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:

• 

  Volvo XC90 - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By chogan01 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Nice car thus far reliable. Gas mileage on the lower end of its suugested performance

• 

  axle glue - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By VULCAN - April 3 - 2:00 am

  both front axles had to be repaired by adding cement grease(thats what dealer called it). This stopped vibration of axle in both front wheels. Also a spring had to be applied to emergency brake to keep it from rubbing.

• 

  Good but not great - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By mark - March 31 - 5:00 am

  There is nothing wrong with the XC90. But then again, theres nothing great. Acceleration has a lag but is OK. Third row is a great concept, but very difficult to get into. Dont even ask about third row leg room! Gas mileage is good for a 2 1/2 ton vehicle. Build feels rugged and well constructed. Features like rear audio controls is good. Its an OK vehicle. The question is whether it is worth $40K+?

• 

  First Volvo - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Jeff H. - March 12 - 7:06 am

  My father bought a Turbo Diesel Volvo a few years back and it turned out to be a lemon. After all the hassles of dealing with the State, Volvo and the dealership, he finally got his money back. So why did a buy a Volvo? I wanted to go to Sweden. I wanted to get the R station wagon, but she wanted the XC90. She won. I took overseas delivery of the car. Volvo arranges everything. Great trip. Once the car arrived stateside, I drove it back home using highway 199 that connects Grants Pass Oregon to Crescent City California. The car stuck to the road like glue. Very little sway and very responsive. Great breaking going into corners and plenty of power exiting them. The future?

• 

  good quality suv - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Lowell Wolf - February 15 - 10:00 am

  The suv seems to be a very safe vehicle.The suv is very good looking.It has many nice features

• 

  Great Family SUV - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By PWD2008 - January 20 - 6:56 am

  Have owned my XC90 for 6 years and worked through several minor but aggravating issues while under warranty. I bought the XC90 for Volvos reputation for safety and reliability, styling, and comfort. Im very satisfied overall performance and this is one of the best highway vehicles Ive owned. The ride is smooth and the 5 cylinder engine is responsive enough for all my needs. On the reliability side, I believe Ford took several cost savings measures and put cheap parts into a high end vehicle. e.g. headlamp cover pitting, rear wheel bearing wear, lug nuts rusting, and electronics problems. Very aggravating.. My 2nd vehicle (Honda Element)is more reliable at 1/2 the price

• 

  big bomb - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By suz - December 31 - 1:46 am

  Do not buy this car, 2004 and 2005 xc90s are known for their transmission problems. Guess what? Volvo of America does not care. $6,700 later, now upside down. Owned the car 7 month. A piece of crap. There are class action suits being established in Conn. and in NYC. Avoid this SUV

• 

  Many problems - disappointed owner - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By jnkn of KC - December 11 - 11:10 am

  We had our T6 for 20 months and have had a number of problems. They include power steering rack replaced, horn malfunction, transmission seals replced, right rear hub replaced, radio malfunction. These were are covered under warranty but for $45,000 we were hoping for a more reliable vehicle. The also never mentioned that tires will not last more than 18- 20 thousand miles. Be preparded to spend $900 for new tires regularly.

• 

  great SUV but not atheletic - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By SKA - December 5 - 4:37 am

  We have very limited options for 3 row luxury SUV. Mercedes GLS is too big, BMW X5 3rd row is unusable. It boils down to XC90 and Audi Q7. Me and my wife both loved the exterior/interior of XC90. Eventually we ended up buying XC90 T8 Inscription with all possible options (MSRP was 85K, but we got good deal). Car is very quite and drives really nice and my wife swears for its handling. However I feel driving is boring. Acceleration is no where close to my Mercedes E350. May be I should not expect that but I want to let you know that dont get foll by 400hp rating. It is big/heavy car and you will notice it. It has about 15 miles electric only range and my wife loves electric only mode due to quietness (I feel it is sluggish in electric mode). in last 4 months I had to visit dealer twice. Once engine light came up and second because there is some rattling noise in center console. Dealer fixed engine light thing, but noise issue has not gone fully (it comes back only at certain speed). I feel it is due to air suspension and I have to live with it. I dont expect such thing in 85K car. If I have to buy again, I would buy T6, since it is 400lb lighter so will have better handling. T6 will be 15K cheaper too. Now it has been one year since I have this vehicle. It has made two trips to dealer for various issues. One for temp sensor gone bad and another for battery cooling pump gone bad. It was also making creaking sound at center console which dealership fixed by putting some extra insulation. Now I hope everything is sorted out and just regular servicing will be needed in future. I have grown used to its driving characteristics. Driving experience is best at Sports mode. Everyone gives compliment for its looks.

• 

  Expensive All-Weather Hauler - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By scottque - December 4 - 6:58 pm

  Have had this thing now for 10+ years and 90,000 miles. Went from primary car for hauling two kids to a third car that sits outside and is reserved for "dirty work". Have been lucky enough to avoid any engine and transmission problems but the cost of multiple failed wheel bearings, sway bars, and ignition coils have really mounted - especially for a relatively low-mileage vehicle. Still, the fact that we still have this car says a lot about it. It is extremely versatile, in terms of hauling people and stuff. It has always started and never broken down. And one thing about the Swedes - they know how to make safe cars that can drive through snow! Ten years old and does not look dated.