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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  Never again - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Trispace - October 18 - 11:50 pm

  We purchased this car because my wife always wanted a Volvo. This vehicle has been nothing but trouble. Every three months something new is going wrong. A visit to the Dealership is going to be a minimum $500 and has been as high as $2500. Brakes,wheel bearings, oxygen sensor, sway bar, you name it. Every time the Service light comes on a Volvo certified dealership is required to reset it. Beware

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  2.5AWD - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By HappyXC90Owner - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Very comfortable ride, and easy to drive. I like the split tail/liftgate which makes the huge cargo room easy to load. The liftgate is smaller than many comparable SUVs and I can easily open it in the garage with the garage door closed. Researched many midsized SUVs and the XC90 had the best interior space for limited exterior size that could easily fit in our small garage. No problems with the car at all. Performed VERY well in deep snow in the mountains this past winter where many other 4WD vehicles had problems. Did not buy this vehicle to drive off road but I was glad to know how well it handled.

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  Second XC 90 - 2010 Volvo XC90
  By kfrgolf - October 11 - 10:53 pm

  This is the first time in 40 years that I ever got the same exact vehicle that I had been driving. Bravo Volvo - safe , efficient, quiet and has all the amenities

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  Volvo XC90 Review - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By John - October 11 - 2:53 pm

  My Volvo XC90 defiantly rides smooth and quiet. The only complaint about the whole car is the pickup speed and acceleration. It is jerky sometimes when you go to accelerate. Other than that everything else makes up for that one flaw.

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  Im Rattled - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Denny - October 7 - 11:26 am

  This vehicle drives great. Feels like a real luxury machine. Bought it for its level of technological sophistication.

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  Excellent SUV - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By patriot - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Had a T6 test drive. Car-like handling. Assuring brakes. Great and very comfort seats. Simple, but very functional instrumental layout. Very quiet riding and safe feeling inside. Easy access to the thrid row seats. Great cargo space even with all 7 seats up unlike Acuras MDX.

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  Love this vehicle - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By scottnhouston - October 4 - 12:46 am

  After shopping and researching for a month we settled on the xc90 (rx330 was second choice). We love the vehicle. The luxurious interior and the stylish exterior. Gas MPG has been spot on with estimates (18/23). We do 80% city and 20% hwy thus far and have been averaging 20.2 mpg (self calculations). Am anxious to go on a substantial hwy drive as mpg will definitely be in the 23 range which is not bad considering the weight of the vehicle. If you are concerned about the power of the base engine dont be (unless you buy an SUV to go from 0-60 in under 8 seconds). The power has been more than adequate.

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  2016 & 2018 XC90 PLUG-IN HYBRID - PROBLEMS!!! - 2018 Volvo XC90
  By Lynn - September 25 - 3:21 am

  This car looks luxurious outside and inside. What is under the hood is another story. It is riddled with repair issues. I have already owned two of them because Volvo bought back my first one. My 2016 R-Design version had the check engine light on when I purchased it. This recurred several more times and it took several more visits to the service shop to repair. Then, my sun roof had a major leak, which I discovered after my free shower from the Costco car wash. I had multiple issues with my temperature control systems and some repair on the fuel system, all requiring repairs. Each repair, always took a minimum of 2 days (and those were rare). Most repairs took 5 business days, so I didnt have use of my car for well over 30 days. It only had 15,000 miles when they bought it back. There were two issues they couldnt figure. The seats would squeak when going over a small bump in the road (it sounded like nails on a chalkboard). I had major issues pumping gas. At certain gas stations, the pump would keep clicking off, so I couldnt tell how much gas was in the car. One time, it wouldnt allow me to pump gas at all. It just kept clicking off. I really liked the features of the car, so after Volvo bought back the 2016 I purchased two model years later, the 2018 XC90 T8 Inscription (also a plug-in hybrid). I have owned it several months and at 3,400 miles my check engine light came on. It has BEEN IN THE SHOP ONE WEEK SO FAR! The thermostat needs replacing (please note the temperature control system issues on my 2016; shame on Volvo for not fixing this huge engine design flaw!). The only trouble is the part is back-ordered!!! The estimate for the part being available for purchase it another week and then about 8 days after that they should have it in the shop. This REPAIR ESTIMATE ON MY BRAND NEW VEHICLE IS A MINIMUM OF 2 WEEKS, MORE LIKE 3 WEEKS IF IM LUCKY. As for the gas pumping issue... It seems to have improved some with the newer XC90, but it IS STILL AN ISSUE VOLVO! Furthermore, my seats are starting to squeak too! IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BETA TEST A LUXURY SUV AND PAY FULL PRICE, THEN THIS IS THE SUV FOR YOU. If you have a life and dont have time to spend bringing your vehicle to the dealership, then I suggest buying from a different brand.

