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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  From 06 T5 to 07 V8 Sport - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Vic - Evanston, IL - August 11 - 1:56 am

  I bought an 06 T5 after driving a Honda Accord EX-V6 for 7 years and immediately fell in love with the Volvo fit and finish. I originally wanted a V8 but thought the T5 would get much better gas mileage - wrong! Then I saw the V8 Sport on the road and knew I would have one soon. What I didnt realize was how different the T5 and V8 Sport would be. The growl of the V8 is awesome, the Sport exterior and interior is phenomenal, and all the extras from the Technology/Climate and Convenience packages are to die for. Forget the others. This is the vehicle I will drive everyday for the next 10 years or so, no matter the price of gas - its worth it!

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  Best all-around SUV - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By RBirns - August 9 - 10:06 pm

  Coming up on 3 years of ownership, so I guess this review is overdue. This is probably the best all-around luxury SUV available. Styling is just right-- not too big and boxy (Lexus GX), not too minivan-like (Acura MDX), not too feminine (Lexus RX), not to mail-truck (Mercedes ML). Looks very similar to BMW X5, which is a compliment. Ride is not as plush as a true luxury car, but better than most SUVs. Handling is very good. Acceleration with the 2.5T is ok at the low end, but highway passing needs more punch. Quality materials in and out. Only repairs were loose tie rod end (probably pothole) and dead rear wiper motor, both fixed under warranty. Mostly city driving getting 14-15 mpg.

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  Love this Car - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Charlotte - August 9 - 3:26 am

  Just purchased my first Volvo and I love this car. The ride is so smooth and it handles very well. Its quiet and the sound system is wonderful. I really like that my kids can watch a DVD and play a game at the same time. Personally, this car out beats most of the SUVs of its size. It rides like a tank but has lots of power. The body style isnt as classy as other SUVs but this car speaks... Sophisticated. I think we made a great purchase...one that will last us a long time.

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  Best car I have owned - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By Jack - August 8 - 2:01 pm

  UPDATE: I am happy to update my review and I can only say I "Love this car". It so luxurious! Every time I get into it and start it I feel so good just sitting in it. It truly is a wonderfully designed automobile. It drives so smooth. You do have to be careful because it is so quiet and drives so easily you can wind up going faster than you should. I would highly recommend this car! I owned a 2007 XC90 and it was the best car I ever owned. It has 141,000 miles and still runs and looks like new. I purchased a new 2017 XC90 T6 fully loaded two weeks ago mostly because of my experience with my first Volvo XC90 was so awesome. it is beautiful inside and out, has all the newest safety features, has all the latest technology that a car can have, it has the best audio for your cell phone I have heard in any vehicle, and the list goes on.

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  Scandinavian test drive - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By Mark - August 4 - 8:01 am

  We picked up our XC90 in Gothenburg, Sweden. Volvo flew us over and back, picked us up at the airport, put us into a nice hotel, and provided a three course meal the day we arrived. After taking us to the factory , we met our new car. Our advisor went over the car with us. After a short test drive we had a Swedish meatball lunch followed by a factory tour. An amazing experience! We have had the car for a year now. It has been reliable with no mechanical issues. Using battery power for regular work commuting and hybrid mode for everything else I’m getting about 40 mpg. It flies effortlessly through out Colorado Mountains. Getting into the car at the end of a day of work is like a cocoon that just comfortably wraps around me. I find the Sensus touch screen easy to use and intuitive

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  Great SUV --- Road Noise killed it for us - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Jim - August 4 - 7:56 am

  I was very excited about the XC 90 and love the interior, sound system, interface, seats etc..Test drove it on the freeway, and it was so loud we could not stand it. We even like the car so much we tried to talk our selfs out of the sound being not and issue, but could not! Volvo has to improve the sound proofing of a vehicle of this caliber and cost. Hopefully next years model will be better!

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  6 time Volvo owner - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Bob - July 29 - 10:46 pm

  Exceptionally comfortable; easy to get in and out of even for people who are shorter; mechanically and cosmetically great; a real solid feel combined with great handling; does not ride or drive like a truck; eye- catching design; have had virtually no problems; combined city-highway mileage averages 19-21 mpg. Luv it!

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  My new Volvo T6 AWD - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By trixie - July 29 - 10:00 am

  I have only had my Volvo XC 90 for 3 weeks but so far love it. I did a lot of research before deciding on this vehicle. I love it because I have 3 young children and needed a vehicle with a third row, but did not want a minivan or a truck. The Volvo drives the most like a car(compared to others I tested), and still functions like an SUV. The second row seats are very versatile and slide forward so my kids can climb into the third row easily. It is a lot of fun to drive.

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  Comfort, Size and Performance - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Lux - July 26 - 12:13 pm

  We love or XC-90 V8. We are in Germany and get to open her up on the Autobahns. Very comfortable quiet ride even at 100+ mph. Sounds system is very nice and Navigation system is a real plus for overseas and unknown area driving. Plus there is room for all our stuff and the dog. Finally, it is nice to know we are well protected while we cruise the autobahns with all the safety systems Volvos are know for; and now unlike in the past the vehicle is stylish and looks great.

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  Is it worth the money? - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Cindy - July 19 - 8:06 pm

  I also own this vehicle because of its safety reputation. And of course my childrens safety is priceless. However, Ive also driven the Honda Pilot and with its amenities, reliability, and 3rd row airbags, can the volvo really be worth over $10K more? If I could do it over I would have bought a Honda Pilot.