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 XC90 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By David - March 6 - 6:10 pm

  So far a great SUV. I just logged 27,600 miles and no problems.

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  Nice! - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Nice! - March 5 - 7:33 pm

  Just bought the XC90. Last car was the Acura MDX. Really enjoying the Volvo but do miss some of the nooks and crannies of the MDX for eye glasses, cell phones, loose change etc. Would also say the Acura had more of a luxurious feel on the inside. But, putting those things aside, the Volvo drives like a dream, definitely a tighter ride and handles better than the MDX and the interior is still very very nice.

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  Gas Guzzler and Computer Problems - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By alex - February 28 - 2:23 pm

  Bought this used/certified car with only 20,000 miles. After 1 1/2 months, the system computer breaks down with a message that the braking system and SRS had conked out. Had the car towed to dealership. Service people said its a minor computer glitch. OK. Guess what, same problem happened again 8 times for the next 18 months, everytime had the car towed and all the inconveniences. Had the car for only 18 months and have already replaced tires, steering rod and lots of other things. Had it serviced for 30,000 miles and cost was $1,100. Overall city mileage was 11 mpg, highway about 16. With premium gas prices at $3.30/gal, this car is more expensive than sending a child to college.

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  Be Careful - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By zuomo - February 15 - 6:26 pm

  I guess you can say that Im retracting my original rating of 8.5. Since I posted it my XC-90 has been on the lift more than on the road. At 9k miles it needs a new transmission. Volvo is paying for it but after the dealer took apart the original one, only to find Volvo corp shipped the wrong replacment transmission. The vehicle also makes some annoying noises at hwy speed that they cannot seem to fix. I feel like a sucker. Never again! by the way they will NOT pro-rate powertrain warranty the additional 9k miles. Why did I even ask???

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  Great SUV - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Jon - February 15 - 4:26 am

  I just purchased my XC 90 and so far really like it. I am 64 and looked at all SUVs. I wanted the Highlander until I drove it, I love Toyota but my leg continuously went to sleep. We have a 95 850 which has been a great car. This SUV will fit those of you that are tall and short (wife is 52). I had a V8 truck and went to the smaller motor and really like it

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  Cant wait to get out of this car - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Andrew M. - February 11 - 12:02 am

  This is our second XC90 since February of this year. The first was back at the dealer so many times with various software issues that Volvo of North America bought out the lease and got us an identical 2016. The second vehicle has been equally disastrous. Brake problems at 3,000 miles (rotors and pads, front and back), defective auto stop, battery charge issues, recalls, suspension squeaking -- need I say more? 128 Volvo has been very accommodating on both the sales and service end and I have now filed a complaint with Volvo of North America to end the lease. Such a shame, as the car is gorgeous and drives sweet when I have it. The computer system is confusing to say the least and the climate control goes from no air at all to a veritable Swedish wind tunnel. We had an XC60 for years with never a problem. Im chomping at the bit to get out of this vehicle.

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  AR1 - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Andres Rojo - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Great riding, flexible cargo space, comfortable to sleep in long trips (comment from my son Francisco, frequet passenger).

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  excellent choice - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By kevkev - February 7 - 10:00 am

  just got the car and its great, considered the ml350, aviator, and discovery. The volvo was the best bet all around. It is the Safest suv on the road, best gas mileage of the ones we tested, unique look while still be functional.

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  XC90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By JamesXC90 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Love this car! For an SUV, the 5 cylinder gets decent mileage and has good performance. We used it to tow a car cross country and had no problems with it. Its a great 5-seat SUV, but roomy enough for 7 when you need to bring friends or family along.

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  Slick SUV by Volvo - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Ted Lenno - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. More than enough power, interior and exterior is beautiful Handling a dream. Quality is untouched by any. Safest vehicle on road today.