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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  A very good car to Consider - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By David Yanik - July 4 - 8:50 am

  I have owned this car for 8 months and have enjoyed it immensely. It rides well, it handles well and is very flexible. I drive it long distances and find myself well rested. The view is great and it holds the road well. The down sides are the mileage is not great. Also, here in Europe, it is sometimes difficult to park in the tiny spaces, but still a winner to me.

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  One of the best Volvo - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By POKEMON - June 27 - 10:00 am

  I own this car for 1 year now, the car is beautiful, drives like regular sedan, good performance, and adequate horsepower for tasks. The 3rd row seat is very well designed, even its a bit small compare to other makess 3rd row seat, but the safety feature of Volvo is absolutely unsurpassed. Even though its not the biggest when compare to Hondas Pilot, Toyotas Sequoia, Acuras MDX, but its definitely one of the best designed, best builded, and most fun to drive.

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  2005 Volvo XC90 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By littlerock2 - June 23 - 1:37 pm

  I bought a 2005 Volvo XC90 new in Feb of 2006 at the dealership in Athens GA. In Dec. of 2011, transmission had to be rebuilt at 87,000 miles for $4200 - dealership wanted $6500. Then in April 2012 at 92,000 miles, the engine started knocking - balance rod failure. I looked on line and Volvo has known that both these failures could occur in this make and model. Never did I receive any recall or info. I contacted Volvo of North America who offered no help to pay for these repairs. I did not rebuild engine - would cost almost what car was worth. I sold it to an auction company for $3600. Now drive a Toyota Highlander. Will never trust Volvo again.

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  Who needs options - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Dale - June 16 - 10:32 pm

  The base Momentum is a steal compared to the competition. The only option I ordered was a trailer hitch. The ride is smooth and quiet. The sound system is great. The seats are the most comfortable I have every experienced. So many optional items on other vehicles are standard such as heated, leather, power seats, huge moonroof, navigation and lots of safety features. We are getting 27 to 28 MPG on the highway at 70 to 75 miles per hour in calm winds. I am not a fan of the auto start/stop function and I prefer the Dynamic driving mode which is very peppy in city driving and disables the start/stop function. I wish the car remembered the previous driving mode setting so you dont have to select it each time you start the car. I also would like to see a Home Link option for opening the garage door.

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  XC90 set back - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By nathan - June 8 - 4:13 pm

  I was number 11 when i bought my volvo when it came out. i love the truck but here are some problems i experienced. Turbo lag @ 3000 rpm, leaks in tail light allowing water in, misaligned steering wheel slightly, an unusual sound in my engine that led to a broken transmission that needed replacement a year ago, depleted steering fluid @ 20,000 with reason unknown, engine hose leaking that needs replacing @ 30,000 miles, 4 tires worn out @ 30,000 miles, 2X changed front brakes, front rotor change last December. I have a Toyota that does not have most of his problem. Despite of everything I still like my truck, probably due to safety and looks, who knows

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  Very Happy So Far - 2011 Volvo XC90
  By copsdoll - June 6 - 4:14 pm

  I purchased my 2011 XC90 in July 2010. I had a 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor that was totaled and I wanted something even safer. (Endeavor held up well) I have been very pleased with the comfort, the added accessories and the overall drive of the XC90. When I initially read the reviews before purchasing it, I saw many complaints over the gas mileage. I have not found any difference between the gas mileage of my Endeavor and the XC90. I am happy with the gas mileage. The comfortable (heated) seats, the sophisticated look and other added features I didnt have in my Endeavor, make me very happy.

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  Such a great car! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By lapidusa - May 31 - 5:26 pm

  I was hesitant to get what I thought was a pretty fancy car, but it was such a good purchase. The car really is many things all at once. It drives like a sports car even with a 5 cylinder engine. It packs gear like a big car yet is not a tremendous SUV. It handles sketchy terrain well yet hums down the highway very politely. The interior is thoughtful and well crafted. And on top of that, it really seems to make some conscious effort to be a thoughtful car (ultra low emmision engine, safety features for both occupants and pedestrians). Luxurious without being offensive. Not a single problem mechanically.

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  Good buy, but not a flawless car - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By gilles bourdier - May 20 - 6:40 am

  Car is a 2005.Roomy and comfortable. Has not let us down so far ( at 55000km). It looks good and not too big. Still manoeuvrable in town, despite a high turning radius. Parts and tires are durable. Fuel economy is very good on the open road and highway (12/13 l/100), much worse in town (18/20 l/100) HOWEVER, car is hefty and ponderous, taking away any driving pleasure. Steering wheel too low, even when adjusted, sunroof lets in way too much wind noise. Leather quality of seats poor. Engine feels suprisingly strained and whining under effort. Exhaust sound is a letdown. Sounds like a German V6, not a V8. Disturbing loud clunks and thumps over road bumps. Good, but not flawless

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  8 Cylinder Wonder - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By delawaredriver - May 16 - 3:46 pm

  This is a great vehicle. The 8 cylinder engine is terrific. It is comfortable with clean and efficient design inside and out. Handling is great. I sometimes forget that it is an suv. The six speed transmission is very smooth, but sometimes hesitates a little as it searches for the right gear. Volvo hit the mark with this one.

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  My Opinion - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By joezarra07 - May 6 - 7:26 pm

  Previously drove A4 and 9-5 but w/3 kids we needed something more practical. The SUV has traditional good looks that didnt go out of style 3 yrs later. The seats are still very comfortable. The third row seat has not been an issue and wont be unless you have a large teen or an adult in back. Even that is OK for a short ride. However not all is good with this SUV. The AC is nothing short of terrible. The Pirelli tires that came standard didnt make it to 25K. The plastic housing on the driver side craked. The tie rod broke at 42K The CD player no longer works. Lease is up and will look at GL450 X5 MDX.