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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  XC90 V8 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Sheryl - August 3 - 4:06 pm

  Have shopped every 3 row SUV out there. For us, this one hits a home run. More useable interior space than a Sequoia or Escalade, due to folding first, second and third row seats, safety features unmatched by any other , the most comfortable seats I tried and a smooth, easy ride made the decision clear. The V8 is a pleasure to drive. It is smooth, crisp and powerful. The interior is among the quietest of any Ive been in.

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  Probably the best car I have owned - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Steve A - July 26 - 5:10 am

  Ive owned quite a few cars until sticking for nearly 14 years with my old Honda before purchasing the Volvo XC90. This is a solid SUV with the best safety features found. I participated in the Volvo sponsored Drivers Experience, which trained me in how to use the various safety features on the car. In the driving I do on Southern California freeways daily, I feel much more secure in this car than in any other car I have owned. My two Golden Retrievers like it, too!

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  The Mechanics Love this Car! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Duff - July 21 - 7:56 pm

  Second Volvo I owned, probably my last. I have replaced the tires 2x with only 25K+ miles on odometer, replaced air conditioner 3x, radio in for repair 2x, seal on my driver side door 4x, and a few misc interior finish pieces had to be replaced. Not to mention every time I take it in for service, something is being replaced for recall. I had a 240DL brick which I put 256,000 miles on, never had a problem with the car other than routine stuff. I am not happy with this vehicle, drives like a bus, has major quality issues, and trying to operate the radio while driving is a joke.

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  Great Volvo XC90 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By PWRD05 - July 20 - 2:40 pm

  This car is fun to drive, comfortable, easy to maneuver, great to look at, and most important safe. I feel very confident that I have the best protection available in a car. The XC90 handles very well. I would buy this car again in a heartbeat. Like all SUVs I wish it had better gas mileage but safety is worth it.

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  Volvo XC 90 T6 Turbo AWD Fantastic! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Elizabeth - July 17 - 12:23 pm

  I purchased my Volvo XC90 4 years ago, and Im very happy with my decision. For a large SUV, this one drives smoothly - not like a truck. Its very easy to handle. The steering/turning radius is incredible; it turns on a dime. Contrary to a couple of the reviews here, my experience with the acceleration is very positive. I find that theres no lag time between braking and resuming driving. In fact, when the light turns green, my XC90 gets the jump on cars beside me (and I dont floor it). Although I have the third row, I mostly keep it down; my family is able to take long trips with seemingly no end to the cargo space. While no gas-saver, I get around 19 city and 23 highway.

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  XC90 Quality - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By C. Bennet - July 14 - 7:33 am

  The XC90 is a nice quality family vehicle. It drives very smoothly. There is lots of cargo space. It is a joy to drive and I feel safe. Although, I find the gas tank too small and have to fill up more often than I would like to. I also wish it would have a sunglass holder.

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  my fourth Volvo - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By alan cole - July 14 - 2:00 am

  We have had 3 Volvo wagons...after a number of other make SUVs, this is our first Volvo SUV...delighted so far...tried other competing models from Lexus, Volkswagen, BMW...this is the best..Wife loves it...

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  Volvo got it right with the XC90 - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Val McGovern - July 12 - 9:06 pm

  I recently purchased a new XC90 with the 3.2l I-6 engine. I couldnt be happier after 6 weeks of ownership. Quality, fit and workmanship appears to be great. Gas mileage has been decent (avg 20 mpg in mixed driving). This is my second Volvo (I also have a V70 T5) and I am very satisfied with the experience.

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  Nice suv smooth ride - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By dan f - July 11 - 4:43 am

  It rides great and has nice power. Great room and comfort. Some interior defects like a door handle coming off and a broken seat stop. I have owned it one month - 4000 miles on it.

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  Family car - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By FamilyMan - July 8 - 7:50 pm

  Great car and safety features are excellent. Family of 5 when we bought and now a family of 7 and still driving. We pack light, put a cargo holder on the roof and take off on the road.