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:

• 

  Best Suv I Have Owned or Driven! - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Scott Prichard - November 24 - 5:53 am

  I ordered the XC90 V8 about three months ago and just received it about three days ago. I was fortunate enough to get a loaner V8 by the dealer until mine arrived. I dont have anything bad to say about it and it is a pleasure to drive. Incredibly great handling and a very solid feel. We drove just about every luxury SUV and it was really a very easy decision for us. The rear seat entertainment is the best on the market as far as we are concerned; much better than the "drop down" systems. Excellent car choice, especially with people with small kids!

• 

  Volvo Buying Back My 2016 XC90 Plug-in Hybrid - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By Lynn - November 14 - 8:18 pm

  My first indication of problems to come was the check engine light was on when I purchased the car. It took two days to resolve originally and then it recurred several more times, which required a visit to Volvo each time. I have a love/hate relationship with this vehicle. I love, love, love the interior design and features. There is great mood lighting, an excellent sound system, comfortable seats, classy styling, touch screen, AUTO PILOT (the best thing ever in Southern California traffic - Ill never buy a car without this feature again), parallel parking assist, second row seat adjustment for larger/smaller passenger leg room and much more. Twice my car auto braked and likely saved me from accident, so thank you Volvo, but many other times as I am driving in a residential street it dings loudly with an orange bar code. It falsely alerts me and sometimes even breaks slightly, that I am going to hit a parked car that I am no where near. It scares me each time it does this. My moon roof poured water in the second row of my car when I took it to the Costco car wash. This fix (replacing the moonroof and making adjustments) took about a week. I have had multiple issues with temperature control systems, both requiring extended visits (about a week each time) at the service shop, while they ordered parts and made repairs. My seat belts, seats or whatever squeaks as I am driving down the road. Its like nails on a chalkboard. Ive been in several times for this and now I just give him. My quiet Volvo riding experiencing now has me twitching at the sounds. I have continuous issues pumping gas (they made a repair for a check engine light on a fuel related issue, just not this issue) where the pump clicks off and I cannot tell if my tank is full. Im scared to keep pumping as gas will spill out, so I stop and fill up at another gas station or another occasion. Volvo offered to buy my car back and it has been a very smooth process, so much so, that I will be purchasing a 2018 XC90 Plug-in Hybrid. I am hoping they have worked out some of the glitches. Fingers-crossed... Update, 1/8/18!!! I have been in my new 2018 Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid Inscription for several months and I reached 3,400 miles before my check engine light came on. What a huge disappointment! As luck would have it, my thermostat needs replacing (a 3-5 day repair estimate). This is EXACTLY the same issue as on my 2016 XC90 Plug-in Hybrid. You can’t make this stuff up! Buyer beware of the mechanic/computer problems on this car. They are real! My service advisor told me that they haven’t seen this issue on other 2018 models yet (I am one of the first buyers in my location of this model year).

• 

  30,000 mile review - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By North Bay - November 12 - 9:05 am

  Just completed 30,000 miles. Despite a couple of electronic glitches, coupled with 2 recall notices, all of which were resolved during the normal 10,000 mile service intervals, I have to say that I am highly impressed with this vehicle . Bought from new and added every available option aside from the air-assist suspension and to be honest, the ride is fine. Quality of interior materials is top-notch. Not the most technically savvy individual though still managed to work out the majority of the screen based functionality within a couple of hours. Bottom line is that this is well built, stylish SUV that provides an amazing level of comfort combined with a strong sense of safety due to the numerous features that you would expect from a Volvo. In addition, with the rear seats down there is a serious amount of storage capacity, though should you be looking for a seven seater, the XC90 can accommodate without individuals having dislocate limbs to fit in the back seats.

• 

  XC 90 update - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By LHeineken - November 11 - 1:36 am

  Extremely comfortable to drive. Outstanding highway performance. Very reliable to date.Many passers-by cant identify the make of this car. They most often ask, "what is it?".

• 

  Best vehicle Ive ever owned! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Mary - November 6 - 12:46 am

  My XC90 gets 20.8 MPG on the highway, and about 19 MPG in the city. It has always been solid and reliable in the rain and even occasional ice storm. It burns regular, is great for making large item shoppoing trips, has plenty of power for acceleration and passing, and it handles better than my previous Mercedes CLK 320! Something to keep in mind about gas mileage is that you have to let the car break in! This car only got 14.5 MPG for about the first 3 weeks of regular driving, but the benefits were definitely worth the wait.

