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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  Price Gouging - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Ripped - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Ordered new XC-90 in January. Received notice that now getting 04 model and will be subject to $600 price increase. Volvo knows they have a hot car for once and sticking it to consumer. Dealer unwilling to negotiate any reduction of increase. Volvo jamming all customers with this increase. Also, watch for expensive scheduled service.

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  I expected more reliability for $45K - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Dan - February 16 - 10:23 am

  Within 1 month of purchase I returned from a week long business trip and was stranded at the airport (PA in January) as my new XC90 would not start. Actually I had to use my key (in the door) to open the vehicle as my brand new $45K XC90s battery was dead. Dead enough that the remote opener would even work. The dealer (Large Volvo dealer in Wilkes-Barre) attempted to repair the problem 3 times without success. When this occurred the fourth time I began looking into the Lemon Law. So that is where I am at today. I have a $45K SUV that I do like driving, as long as I dont park it for more than 5 days, because then I cant drive it without a jump start. Today my drivers power seat did not work

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  Good Family Car - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By JJ - January 29 - 10:03 am

  The car has served my family well since we bought it new. We avoided the T6 after reading the transmission horror stories. Engine is sufficient for most situations, but lacks power for highway passing. It drives and handles like a car. Gas mileage is average (16/22 mpg). Good looks outside and a very functional interior. Good cargo space with 3rd row folded down. 3rd row isnt useful and cuts 2nd row leg room. Seats are very comfortable for long trips. Dealer maintenance isnt cheap after the first 3 years which were free. Had a couple of unexpected repairs after warranty ($1,200 total). Not as reliable as a Honda, but not as bad as a BMW/MB. Id consider buying the next generation XC90.

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  Not what I expected - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Sue - January 11 - 8:50 am

  The interior is a little tight with small amount of shoulder room. Same for cargo area, deep but not wide. Standard audio system really poor. Has no bass sound and cannot be upgraded without a huge expense. Recommend you dont even consider buying it without the AWD.

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  First Volvo Purchase - Not that Happy - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Bossgka - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Some functionality problems. Noticeable hesitation during acceleration NOT GOOD especially if pulling into heavy traffic; CD player has no repeat feature; no adjustable vent at drivers side floor heater it fries your leg; cup holders/middle console too far back for ease of use; warning sound on Pirelli stock tires started after 8 mo & 15K mi; rotation of tires not recommended on mfg checklist every 5000 mi; no compass, drivers side arm rest; poor gas mileage. Experience with dealership a major disappointment considering XC90 price. No follow-up. Overall not a good experience w/first Volvo, dont think we would do it again.

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  xc90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By sdath - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Excellent SUV. Only real down-side is the mileage, avg. 15 mpg

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  XC90 Transmission Nightmares - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By idealltg - December 16 - 7:33 am

  My 05 T6 XC90 has already had three transmissions replaced. Lucky for me its all under warranty but based on the frequency of the problem Im afraid that the new transmission will fail after my warranty has expired. Looks like the only solution for my problem, since I cannot use the lemon law, will be to get rid of this thing as soon as I get it back. The dealer has had it now for two weeks. They cant figure out why the new transmission went out after only one week!

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  so far so good - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By han - November 27 - 12:16 am

  best looking suv in its class

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  Hmmmm - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Leeroy - November 21 - 10:00 am

  The styling and creature comforts in the XC90 are outstanding. For an SUV, the fuel economy is pretty good at an average 18.5 MPG in combined city and hiway driving. The engine and road noise are almost non-existant. We took it cross country from Louisiana to Washington State (2700 miles)loaded. It got a flat 20 mpg fighting a head wind and 93 degree temp. with the AC fully engaged across the State of Texas. In Colorado it saw mountain passes at 11,000 feet in elevation. The winding mountain roads were a testament to the nimble handling abilities of the XC90 as well as the powerful twin turbos when throttled at highway speeds. Overall review - excellent.

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  so so volvo - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Big D. - November 4 - 5:20 am

  Well with now 35000 miles on my XC90 numerous things have been addressed. New rear wheel bearings, Complete front brake job @25000 miles. Rattles coming from places that myself or the dealer cant find....still over all with the things that did go wrong(they were replaced under warranty) its been a good vehicle.