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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  Ball and Chain - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By XC90 Owner - December 27 - 10:23 am

  We bought our XC90 used, knowing that it had a couple of problems to fix, but thought that the discount of buying it used would make up the difference, were we wrong. After multiple trips to the Volvo dealership for engine light issues, door seal leaks, transmission seal leaks, brake master cylinder leak/failure, and several other small engine repairs. Weve deemed the check engine light the "$1000 light", because every time it comes on or we make a trip to the dealership for repairs it costs at least $1000. Great idea for Volvos first SUV, but plagued with problems. Later years dont seem to be much better. Fun to drive, looks great, way too expensive to maintain and repair!

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  Comfortable car, but its a money trap! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Lora - October 25 - 11:19 pm

  We purchased the 2005 Volvo xc90 in 2011 when it was 6 years old for $9000 which is great compared to the original ticket price of $47,000 when it was new. We bought it knowing the the 3rd row seat would not fold down. Other than that it looked great. We averaged about 16-17 mpg combined. The car itself is very comfortable but after a year of owning it, the electrical system began to fail. The dashboard would turn off while driving, the radio broke, and the windows wouldnt stay up. When we took it into the volvo dealership, they kept it for almost two weeks and finally (rudely) told us they could not figure out what the problem was. They also told us the 3rd row seat may cost up to $1000 to repair. A year later, we had problems with the almost brand new brakes. We had to have them replaced as well as all four of the $200 tires because of uneven wear. Recently, after a routine visit to the mechanic, we found out the the power steering needed to be replaced as well as the heavily fogged over headlight lamps which would cost us $2000. That was the breaking point for us and we decided to trade it in. On the way to the dealership the brakes gave out. They hesitated to give us $1000 trade in. This vehicle has been a money trap. Although the car is a comfortable ride and has an attractive interior, it is not worth the investment. Stay away. There is a reason these xc90s dont hold their value.

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  Never again - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Trispace - October 18 - 11:50 pm

  We purchased this car because my wife always wanted a Volvo. This vehicle has been nothing but trouble. Every three months something new is going wrong. A visit to the Dealership is going to be a minimum $500 and has been as high as $2500. Brakes,wheel bearings, oxygen sensor, sway bar, you name it. Every time the Service light comes on a Volvo certified dealership is required to reset it. Beware

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  2016 & 2018 XC90 PLUG-IN HYBRID - PROBLEMS!!! - 2018 Volvo XC90
  By Lynn - September 25 - 3:21 am

  This car looks luxurious outside and inside. What is under the hood is another story. It is riddled with repair issues. I have already owned two of them because Volvo bought back my first one. My 2016 R-Design version had the check engine light on when I purchased it. This recurred several more times and it took several more visits to the service shop to repair. Then, my sun roof had a major leak, which I discovered after my free shower from the Costco car wash. I had multiple issues with my temperature control systems and some repair on the fuel system, all requiring repairs. Each repair, always took a minimum of 2 days (and those were rare). Most repairs took 5 business days, so I didnt have use of my car for well over 30 days. It only had 15,000 miles when they bought it back. There were two issues they couldnt figure. The seats would squeak when going over a small bump in the road (it sounded like nails on a chalkboard). I had major issues pumping gas. At certain gas stations, the pump would keep clicking off, so I couldnt tell how much gas was in the car. One time, it wouldnt allow me to pump gas at all. It just kept clicking off. I really liked the features of the car, so after Volvo bought back the 2016 I purchased two model years later, the 2018 XC90 T8 Inscription (also a plug-in hybrid). I have owned it several months and at 3,400 miles my check engine light came on. It has BEEN IN THE SHOP ONE WEEK SO FAR! The thermostat needs replacing (please note the temperature control system issues on my 2016; shame on Volvo for not fixing this huge engine design flaw!). The only trouble is the part is back-ordered!!! The estimate for the part being available for purchase it another week and then about 8 days after that they should have it in the shop. This REPAIR ESTIMATE ON MY BRAND NEW VEHICLE IS A MINIMUM OF 2 WEEKS, MORE LIKE 3 WEEKS IF IM LUCKY. As for the gas pumping issue... It seems to have improved some with the newer XC90, but it IS STILL AN ISSUE VOLVO! Furthermore, my seats are starting to squeak too! IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BETA TEST A LUXURY SUV AND PAY FULL PRICE, THEN THIS IS THE SUV FOR YOU. If you have a life and dont have time to spend bringing your vehicle to the dealership, then I suggest buying from a different brand.

