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:

• 

  SUV that was worth the wait! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By wls - July 8 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I had been short-listing SUVs since May of 2002. We had narrowed our choices down to a fully loaded GMC Envoy or the Acura MDX. Envoys ride was not as good as Acura. Just as we were to make our choice in January, my wife read a piece on the XC90. Ordered Feb. 1, picked up July 4, in time for holiday. In short WE LOVE IT. Make sure to get the Dolby Surround and the sub-woofer. The sound is perfect! The ride is excellent (nearly car- like on twisting country roads)! Factory window tinting is plenty. Have black leather seats and on 95° day was not too hot to sit on. The 2.5 with turbo offered plenty of oomph when needed.

• 

  Volvo XC90 - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Jeannie - July 6 - 6:53 pm

  My Volvo XC90 is my new favorite automobile. I am a very particular consumer who spends a great deal of time researching before buying a new auto. This vehicle has been my most satisfying purchase yet. I may never leave Volvo if they keep making this vehicle! It is everything a professional mom could want...both sexy and safe! I am considering a volvo for my son when he gets his lisence soon.

• 

  A great vehicle - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Susan M. Monopoli - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I have owned many different makes of cars including Jeep, Lexus, Mercedes, and BMW. The XC-90,however, is the most comfortable to drive. It is roomy inside and has overall terrific handling. I have owned Lexus RX300S,a Mercedes ML320 and other SUVs. Although the other SUVs were good, the XC-90 is far superior.

• 

  Our experience - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By GFamily - July 1 - 5:33 am

  We bought the car because we thought it would be useful, versatile, fun liked the design. We are not disappointed in any way and are happy with our purchase.

• 

  Worst Car ever owned - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By David Cronin - June 28 - 11:36 pm

  Consistent problems. Rear 3rd row seats continually get stuck have to bring in to dealer to get fixed (3 times ). Child seat gets stuck ( 2 times). Rear door has problems closing brought in 3 times. Bought 18 inch wheels but the brakes not upgraded by dealer. Also try finding replacement tires for under $300 each. Replaced brakes 3 times already. Problem with turbos being noisy. Have to be replaced at 52,000 miles at a cost of $4,000 which we are fighting with Volvo. This is the first non-japanese car I have owned and my last.

• 

  Happy CX90 Owner - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By J Knowles - June 28 - 10:03 am

  As my first experience owning an SUV, I was worried about handling the size. This Volvo XC90 has been wonderful. The narrower build makes the vehicle handle more like a car. At the same time, the three rows of seating have given our family of five all the comfort and convenience we wanted. We highly recommend the vehicle.

• 

  Best suv i have ever driven. - 2018 Volvo XC90
  By MRWAS - June 25 - 8:41 am

  I purchased the 2018 xc90 inscription. I highly recommend the inscription with the air suspention upgrade or at least test dirve it with and without to see. You are able to set it up high for 4x4 or set it for comfort or set it for high performance. Also the Polstar upgrade was well worth the money. Makes the suv engine rock and come alive when you need it to.

• 

  BRAKE PAD REPLACED AT 15000 MILES!!!!!! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Franklin Bien - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought a brand new volvo XC90 T6 model, May 2003. It has been ONLY 10 months, and ONLY 15,000 miles, and the FRONT BRAKE PADS ARE WORN 90%. And, the dealer is saying since it has passed the 12,000 miles, it cannot be covered under warranty, and they also claim it is normal. Ive owned many cars in my life, and I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCE HAVING TO REPLACE A BRAKE PAD ON A BRAND NEW CAR FOR 15,000 miles on it!!!!!!!! It cost me $175 for it. I had a Nissan Pathfider just before this, and the front brake pads were replace at 60,000 miles. What a difference. I am very very disappointed with the quality / durability of Volvo. They look great, but they cost a lot.

• 

  Good vehicle - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By islander71 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  When we traded in our 1998 Jeep Cherokee we had three main criteria for our new vehicle. 1) Safety 2) Room 3) AWD This vehicle has all of the above and are all done well.

• 

  See review at 6K miles. - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Dennis - June 16 - 8:30 am

  Now have 17K miles. Had to replace tires. No other problems. Ditto first review only better. Especially now that Volvo has discontinued the V8 engine. Big mistake. Much better then the six at the expense of only a few MPG. If your buying this for the MPG you can do much better. If your buying this just for the pleasure, comfort and fun of the powerful V8, youd be hard pressed to find something better. Great world class vehicle.