvo. I bought a new 1993 850 and put 200,000 miles on it without issue and sold it for what I thought was good money; $7500. I then bought a Lexus LS 400, which was beautiful but I just didnt feel as safe in it as the Volvo. I also spent much more servicing the Lexus. So, I bought a 1999 S80. I loved that car until my job determined I needed more space for samples. So, I bought a 2003 Ford Expedition... What was I thinking... Huge... Huge gas bills... after 10,000 miles... it was a truck... Why did I ever think Id be anything but a Volvo man for life. Volvo, you keep building them and Ill keep buying them. Im crazy about my XC90!

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  2004 Volvo XC90 Transmission Issues - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By FIOSWA - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I have an 04 Volvo XC90 and had the bad experience of the Transmission Service Urgent light coming on and the vehicle putting itself into "limp mode" to stop further damage. Of all the blogs I read after this happened, most of them had negative outcomes as far as support from Volvo. I had a great experience and wanted to share that Volvo covered 100% of my damages. I am getting a new transmission, new radiator and new lines installed. I called Volvos customer service line. I was assigned a customer care rep that was extremely pleasant and helpful. She worked with the Volvo dealer and I had a response in 2 hours of the 100% coverage including the diagnostic fee. Volvo: 1-800-458-1552

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  You Might Get Lucky ! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By AJ - March 12 - 2:00 am

  My 2005 XC 90 is reliable most of the time but, when something goes wrong cross your fingers you have warrenty. Its well built to a point. Of all the suvs Ive had. (Yukon,Envoy,Range Rover,and Audi Q7) I rather own a Volvo. It still needs to be a better drivers car. Some more handling upgrades needed. Just dont ever purchase a Range Rover!

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  Two Months In Service - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Peppers - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The exterior styling is the best of all SUVs. The interior styling is equal to other luxury SUVs. Seat comfort is high, but the ride could be softer. Fuel economy is adequate for its size and class (19mpg city and 24mpg highway). The functionality is exceptional.

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  Not Bad - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Moliner - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I wanted something to pull a boat, but I prefer the ride of a sedan. The XC90 is my compromise. I found it to be the most attractive outside and in, with good attention to detail. Great sound system. I chose the 2.5T, to get some decent gas mileage. Im getting the low end of the MPG rating, but plenty of get up and go for most applications. A couple of recalls, for relatively minor issues. Overall, a good looking and driving car. I assume it is among the safest, but have no experience to prove it (fortunately).