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  Best in class - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By bballnut - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Exceeded my expectations. Fun to drive and performs well in bad weather. Pulls the PWCs out of water without slipping on the ramp. Center section of rear seat folds to keep two kids separated and provides a place to set the Playstation 2 for playing games and watching DVDs. Also a great place to put the water skis. Fold flat 3rd row seats provide ample storage space for dog cage and luggage.

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  A True Luxury SUV with Outstanding Technology - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Adrian Eckenrod - September 20 - 9:05 pm

  While we have only had our 2016 XC90 for a week, we truly love this SUV. The vehicle is primarily driven by the wife and on family trips. We were not even looking for a Volvo at first. Previously we had a 2004 XC90 and while an OK vehicle we never loved it, size was good, handling and MPG were not. We downsized from that to a new 2012 XC60 which was also nice (much better handling and MPG). Although nowhere near the same luxury as our prior Mercedes. With two kids it quickly became too small. Was looking to upsize and considered the following 2015/16 vehicles: Acura MDX, Range Rover, Porsche Cayenne (too small), Audi Q7 and Mercedes GL. We have always been partial to Mercedes and loved all our prior MBs so it was looking like that would be our next choice. Took the XC60 to the Volvo dealer for an offer and thats when we saw the new XC90. This vehicle is nothing like the prior XC90, it is easy to see what Volvo has been doing with the $11 billon from Geely. I am not concerned with a Chinese company being the parent owner of Volvo, as the Swedes still design and build the car. Look around these days and you will find many of the high-end items in the world owned by someone else. The luxury from the new XC90 is completely on par with the Germans. The Europeans have mastered the art of that for years but always seem to lag in the technology arena. Even when they do offer technology it is not on level with what high-end Japanese autos offered; not to mention you will easily add $10k to the European vehicles with options and still envy what the Japanese models have. The XC90 is a vehicle exceeding at both. Ours is a fully loaded model (specd same as a First Edition) and in no category does it lack. The luxury from the 18-way adjustable (Inscription model) front seats to the perfect balance of Nappa leather, birch wood and metal accents leave no doubt every detail has been thought of. Should you even find a glove box that can also cool down to 40 degrees in a European car, rest assured it will be another pricey option. The place I could see an improvement would be additional USB ports, but plug in one of the adapters that gives you two USB ports per outlet and problem solved. Reading other reviews prior to our purchase that was also one of the few things people could seem to gripe about. If lack of multiple USB ports are the biggest complaints with the XC90, then I think Volvo has succeeded in their goal of making a new iconic flagship for their brand. The all glass instrument cluster and center stack is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing. The tablet like interface is extremely easy to use and does respond instantly (was a big concern of mine). Want to test the responsiveness, adjust the temperature slide up and down, it responds as fast as you can move your finger! Looking forward to the upcoming update to include Apple Carplay and Android Auto integration. The heads up display is another feature worth getting, very nice never having to take your eyes of the road. The enormous panorama sunroof is something the backseat and even third row passengers will enjoy. Shutting the doors is a solid thud I havent heard since our last Mercedes. Again every aspect of this vehicle we just love. The drive is outstanding for this capable 7 passenger SUV, especially for a 2 liter 4 cylinder engine. It has better handling and performance than our prior XC60 with an engine twice the size. While it cant tow as much as the Q7 (the XC90 is rated to tow 5000 lbs) and is not as sporty as the Porsche or BMW, it is certainly a well balanced mix of comfort, performance and capability. The cargo space is seemingly endless (especially when compared to more sporty brands). It does offer four different driving modes which further enhances your driving experience. You certainly feel like you’re driving a luxury sedan, not a heavy truck or large SUV feeling about the drive. My primary car is a Porsche, and this is our first SUV I dont mind driving. Safety is my paramount concern when purchasing a vehicle for the family. That is one reason I was originally looking hard at the Mercedes, but Volvo certainly knows how to build an extremely safe car as well. They further drove that point home with all the advanced safety features this vehicle packs. There is no need for me to go over all of them, you can read all about them for the next hour in other reviews. I will say they are impressive and non-intrusive. I absolutely love the lane keeping aid. A gentle steering nudge reminds you when you are veering out of your lane. I believe that is actually making us safer drivers all around because it brings to point when and how often you were drifting. Having that truly lets you know how attentive you are to the road and your primary task while behind the wheel. If you are in the market for a luxury SUV, you would be remiss if you dont check out the new XC90. This one is nothing like any Volvo of years past for all the right reasons.