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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  great ride - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By LMD - February 14 - 5:33 pm

  This SUV rides like a car. It handles corners like no other SUV I have owned. This winter it had plenty of opportunity to show me excellent handling in bad weather. Fun features inside (like the windshield wipers that detect moisture) only add pleasure to a great driving experience. Still waiting on reliability as this vehicle ony has 4000 miles so far....

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  Not as fun as my X-5 but not bad - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Michael D - February 14 - 4:16 pm

  For the value, the vehicle is great. More than enough interior room to sit comfortably. Sluggish off the line but once you are up to speed, keeps up very easily with traffic. My biggest issue with the XC-90 are the blind spots on both the drivers and passenger side. Even with a quick turn of the head to look for traffic next to you, you do not always see it.

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  Sweet Ride - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Sweet Ride - February 2 - 4:56 pm

  Since I purchased the wagon 45 days ago, I have put 3,000 miles on with no problems. The wagon runs smooth and quiet with power when needed. This is the first V8 I have purchased so I had to get used to the reduced gas mileage. There should be no expectations for great gas mileage with a 5,000 pound vehicle. Design, fit and finish are unmatched. This is my 3rd Volvo I have purchased. If the design and quality continue, I can see myself hooked for life.

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  What are you waiting for - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Natsdad - January 31 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Volvo XC90 hits a home run in my book. The car has everything you could want in ANY vehicle, it just so happens to be a SUV. First rate styling inside and out , fantastic fuel economy 18/24,all the safety features you could ask for at a price,that while not the cheapest on the lot, puts most of the other so called Luxury vehicles to shame.The best Navigation system out there.Ive had 3 others before and not one can match it for ease of use and accuracy.

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  Nice Car But Dont Count on it to get you There - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By Doug Funston - January 29 - 7:51 am

  Mine is a virtually fully loaded T8 Inscription. It looks, rides and performs (when it works) beautifully. However, mine has been wrought with electrical/computer problems from the get/go. It routinely spits out warning lights on various systems from ESC, engine, 12 volt system. It has been in for repair (i.e not routine mtce) in one year more than my 2006 Mazda has been in its lifetime. I am in my 60s and have owned many vehicles and this one has generated more warning lights in its short life than ALL my other vehicles combined. Half the time software update is used by the dealer as the solution to my problems. They almost never know what the update is supposed to solve. My navigation system broke down on a cross country trip and required the dealer to reboot it. Even my Tom Tom can be rebooted manually by me. Finally replaced the module for the electric motor that drives the rear wheels claiming it was dragging down my 12 volt system and causing all these spurious computer generated warning lights. The car worked fine for a couple of months and then one day it was completely dead (12 Volt) wouldnt even unlock the car. Dealer claimed my less one year old 12 volt battery was faulty. It was replaced. So today 3 months later a new warning light "12 volt system service required" has illuminated. My issues electrically/computer are clearly still unresolved. I cannot recommend this vehicle for its poor reliability.

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  So far, so good - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By amy - January 27 - 11:10 pm

  Ive had my 06 for 16 months now but before that had an 05. Just test drove an ML 350 from Mercedes and I must say I prefer my Volvo. Granted the ML had a few features that were nice but overall, my Volvo had much more comfortable seats and more features for the price, i.e. dvd system, memory drivers seat, etc. I also have much more cargo area in my Volvo and because its a bigger car I have more legroom and just feel safer. Close the doors on the Mercedes and do the same with the Volvo and youll know the difference. My only gripe so far with the Volvo is the cheaply made stereo speaker units in the front corners. Should be better for a 50K+ vehicle.

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  Love that Volvo - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Karen - January 19 - 5:56 am

  This car is solid and feels very safe. Its interior is classy, substantial. I have ridden in other, so-called more "luxurious" SUVs and find that they seem cheaply made, and plastic compared to the Volvo. On the freeway, I feel that I can hold my own in this very solid vehicle.

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  Was a Volvo Family - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By 2xvolvoowner - January 17 - 5:48 am

  We own both the XC90 and S60and have been frustrated with both. In the XC90 past two years, we have collectively had to repair or replace numerous parts and sensors that seem trivial to have to get fix in such an early life of a vehicle. For example, the ignition switch had to be replaced. The right and left side of the seat panel had to be replaced because the plastic cracked. The sunroof leaked. This doesn’t cover all the other issues of the S60. Without exaggeration, this is the most we have ever been inside of a service station. We have written to Volvo to share our concerns and got back a “get lost” attitude. We will never buy another Volvo. Shame on them for their response.

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  First Volvo owned - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By config - January 16 - 2:00 pm

  We love the styling and performance of the XC90 but it hasnt really been trouble-free especially considering the price and class its in. Although minor, we had to replace the horn, headlamp wiring harness, a bad sensor which caused hard starting and a transmission seal gasket (had minor leak). All taken cared by the warranty but it makes you wonder how reliable and expensive it will be to maintain after the warranty expires. Of course, nothing is trouble-free but overall we are happy with the vehicle

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  Great ride but electronic nightmare - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By CGleas - January 15 - 2:18 pm

  I love the ride and the drive of this vehicle. However, it has had one electronic glitch after another-each computer reboot leads to a new issue that cant seemed to be resolved at the dealer (Volvo of Louisville). The touch pad has gone completely blank, the temperature gauge can have wild swings, the apps dont work well- the latest is that when I start the car or first back it up in the morning, the radio changes from sirius XM to a Christian FM channel. I have the beige Napa leather seats but the drivers seat has worn thru the finish and I await a new seat cover for a car that is 11 months old. Unless you have much time to spend at the dealer, I would not recommend this vehicle. I tried to trade it in, at the dealer where it was purchased, and was told I would have to pay $52000 in addition to turning in this vehicle to get an similar XC90 ($32000 is owed). Shocking, right? but Kelly the manager said this was her best offer. Do the math, my car is worth about $23000 according to this manager. I would consider this extremely poor resale or an extremely poor manager. Anyhow Im stuck with an untrustworthy and overpriced vehicle for now.