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  XC90 Never Again! - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By volvofrom englewd - August 22 - 3:06 am

  I have owned many cars, never one like this. I am at the service bay at least twice a month-sometimes more. I have replaced just about everything in my XC90. At 80,000 miles expect to purchase a new transmission. I have already replaced my manifold, radiator- twice, brakes (twice a year) and tires annually (thanks to the awd-at least thats what ive been told). The only thing I havent replaced is the steering wheel- at least not yet! And my T6 is dangerously slow!

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  Great car, terrible technology - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By NJVolvo - July 31 - 7:56 am

  The good: Car has great material, great feel, and great acceleration/braking. A ton of space and smooth ride. If the software was so terrible the car would be perfect. The bad/worst: Car has so many software bugs and issues, its just terrible. Voice command will sometimes disable the radio buttons, the system crashes, auto stop/start works whenever it feels like it, and worst of all, the accident prevention braking goes off randomly. Car decided to randomly apply brakes and almost caused our car to get rear-ended.

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  In the shop over 80 days in the first 3 mos - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By David Zuech - June 13 - 9:46 pm

  I receive my inscription on 17 July 2015. After owning it for nine days I received a suspension error code followed by a safety restraint error code and promptly sent it in for service. It was in the Volvo dealership in Tulsa for over 30 days. After I received my car back I had it for less than one week before more electronic error codes again began popping up in addition to my virtual speedometer going black on rainy night. Despite dispatching numerous Volvo engineers who attempted to service my car, Volvo was unable to repair it and didnt give me a refund after four months of ownership. I would tread extremely carefully with this first model year car as it seems Volvo has no idea how to have the various modules interact with each other. I would visit various Volvo forums to better understand the gravity of this problem and Volvos pompous attitude to their new customers of the 2016 "car of the year"

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  Never again! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Mosey - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I have traded my cars in every 3 years so as not to have problems with them and this has been the most unreliable car Ive ever owned. It has been in for problems about six times in the past year and is about to go back for a recall with safety belts. Ill have to wait there for 1 to 2 hours for this and a loaner car would not be available for three weeks if I wanted to wait for that. Of course I wont take a chance with my childrens lives so Ill waste another day dealing with Volvo.

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  V8 Engine Is Prone to Catastrophic Failure - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By jdcarcollector - December 29 - 9:53 am

  Last week, our 2005 Volvo XC90 V8 died in an intersection. The dealer explained the engine had a catastrophic failure and was "dead". I was told the battery was dead and there is no compression -- air blew through the engine. I asked how this could possibly have happened to a car that has undergone every Volvo dealer service, including one just 45 days ago. The dealer was courteous but explained the car required a new engine which costs $15,000. Google "Volvo Yamaha V8 Failure" and youll come across numerous people discussing catastrophic failures thanks to the timing chain breaking. Volvo has not undertaken a recall.

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  Not the Volvo of old - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By ghoward - December 27 - 8:23 pm

  After owning Volvos for years, I tried other brands over the last 5 years, Infinity and Lexus. This year I decided it was time to return to Volvos and purchased a 2006-XC90. It is not the Volvo I drove and loved for years! I still like the safety aspects of the vehicle, but the dependability and feel are gone for me. The cabin is loud and the ride is rough. I had to have it towed to back to the dealer two weeks after I bought it when it would not start. I will not be a Volvo customer in the future. The other premium brands have left them in the dust.