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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  The Best There Is - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By dodopodoman - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven the competition (M-B ML, BMW X-5, Lexus RX330, VW Touareg, etc.) and nothing comes close in terms of overall package. My runner- up is the Acura MDX. Weve put 6100 miles on our T6 AWD XC90 and love it. No problems. Easy to get in and out; responsive turbo and steering; superb brakes; lounge-like comfort; superb Premium Sound System (better than Bose); luxurious interior; beautiful exterior that does not compromise people room or cargo versatility; and a feeling of being as safe as you can get. P.S.: The 5-passenger version has a nifty, large hidden grocery bag and storage compartment.

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  Solid - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Pmedhat - December 11 - 7:36 pm

  We have three XC90s in the family and the V8 is by far my favorite. The Yamaha engine never runs short on torque. The acceleration between 50-80 mph is amazing. The minor improvements to the interior are subtle but affective. I especially appreciate the iPod jack. The handling is awesome with plenty of room for the family.

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  Worth the Wait! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By riddlepeople - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Researched SUVs, minivans for months before landing on this car.Husbands an ex-mechanic, and Im really picky! Weve had other Volvos- + Chevy and Chrysler minivans- and knew this would be our "Family Car" for a long time, so it needed to have everything we wanted. It took a while, but WE GOT IT! This is a great car for the family- room for carseat and older kids, with the more sophisticated style of an SUV. But its not as "open" as a minivan, so be prepared to limit some of your "extras" (playpens, strollers) if youre using 3rd row seats. Drives like a dream- smooth and capable. And looks gorgeous!

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  I think I got hoodwinked - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By Nervous Wife - December 4 - 3:10 pm

  Always wanted a Volvo XC90. Bought one. Very happy when delivered. Thought I got a safe and reliable tank! Wrong! The car broke and was towed to the dealership after one week of ownership. It is now back in my garage. How do you feel when you shelled out 40k for a SUV that breaks this early in your ownership? I now keep my fingers crossed. Read your states Lemon Law. I did. I hope I wont need it. I like this car, but...

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  Quite satisfied - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By jdpusa - December 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought an XC 90 AWD after test driving Lexus range and Acura MDX. Very happy so far - 4 months and 10,000 miles. No reliability issues. Good performance and handling. Inside is spacious and very comfortable. Sound system is good quality. Did couple of long trips and the vehicle really excelled on the open road.

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  Exceeded Expectations - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By sbndominic - December 2 - 10:00 am

  I read many reviews before I purchased my 2.5T AWD. Power from the 5 cyclinder is very good. Test drove the T6. In my opinion not a big diference. The comfort and appointments are outstanding. Seats are exquisit. All systems have worked as expected no quality issues. In fact, this is the very best car I ever owned. My first Volvo. I could not be happier with the decision to purchase the XC 90. Also looked at the Taureg and the X5. The availability of 7 passenger seating and the safety features won us over. It has turned a few heads and received many compliments. My wifes only request is a place for her purse.

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  Great V8-- a wonderful SUV--perfect for us - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By rr - December 2 - 2:26 am

  After much dreaming and waiting for a VOLVO SUV, the XC90 does not disappoint. Its a comfortable, safe people mover that gives everybody a great ride (3rd row seats are higher for better views). The V8/6-speeds are mated nicely (purrs well!). Good snow traction and power here in the Rockies and for the highways on OE all-season tires (special winter tires were not needed). Love the split rear hatch and easy access throughout. Beautiful looking vehicle, great lines and finish. A solid and well built machine. Well designed and thoughtful interior. Easy to read dials and settings (although the radio is a bit clunky to set). Were going to get the Bluetooth installed next month. Great SUV.

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  xc90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By rich6789 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Awesome vehicle! Safest thing I have ever seen, short of a Tank.

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  Great car. Exactly what I wanted - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By prospect - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Well designed and extremely safe. Just the right size for 64" frame, but not a standard SUV roadhog. Environmentally friendly

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  Very happy with my 04 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By volvolover - November 26 - 11:23 am

  All in all I have been very satisfied with my XC90. I looked around for a while for good cars, and was told that the comfort of the car is very good. Every time I drive, the safety features give me a peace of mind, when I have my 3 kids in the car. For transportation needs, me and my husband settled on the 3 row seater, which is actually comfortable, considering most crossovers have a very uncomfortable third row. The gas mileage is pretty good at around 20 city and 24-25 highway. It is wonderful.