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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Disappointing Quality - 2005 Volvo XC90
By RG - December 21 - 4:33 pmWeve always wanted to have Volvo and finally weve saved enough to buy one. What a disappointment! In the past 6 months we have to bring in the car three times to be fixed ranging from electrical problems to detached trim. This is worse than my first car, a mere Ford Escort!
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Unbelievable do everything vehicle! - 2005 Volvo XC90
By snodave - December 19 - 5:03 amWe wanted a vehicle that could do it all, & this is it. Holds 7 more comfortably than anything else its size. The V8 has amazing power to carry any load, plus a heavy-duty trailer loaded with 5,000 lb of rock, yet gets more reasonable gas mileage than many other SUVs. When studded tires added for winter, it is a snow machine. On icy days there are only two vehicles that get out of our hilly neighborhood, ours and a Hummer, none of the BMWx5s, Suburban, or other AWD vehicles can make the hill. It takes us and friends skiing in comfort and safety (with a ski box on top), it drives my kids and friends around town with ease, and will take us to the opera in style. This is the do everything car.
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A Great SUV - 2005 Volvo XC90
By Kerry - December 16 - 8:46 pmI have now owned my XC90 for 2 years and still think this is a great vehicle. The ride, handling and passenger comforts are very well done. I get frustrated hearing reviews about "poor fuel economy" and "underpowered". This vehicle has plenty of pickup when needed and my fuel economy has met the expected EPA on the window sticker, so it should be no shock that it doesnt get 30 mpg. I have also found the reliability better than Consumer Reports states. Much better rear cargo room than many of its competitors; easily accommodates a large dog kennel behind the 2nd row seats, something many cannot do. Still feels, smells and drives like a new vehicle. Enjoying it!
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Volvo XC 90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
By Vip - December 14 - 2:00 amGreat car - drives very well - better than any other SUV I have ever had
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Love the car, Hate the tires! - 2006 Volvo XC90
By jfd - December 11 - 5:33 amMy husband surprised me with this car for Christmas. I love it and I love all the safety features for it. However, when I hit 10,000 miles my tires started making noises and after 3 trips to the dealer, they told me it was the Pirelli tires and they have had problems with them. I would recommend the car but not the tires. Also, if you have two carseats in the car then it is impossible for an adult to get to the third row without climbing over seats. I agree that the inside door handles should not be plastic.
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Excellent car - 2006 Volvo XC90
By Wally - December 8 - 3:23 amAn excellent car, firm ride. You have the feeling of being in a safe car. Goes through snow with ease. Very good handling. I recommend this car to anyone who wants a safe car. Gas mileage is a bit off and the gas tank is relatively small for a car of this size.
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exactly what I expected - 2006 Volvo XC90
By kevin - December 2 - 9:23 amDealer service not the greatest, but its not the cars fault. You dont have to fight the car at any time, you dont realize it weighs 4000+ pounds. Very solid but smooth feel, I think tire life will suffer. Reputation of longevity was deciding factor, I avg.18,000 - 22,000 miles per year.
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Worst Car I Ever Owned - 2003 Volvo XC90
By Tom - November 29 - 9:13 amThis was my first and will be my last Volvo. This thing needs new tires every 20,000 miles, grinds through brake pads, needed a new transmission at 80,000 miles and now at 100,000 miles the turbo is blown. Probably had this car in the shop 2 to 3x per year for various electrical and mechanical problems. Volvo was gracious enough to replace the transmission for only the cost of labor (I am convinced they have a silent recall going on) but it still cost me $1,600. Now to fix the turbo will cost another $5,000. It is time to trade in this albatross....I should have done it 30,000 miles ago. Volvo should just recall this vehicle and give everybody their money back.
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My XC90 T-6 AWD --The First Year - 2005 Volvo XC90
By Martha M. Schlein - November 26 - 3:06 amThe XC90 T6 is my first new Volvo after driving a 740 wagon for 17 yrs. My daughter now drives it. I am totally blown away by the technology and saftey features and awards of this vehicle, as well as totally in love and in awe of this car. It is so much fun to drive and such a pleasure to drive that I actually think up more places to drive to! It certainly saved our lives driving thru a blinding snowstorm last January without chains (not needed). It handles well, its cabin is luxurious, and it has tons of room. Got the 5 seater. Things I dont like about it include its poor gas mileage, I get 14 city, 18 hwy, and the clam or 2 part hatch opening. It is too high for my dogs. Otherwise, this truck is the best.
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Solid, Safe, and Practical SUV - 2005 Volvo XC90
By Bill - November 25 - 10:23 pmWe bought a new 2.5T AWD four years ago and have been very satisfied with our purchase. We didnt need the 3rd row seating and since they add considerable weight and reduce 2nd row leg space, we had our dealer search for a 5 passenger model for us. Im glad we did, because the 2.5T engine is just adequate, given the vehicle weight. We have averaged exactly in the 17-22 EPA mileage range - not bad for such a spacious SUV. The XC90 has attractive, timeless styling, is appointed excellently on the interior and has a smooth, secure, stable ride. The 2.5T wont win any drag races, but is fine for our every day normal driving. The XC90 corners pretty well for an SUV too.
