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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  Awesome SUV - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By RdLT5R - November 24 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is All Wheel AWesome. I drove it to the mountain and it handles so smoothly. The power is perfect for my driving situations and the feeling of safety inside this tank is priceless. My kids love the car and I dont have any hesitation in bringing them along anytime.

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  **DO NOT BUY** - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Matthew Bailey - November 23 - 4:21 pm

  Vehicle has nothing but issues, **audio went out - this means everything navi voice, turn signal notice, locking notice, music, bluetooth EVERYTHING. ------------- audio module replaced ---------- ** now insane amount of squeaks and rattles at all speeds -------- ** outlet for phone charging, etc NEVER WORKS, numerous replacement of $2 part ------- ** upgrade charge to autopilot 2 continually fails not allowing usage of the actual system, or even just adaptive cruise bottom line... do not buy the car. $60,000 vehicle cannot hold a candle to other vehicles... great concept just not there yet.

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  Volvo Auto Review - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By L Gyarmathy - November 20 - 5:23 am

  Ive owned a number of automobles, ranging from trucks, suvs, sport cars and high performance cars. BMWs, Porche, Honda S2000, and others. This car is great. I see myself keeping this car for sometime. It handles fabulous in all weather conditions, safe, fun and reliable.

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  XC 90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By max69 - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Great solid car. The XC has great rear space, sound system, and comfort. I love the exterior design and the ride hight. Not cheap, but if you want something a little differnt from the norm, this car is a great call. Much more space than the X5, ML or VW-T.

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  Lemon. They had to take it back - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By SanibelVolvo - November 13 - 11:34 am

  At times the car was horribly unreliable. Other times it was reliably horrible. SERVICE departments were not helpful. They couldnt figure out problems. VOLVO USA was argumentative and in denial. Got a Q7. Everything works. Better performance. FAR better electronics. SUPER reliable. I still miss the XC 90 magic blue color and the seats. (My Q7 has regular, not luxery package seats). Will NEVER buy another Volvo. NEVER.

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  Poor Quality - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By John Connor - November 12 - 1:16 am

  Car is anything but advertised quiet luxury. Noisy blowers, airconditioner makes noise like 1960 aftermarket models. Interior design weak. Drivers seat restricted due to design of drive center. One of the poorest quality cars/trucks I have ever owned.

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  good choice in mid size SUV category - 2010 Volvo XC90
  By hookem - November 9 - 10:36 pm

  I bought this primarily because I believe, based on an in-depth research, it is the safest SUV around. I looked at the data behind the NHSA and IIHSs ratings in addition to some detailed rollover test results from something called JRS rollover test. I might have taken this safety stuff a little too seriously. However, looking beyond just the readily available ratings (which, in my opinion, would incorrectly indicate that other SUVs are just as safe as the XC90) revealed that Volvos safety reputation in this case is well deserved. Other pluses: The interior is functional and flexible for our family of 4 (plus grand parents) and to my eyes, this SUV looks better than the others.

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  my xc90 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By talwarp - October 29 - 1:53 am

  Very comfortable around town and commuting to/from work ... great on road trip with 4 golfers because their golf and clothes bags all fit in the back and no problems cruising the hills fully loaded ... easy to maneuver in and out of spots and it looks good in the parking lot.

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  XC90 THE BEST OF THE REST - 2010 Volvo XC90
  By Judy - October 23 - 6:23 am

  I have owned a 2004, 2007, and now own a 2010 Volvo XC90. My 2010 is an Executive Model. I did not think that the model could get any better but my latest VOLVO XC90 is spectacular!. The Executive Models interior is outstanding. I feel like I am sitting in my family room. The handling is "tight" and feels like a sport car within a SUV. The safety features are a plus when insurance premiums are due. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who appreciates quality within a sporty, pleasure to drive, as well as styling that commands head turning! This is a perfect vehicle in my book.

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  My Favorite Car - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Vicki - October 23 - 2:23 am

  Almost the perfect vehicle! Im in sales so I live in my car...consequently the interior is very important. I would love to have an electronic lumbar support adjustment. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this vehicle. Drives and performs like a dream! I will definitely buy another one when the time comes! I did not like the factory tires however and replaced those with ones that give better ride, handle and wear!