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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  Good so far - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Greg Robins - June 10 - 9:03 pm

  Just new to Volvo after driving Japanese for all my life (except Audi for a wonderful 3 years). Compared to previous MDX and 4-Runner, the XC90 has all the luxe one would expect at this price. Great seats, simple control-layout, great ride, decent power and capabilities. Low road noise and nice, high perch. Great grocery bag feature at back that beats a cargo net hands down. Handsome exterior design.

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  Volvo for life? Not a long one. - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Matt T - June 7 - 6:10 pm

  This car looks great, seats 7 semi- comfortably, is great in the snow, and will spend as much time in the shop as on the road. O2 sensors out at 50k. Spark plugs needed replaced at 50k. Transmission needed replaced at 61k. Volvo service wont stand behind the car. I was told directly that "Volvo for life" is "Just a slogan." Dont let the pretty looks and solid reputation fool you. The newer Volvos are trouble. Expensive trouble at that.

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  Love your Volvo, it may save your life! - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By Travis - June 1 - 8:04 pm

  As a car enthusiast having owned many cars - including an current model Escalade, Audi RS7, Mercedes CLS 550, BMW650 Gran Coupe, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT and many other cars - none blend the styling, comfort, price and safety technology this Volvo has. But this isn’t for those who don’t like technology or struggle to stay centered in the lane - this is made for those who love technology, like safety and design and are proud to drive something a little different. The infotainment system does have a delay when it starts - it takes about 10 seconds. The ride isn’t as plush as a 60’s Cadillac - I wouldn’t recommend springing for the 22” wheels - the 20’s will ride better (but don’t look as snazzy). The 2.0 liter engine has almost 44 bars of pressurized air from the turbo and supercharger (that is a lot of boost) and per liter is more powerful than the Audi RS7 - in a family SUV. With all that boost the engine has plenty of power - but isn’t as smooth as your regular non boosted v6 engine that dominates this segment of SUVs. No, this is an SUV made for someone who enjoys driving, having an experience and can understand that some character is what makes a Volvo unique. If you want a Toyota Highlander or Ford Explorer - go get one. If you want a cool German SUV - get one of those. If your values of safety, technology, being friendly to our planet and having a fun and unique driving experience matter - get the Volvo. Plus - when that other driver runs a red light and moments before the impact are you going to wish you were in an XC90, the safest SUV made? With a zero percent fatality rate according to the IIHS, the results speak for themselves.

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  Its OK - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Toddow - May 28 - 9:36 pm

  Ive decided to write an objective review. Ive had the opportunity to own numerous cars/truck/suvs in my lifetime. The XC-90 first of all is an outstanding ride. I drove it all the way from Arizona to Alabama and have driven it on short trips as well. Its a great "in-town" SUV and the saftey features make you feel very secure while driving it. The interior is sub-par, and most items feel flimsy. The center console "creaks" whenever you touch it and the dials are a little childish looking. But, with that the ride is awesome and the service (only every 7500 miles) lets you know youre driving a Volvo.

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  Volvo XC-90 T6 AWD - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By iwerbler - May 27 - 10:00 am

  So far so good. Well constructed solid vehicle with good, although not stellar low-end acceleration. Handles extremely well - reminiscent of German car feel. Options include a superior DVD-based nav system, versatility pkg w/3rd row seating that can accomodate two large adults, large wood steering wheel and bi-xeon headlights. Cant quite figure out the reason why the high beams dont stay in the on position when I pull the blinker stem in - but Ill toss that up to either not reading the manual or a small glitch with the high-beams.

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  Volvo is Swedish for junk - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Sucker Punched - May 27 - 9:33 am

  Volvo is Swedish for junk. Worst car I have ever owned. Horrible service - Constantly breaking down. Needs a new transmission at less than 60,000 miles. New Turbos. New head gasket. Burns through tires, oil, and brake pads, latches and locks have broken. If you are looking to be unhappy about your ride it is the car for you! Remember, friends dont let friends by Volvos! If you buy one of these cars there is one of you born every second (sucker) otherwise Volvo would go the way of Dodo bird.

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  2007 Volvo XC90 V8 - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Larry - May 19 - 3:40 am

  Traded a 2001 BMW X5 that I thought was the best until I test drove the Volvo. So far, getting about 20 mpg with the V8...much better than I got with the 3.0 in the BMW. Handles as well as the BMW since Volvo re-tuned the suspension in 07. Great ride. The Dynaudio stereo with the Sirius is awesome.

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  AWESOME SUV! - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By mBot - May 16 - 1:23 pm

  Leased our 08 XC90 V8 AWD with Premium Package and Bi-Xenons in Feb 08. Best car weve ever owned! 24,000 miles on it so far and love it. No problems! Perfect size......spacious inside, 3rd Row if you need it / lots of cargo room if you dont. 2nd row slides fore and aft to adjust legroom where its needed most. Excellent interior materials and quality. Drives like a dream. Yamaha-built 4.4L V8 is a ROCKET and has tons of passing power, but will get 22-23 mpg on the highway if you set the cruise at 60-62mph. Yes, this is AWD:) Handles rock solid in the snow if you put snow tires on it. Great car.......were definitely buying it at the end of the lease

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  Among the best - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By New Volvo Owner - May 14 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicles my wife and I have ever owned. We narrowed it down to the BMW X5 3.0, Acura MDX, Mercedes ML320, Infiniti FX35. For us a boxy SUV didn’t cut it, we wanted something a bit sportier. The BMW was our first choice until we drove it, too jittery, the Acura was nice and a bargain for the price but the interior was dull,the plastics looked cheap, and the outside resembles a mini-van, the Infiniti felt too much like a sports car and the ride was to stiff. The XC90 is a perfect blend of quality, comfort,fun to drive, loads of safety features, style, class, value, great transmition, and did I mention loads of safety features.

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  XC90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By XC90user - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Great car, very flexable, comfortable both on the road as well as during light offroading. Gas milage good except for during hard acceleration. Gets slightly better than EPA milage