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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  Safest SUV on the road - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Dave and Angela - March 15 - 11:56 am

  We picked up our XC-90 in Gothenberg, Sweden in June 05. What a fabulous experience. The factory delivery program is just one of the best!! We toured Sweden for 8 days in great comfort before flying elsewhere and shipping this car home. Our trip was very memorable, had a lot of fun driving this spacious SUV around the country, putting 1000 miles on it. It has great pick up, very stable feel and we just love it!! This is our 5th Volvo, 3rd new one, all still running. Two are now owned by another family member. 3 of them have over 200K miles and running great. We have had no repair problems whatsoever with this car.

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  Give credit to this is a excellent SUV - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By M and H - March 14 - 1:30 am

  Handles great and very good safty evan in very bad weather, Big blind spot in backing up> A wow and beutiful style gets lots of looks and questions asked of it, Just drives great and wonderful in ALL weather, this is not an off road or a all so fancy SUV. Volvo is a safe, powerful and beutiful SUV. Good job Volvo. Gas MPG is much better than those other very High end SUVs. It is a keeper..

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  XC90 FIRST EDITION, GREAT STEP FORWARD FOR VOLVO - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Michael Horton - March 8 - 5:08 pm

  As for all the hype and awards for this vehicle, all I can say is if you want a 7 passenger SUV go drive an Inscription trim with the air suspension (this is an important option). To make it comparable to a BMW, Audi, or Mercedes, you need to step up to the Inscription trim and I would highly recommend it with the optional air suspension. Without the air suspension the ride quality is average; with it, the ride is outstanding. I had no intention of buying a Volvo, but was very surprised. I drove all the competition extensively and bought an XC90 First Edition so it has every feature available. The interior is amazing, the safety tech is unparalleled, and infotainment is great. As for criticisms, the navigation system is not the best on the market, the car only has one USB port, and local mpg have been poorer than advertised. However, on a recent trip from Phoenix to LA, we averaged almost 28 mpg. I quickly got used to the touch tablet style interface and enjoy the ease of use. I personally love the seats (heated/ventilated), Apple Car Play, heads up display, and the Bowers and Wilkens stereo will blow you away. Again, safety features are amazing. As for the competition, the X5 from the driver’s seat is a great vehicle, but it is smaller inside and the Volvo kills it in 2nd and 3rd row functionality and utility, which is what we needed. The Lexus GX (keep in mind I really like Lexus and owned an RX for over a decade) feels heavy and sluggish compared to the Volvo. The new Audi Q7 was not available when I bought and the older version was surprisingly tight inside. The Merc GL is a bigger vehicle but when I optioned it out to match my Volvo First Edition from a feature standpoint it was over $90k. The Volvo truly feels like a smaller vehicle than it is while driving and eats up highway miles. My wife and I fight over who takes it each day. I hope the long term reliability is above average. This new XC90 is a giant step forward for Volvo!

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  BEATS THE X5 - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By ericave - March 2 - 10:00 am

  If you want a car the thinks its an SUV, then the XC90 is for you. Theres no other explanation for it, its the first SUV thats more car than most cars. About 99.9% of SUV owners are never going to take their SUVs off- road, so why pay for all those extras you dont need. For the urban jungle the XC90 is perfect, with the X5 coming in at second, look at all the reviews.

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  15K miles and lovin it! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Mike McNutt - February 18 - 2:00 am

  We have put 15K miles and like the quietness of interior, comfort, good acceleration for passing, great sound. My wife wanted navigation system, I didnt, but now I love it. Had a problem with brakes, not a safety problem, light said "needs service", it took four trips to get it solved.

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  Why get anything else? - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By fslee - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Never wanted to get into SUVs becauase of fuel efficiency. BUt saw 18/24 and jumped! Must get 5-cyl trim for all the reasons listed by others. Better room than BMW, much better styling than Benz, best fuel efficiency overall. Shockingly good sound system.

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  Great Workout! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By rg - February 8 - 10:00 am

  The steering is too tight in this SUV. My arms ache everytime I drive this car. My dad drove my XC90 one day, he asked if it had power steering!!! Hard to park this car, makes a very big turn - hard to make a tight swing.

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  really no problems - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By cj - January 31 - 3:03 am

  excellent suv -- was initially concerned regarding some of the negative press that the xc90 received when it was first released; then, in talking with the salespeople, realized that majority of probs were engine related from the t6 which is no longer available. have had only one prob -- when driving the car at highway speeds, i heard a noise that i can only describle as a sirens scream. did some research, found out it likely was coming from the roof rack -- brought it in, fixed in 30 min. no other probs. ife, for whom car was for, loves it -- very solid drive.

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  Love it! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Charleskr - January 31 - 1:00 am

  Safe, stylish and peppy! High quality, very attractive, performs well--it can walk with any kid in a chevy while providing high class safety and comfort! This is a winner!! Owners are invited to a driving school, where you begin to find out just what this vehicle can really do!!

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  Back for Seconds - 2009 Volvo XC90
  By Second Timer - January 25 - 7:03 pm

  We just bought our second XC90 after having owned an 06 since Jan 06. We had such a positive experience and now, with the unbelievable new warranty (five years 60K miles, including all routine maintenance plus wear & tear items) buying another one was a no brainer. Its safe, functional and fun to drive. Only complaints. Lousy gas mileage and third row seats are not great for anyone older than ten.