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:

• 

  Good to Better - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Keith Peck - August 27 - 9:50 pm

  High quality vehicle; very large, needed to compete with the oversized vehicles on the roadways. Safety was the selling point, otherwise the CRV would have been the choice.

• 

  Squeaky and Breaky - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By vsm - August 26 - 10:46 am

  First 4 months: Overheated as Volvo didnt tighten coolant fluid hose at factory and all of the coolant leaked out. Nice early engine stress. Squeaky center console that moans and groans with every turn. Vibrating turn signal wires in wheel well (fun 8 hour drive). Squeaky center console fixed second time. Vibrating turn signal wires identified after third try. Squeaky center console fixed third time. Radio decided to play half speakers for 6 hours (on an 8 hour trip). Rear windshield washer used -"Im wet! whats happening?!"- dripped all over our 6 year old (inside the car, windows up, sun roof closed, in her seat in the second row). Leaked through the headliner. Still Squeaking! Joy!

• 

  Greatest Car Ive Ever Owned - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Volvo Lover - August 11 - 2:50 pm

  I am in love with this SUV. I have had experience with SUVs before (Mercedes- Benz ML350) and this car is just as good or better and costs a little less. It is a beautiful and powerful car!!!

• 

  Id Buy It Again - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Mike - August 11 - 11:43 am

  I was apprehensive about buying an SUV, especially since it was a larger vehicle than I thought that I needed. However, if you think that 18 to 19 around town is OK and 22 to 26 on the highway is fine, consider the XC90. If you like a very comfortable and good handling car to drive for business and personal use, this SUV should be considered. I have been very pleased.

• 

  1st Year 2004 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By myxc90 - August 9 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our Volvo through the Volvo OSD (OverSeas Delivery) program and it was a great experience. This 6000lb truck drives like a really big sports car. MYXC90dotCOM

• 

  Great vehicle - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Bonemond - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Coming from a BMW 330 convertible, I was skeptical about climbing into one of the big lumbering SUVs that crowd the roads, and the idea of just 5 cylinders trying to power 1000lbs. more than my convertible made me more skeptical. After the test drive and 1000+ miles of ownership, I am very happy with my XC90 2.5T. My earlier concerns about performance are gone - the 2.5T is more engine than this vehicle needs in just about any driving situation. The XC90 drives, performs, and handles like a much smaller car than it really is. Im definitely impressed!

• 

  Best Car Weve Ever Had - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By shieatt - August 8 - 6:36 pm

  We found a sweet deal on our used XC90 - 2 years old, only 6500 miles! Car has every option. My wife and I agree that it is the best car we have ever had (and weve had some nice cars). I was nervous about the T6 model, having read that it is slightly underpowered with a poor transmission - but happy to report that the car has plenty of power and shifts smoothly. The AWD system is fantastic - used it to climb an unpaved, snowy/icy grade with no wheel spin - amazing. Great ride and handling. Interior ergonomics very well thought out.

• 

  XC-90 Horiible reliabiliy - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Rich4rennlist - August 7 - 11:00 am

  I purchased a 2005 Volvo XC90 for my wife. She was driving a ML 320 and did not enjoy the drive nor the styling. Weve enjoyed the owners driving school which was offered by Volvo for its owners but everything else has been a huge headache. The XC90 has been at the dealer 6 times since purchase (the car is only 5 months old). The check engine light came on 2 days after Ive purchased the car. The dealer has not been able to figure out the problem. Everytime the car is at the dealer, they are confident that the problem is solved. They were wrong 6 times. It makes my wonder if any of the safety features are in working order. I cant wait to get rid of it. I regret purchasing it.

• 

  Great Test Drive - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By M3M - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Test Drive...Very comfortable. Im 63 and my wife is 51; we were both comfortable. It rides extremely smoothly and shifts gears well. The geartronic trans didnt shift quite so smoothly, but still useful and fun. The 5 cyl (5 speed) had better pick-up than the 6 cyl (4 speed).

• 

  Horrible Turbo Lag - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By thorcen - August 4 - 1:33 am

  This car has some very nice styling but for an almost $50,000 car it has some very real problems. It has the worst turbo lag that I have ever driven, I test drove a 5 cyl. model but bought the T6. When the defrost is on, there is no heat on the floor, so if you need to have it on, your feet will freeze. The ride and comfort are great but with the problems that I talked about, I would not recommend it to anyone.