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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  My Favorite Car - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Vicki - October 22 - 10:13 pm

  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!

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  Love my XC90! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By annj - October 20 - 2:20 am

  Very sporty feel, plush interior. Love the way the 3rd seat folds away. Smooth drive. love it!

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  The global exie 90 is 1 of the most unsafe cars on - 2018 Volvo XC90
  By Crsig woodland - October 7 - 3:02 pm

  Volvos technology screen is horrible totally User unfriendly and makes driving extremely hazardous worse than texting. Navigation is totally unusable voicing unrecognizable. I knew more about the car then the dealership Working with them was extremely frustrating ready to pull my hair out!! MONMOUTH VOLVO

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  2005 XC 90 V8 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By mf3681 - October 5 - 1:06 am

  Great initial quality. The V8 is a strong performer with decent in town fuel economy. The vehicle is still in break-in and I expect mileage to improve.

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  2009 V8 R-Design XC90 - 2009 Volvo XC90
  By Merzukhi - October 3 - 7:30 am

  Excellent performer. Excellent road handling. It is what the manufacturer promises you. This beast, under that deceiving dreamy looking eyes(headlights), really swallow gas when you press for performance. I am not complaining, just a statement because fuel is cheap here, so the petrol consumption doesnt bother me.

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  Get it! - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By bcrafto - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought this for my wife. She absolutely loves it! I have a 98 Mercedes Benz ML320, and in a lot of ways, the Volvo is much nicer. Now I understand that I am comparing a 04 to a 98. We have only had the vehicle for 3 weeks, but I dont have anything to complain about except for the price. I did manage did get $1,200 off of sticker though. That is much better than what I have heard most are paying.

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  Excellent Interior Comfort - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By JB Redwood - September 26 - 10:00 am

  One thing Volvo maintains is orthopedic seats designed by MDs. Believe them, the ride is superb. I own an SL600 also and I like my Volvo so much I may just own two before long. It handles like a European Sports sedan not an SUV. Remarkable car. I dont like that the rear gate doesnt latch with the lower quarter gate down or that the rear window doesnt open, as it did on our old Mountianeer, but those are my only disappointments. The 5cyl is just fine, I dont see the need for the six. I have all the power we need, its not underpowered.

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  not worth the price - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By snunes68 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Poor gas economy. For the soccer mom this is not the right car. With car seats in the second row you are not sitting comfortably in the front.

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  Excellent Value - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By A.Costello - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Very pleased with the vehicle overall. Moved from a Volvo sedan and experienced some difficulty re-learning to parallel park. It is larger than it appears. Terrific ride. Responsive handling and stops like every other Volvo....when you need it! Test drove many other SUVs but glad I waited for a Volvo.

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  love it! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Kimber - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Very solid vehicle. Drives like a sedan. Steady, great stearing. Yucky gas milage, but hey, if you can afford to buy this, then I guess we shouldnt complain about 2-5 miles per gallon right?