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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  12 months with 8 visits to the repair shop - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Kelly Northington - November 16 - 6:35 am

  We had issue after issue with this vehicle. Main issues were the faulty control panel and the brakes. The vehicle would auto brake in the middle of the freeway for no reason almost causing multiple accidents. Also we had the break pads changed 5 different times for constant squeaking. Eventually Volvo Corporate bought the vehicle back as we filed a lemon law complaint.

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  Never again - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By joggin jonny - October 30 - 5:30 pm

  This is my third and last Volvo. I said that after the second one but my wife talked me into it again. Tires and rims replaced due to front end shake. Cracked front suspension member, Loud noisey vibrating turbo. Transmission that downshifts like a manual. Drive train that clunks like a u-joint going out. All this for over $40k? Potential SUV buyers would do well to look elsewhere.

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  Thumper - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Nick - August 9 - 9:13 pm

  We have named this car "Thumper". It bumps, it grinds, and makes all kinds of noises in the front end. I have been to 3 different dealers who are unable to correct the noises, even with new brakes and shocks. While the dealers in Orange County and Covina are quite professional, the dealer in Carlsbad is useless. This car has a long way to go to call itself a premium product. There are inadequate service facilities, and I have absolutely no confidence that the vehicle will provide reliable service through the first 100,000 miles. As a suggestion, if anyone buys one, be sure to interview the local Volvo service department. Many are inadequate and they often do not have loaner cars as promised.

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  Not worth it!!!! - 2018 Volvo XC90
  By dblassc - July 26 - 8:26 pm

  I’m leasing this new car $620 a month 39 lease term, momentum plus package, 12k miles. To be honest after have other great brands, this is by far the worst SUV I ever had, all the technology involved (for which I purchased) is really hard to take advance of it, I mean the safety features might be great but inside the car the way they felt is another history. Control Panel: Zero intuitive, very difficult to use them. With 2nd largest display in the market (after Tesla) you really really expect to work just fine. I consider my self a tech person and I use all the features and they are definitely not friendly, you can only use one at the time, cant mix audio with air condition for example, because there is all integrated. Voice navigation: is by far the worst on the market, better not to have at all, 5 or 5 times is unresponsive and failed, after 2 system upgrades directly from Volvo is definitely something with the way it was designed, the only way I found to make it work is to send the address directly from the Volvo on-call app to the car directly, which never let you ask for an address directly. FYI (I updated maps from Florida in full). Seating: Front row seating are another failure by far the hard as a rock, and impossible to set up, basic lumbar features for a 55K SUV. Climate: Very poor in terms of vent power, and again difficult to get to the controls directly. (Included in screen panel only) Volvo on call: This system allowed you to start your car from the phone, service is included in the 39 lease term, but you can only use 2 times per day (???) Gas Consumption: In terms of engine seems to be powerful (mine a 2.0 turbo, 4 cylinders) but consumption is very high for a small engine like that , in my case city commuter , less than 18 per gallon. Service on Dealer: Service people very diligent and pro costumer service, I can not say the same from General Sales Manager, Carlos Sacasas (Volvo Carsf North Miami), that will treat you in the worst way, like you are not worth it as a client for them STAY AWAY!! I already have it for 200 miles enough to know that this car won’t last in my hands for the full lease term (already searching for options to change)

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  A computer that drives with software problems - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By Chris - February 9 - 9:46 pm

  There is essentially an ipad in the car that controls almost literally everything. Voice control is not reliable. Many user complaints, including mine, are of strange behaviors all related to software and frequent software updates. Literally after owning my inscription 2017 XC90, I was driving and the heads up display moved, the A/C would not come on, the seat started filling with air on its own and my steering wheel buttons would not work to change radio stations or make phone calls. No joke. Today is the 3rd visit to the dealer in one month. My problems are not unique. Visit the forums and read. Sad, its so beautiful and cool, it just doesnt work, you cant just get in an go. You have to wait for everything to load and many apps simply fail. So disappointing. If you are an early adopter this might work for you but as JD Power pointed out already (2/5) it is very unreliable and operating the car is like driving the car while using your iphone for everything. Its distracting and there are so many darn software bugs.

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  Terrible Reliability - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By rdhoss - January 26 - 12:20 pm

  I cant even recount all of the service trips weve had - new transmission, new steering rack, new turbos, new computer board... it goes on and on. Extended Warranty has covered these repairs but Im sick of seeing my Volvo dealers service center!!!

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  Discomfort - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Curlenjik - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The suspension on my XC90 is amateurish at best. I feel every bump in the road, every space between concrete slabs that the tires pass over. The sightlines make driving with side mirrors a must; I cannot see to the left and right of the car by turning around in the drivers seat and trying to see objects beyond the second row. The fuel consumption is ridiculous and the engineers have some nerve requiring high test gas.

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  Nothing but problems - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By volvoalabama - September 6 - 9:33 am

  Ive had nothing but problems with my 2005 XC90, and they are still ongoing. The main issue is a continuous start problem, but the front door locks have broken, the door pull has come loose, the carpeting has come loose, the CD changer is broken, the DVD player raises and lowers unexpectedly while driving. The dealer cant figure out the start problem. I have to pay for rental cars, lose time from work, and experience the general frustration of not being able to depend on a car. I wont buy another Volvo.

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  Heres a little history - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By chriswhiston - July 23 - 2:50 pm

  I should have seen the sign. When I went to buy the car back in 2004, I had picked out the exact model I wanted, then while I was filling out paperwork, I was notified one of the doors did not open. After another Identical model was found, I took it home. 8500 miles later it needed brakes. Seats showed wear at 10000 miles. Then soon after, the passenger door started popping open. There have been numerous leaks, including a cracked power steering reservoir. Many noises started popping up, a transmission leak appeared, the Volvo dealership rarely fixed problems the first time. Now, because of this, at 47000 miles, the car is in need of a new transmission. Volvo now must replace the radiator.

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  Everything breaks! Marked low to bring its ratings down! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By lane11 - May 25 - 1:42 pm

  Wow, this is a great car to drive, unfortunately, everything breaks on it. I normally dont post, but I just had to register to let people know. Here is the short list of things: 2004 T6, first owner: Front (both) and rear (both x 2) shock mounts (not shocks, the stupid plastic pieces they put in there). Motors in the dash for the air. Replaced two of them now. $$$ Driver window motor. $$ The rain drains on the roof got plugged up, when they overflow, it goes onto one of the computers on the driver side. $$$ Turbo is now dead $2000, and the traction/stability computer is dead. $$$ Rear wheel bearings $$ plus the tires they ruined. I wont own another volvo, ever.