• 

  XC90 Beats the competitors - 2018 Volvo XC90
  By Paul - November 4 - 1:25 am

  I, like many other owners of Volvos have owned other premium vehicles and most certainly cross shopped for the best value, durability and drive-ability before purchasing a Volvo. Having owned MB, Lexus and other vehicles I have always had a Volvo in the garage. This is my 13th and can honestly say that for all but 1 have earned my appreciation for durable vehicles. I have driven this XC90 for 6,000 miles both in good weather and bad and an equal amount of time in town driving and on the interstate. The following are my thoughts and pros and cons: PROS - 1) excellent drive-line (dont worry about this SUV only having a supercharged/turbocharged 4 cylinder motor. It is equal to or better than competitors 4 cylinder and some V6 motors ). Very strong engine with plenty of on ramp and passing power. Fairly quite even under hard acceleration. Shifts are smooth and it is hard to tell when the transmission is shifting. I found the car to be very well damped and smooth even though I have the optional 21 inch wheels. 2) MPG is as advertised so their were no surprises there. 3) ergonomics are in a class by themselves as Volvo has always been known for their comfortable seating and the XC 90 does not disappoint. Anyone owning German autos will know what Im talking about because seats in MBs and BMWs are like sitting on concrete and become uncomfortable after a couple of hours. Audi seats are a little more forgiving but not by much. The closest comfortable seat to a Volvo is Lexus. All controls fall easily to hand in the XC90. Second row seating is comfortable with the seat backs ability to recline, plenty of knee room and the foot-wells are large enough for folks wearing bulky shoes or boots. Third row seating is easily accessed but not much room for adults. 4) Infotainment - I found the SENSUS system to be intuitive and easy to use. Take the time to spend a couple of hours learning the system and you wont be disappointed in what is offered in the way of information, audio, wi-fi, climate control (all three sections) navi, forward and backup cameras etc. 4) Lighting - I really enjoy the LED headlights (swiveling) and fog lights angles. The fog lights illuminate to each side of the vehicle extremely well. The interior lighting is fantastic and I like the ability to change the colors as well as the strength of the lights. Back up lighting is superb. 5) Maintenance - It is great to have service covered vs paying huge maintenance fees. I have had the car back to the service dept one time for a software upgrade but other than that the SUV has been bullet proof. No rattles, squeaks or groans in the cabin. No problems with SENSUS. I call the cabin the "cone of silence". CONS - 1) SENSUS - sometimes can be slow to process upon initial start up. It can take up to 10 seconds for the software to wake up and all applications to activate. I wish the backup camera was not part of the infotainment system. Volvo would be wise to separate the camera from the rest of SENSUS. A minor irritant, but one nevertheless. 2) We like that there is wi-fi connectivity but set up through AT&T was not an easy on-line process. I ended up spending an hour or more via phone with a AT&T representative to get connected. Not much more to report at this time. Sounds like Im writing an ad for Volvo with so few CONs but truly for me this SUV is a delight to drive with no bad surprises. Most certainly the best built Volvo I have owned. PS: Friendship Volvo, Bristol, TN is one of the best Volvo dealers I have ever dealt with both stateside and while I lived in Germany. Matthew Ratcliffe, sales associate, is fantastic to work with and the service department is exceptional (they have serviced 4 of my other Volvos)

• 

  XC90 Blessings - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By T5Rrrrrrr - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven my 2.5T to the mountain to test the power and this machine is impressive. I had to try the manual gear (geartronic) on an uphill and downhill and it works great! Mileage so far is about 18/24.

• 

  Volvo Rating - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By BR - October 25 - 4:26 am

  Ive driven the Volvo on long drives, around town, and in the mountains. The vehicle is very fast, solid, confortable, and reliable. I had a Range Rover before the Volvo and believe the Volvo is at least its equal at a much lower price.

• 

  Volvo V8 Roar - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By KD - October 8 - 10:36 am

  Excellent, well built AWD SUV Fun to drive and solid performance for an SUV, superior handling in Hwy speeds 65mph and over. Steering Feels very light in city driving and for speeds below 50mph. A slight disapointment after a few hours driving in the Texas Freeways coming into the city traffic. Smooth roaring of V8 (audible from Drivers side only)provides constant re assurance of a serious power plant under the hood able for 311 hp.

• 

  Sweeeet! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By denise - October 8 - 9:06 am

  This is one of the most comfortable, reliable and consistent vhicles which I have ever owened. I would buy it all over again. I wish they made a more fuel efficient model, or perhaps a hybrid as I have a lot of highway miles. I truly feel my family is safest in this car. The rear third row seats are tight, but I use them for my kids. It gives lots of options when we travel great distances, which we do each summer. The car is great for formals as well! Todays weather-it flooded, and there were cars stalled allover; me, I was crusin along, touring the country side with great ease. Suggestion; always get the extra warranty protection! luv my ride!