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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  T6 Has It All-Performance+Comfort for 7 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By bajt - September 18 - 9:50 am

  We wanted a car that could accomodate up to 7 people (4-5 kids in back), that had plenty of room in the rear (with seats down) for transporting stuff but that was not too big overall. It handles beautifully under all conditions and has been very reliable to date.

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  Worst New Car Experience Ever - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By DCHammer - September 13 - 11:22 pm

  The 2016 T8 Volvo XC90 was the car I wanted to love. Looked forward to owning it as soon as I heard it was in the works in 2014. Got what appeared to be a good deal on the lease. Unfortunately for this $70K car, Ive had more days in the shop for repeated repairs than all the other automobiles Ive owned in 4 decades put together. Software problems, sunroof water leak problems, transmission problems, navigation problems, acceleration problems. Now it needs to go back in the shop again and the local Volvo dealer has closed. The nearest Volvo dealer that will take care of warranty service is 5 hours away. Volvo is not interested in taking back their lease. I will be investigating our states lemon law. If youre looking for a good PHEV, I suggest the Ford CMax Energy. Half the price, twice the car except for smaller size and no AWD option.

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  Stranded - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By scatback - September 3 - 7:13 am

  At 33k, the car overheated and stranded us. Picked it up from the dealer after two days, happened again. Twice on the hook in a week. That follows 3 days in the shop for a steering angle sensor, and another day for a headlight. The 4.4 is great, the ride is quiet, the interior is designed for adults. But weve driven 800,000 miles in Acuras and Infinities and never been left on the side of the road. Its happened twice in our low mileage XC90 in a week. Plus, no rearward vision and primitive electronics. Were going back to MDX

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  Never again will I buy a Volvo! Hate it! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By DomandKim - August 31 - 1:46 am

  I hate this car! Bought new, all options but the GPS, over $50K. At 200 miles needed a new fuel tank, original was cracked. Heres what went wrong: Xenon headlight fogged replaced, almost killed myself because they were pointing down, night visibility after reinstall of the new ones was 10 feet! Then the tail lights leaked filled with water, replaced, power steering unit, replaced, computer replaced, fuel tank door fell off 2Xs, windshield wipers broke, CD player and back-up signal beeper stopped working, brakes after 20K miles, tires every 22K miles, water filled the roof, wanted $900 to remove interior to let it "dry out"! Suspension bushings needed replacement, & on & on. I HATE IT!

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  Serious Competition - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By RPM3 - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Well I had a chance to test drive this SUV at the SF preview and I am very impressed. Quality is excellent and Volvo has done their homework with respect to providing a complete package. I always knew Volvos were safe, but this SUV is truly amazing. Even at full throttle it is impossible to flip this thing. During the test drive we had it going almost sideways at about 55mph and the safety features kept the vehicle always in control.

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  Good Vehicle - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Davey60 - August 26 - 8:23 pm

  Bought this as a CPO after my Highlander was totaled - was looking for a little bigger SUV. I am not disapointed. Did lots a research on the SUV and knew enough to stay away from the T6 with its trannsmission problems.

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  great SUV - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By YL - August 24 - 11:20 pm

  We had Honda Pilot for 2.5 years -no comparison to XC90. Volvo rides more like a luxury sedan, not your typical SUV. Great stability at speeds up to 100mph -did not try faster because of fear to get a speeding ticket. Body roll is very minimal, suspension is great so far. One problem -stuck front seat cap holder cover - was fixed by the dealer ( they already have a service notice).

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  Excellent SUV - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Dino G - August 23 - 3:03 am

  Enjoy this vehicle quite a bit. Spacious, comfortable with excellent seats. Smooth I6 combined with 6sp tranny gives very good fuel economy for this kind of vehicle.

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  XC90s cool mode is always on - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By faliin561 - August 23 - 2:00 am

  my friend only talked about this vechicle for months. i now cant ador much more. its ride is very car like ride. it has volvo safty.

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  Loved this car! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By jena - August 22 - 7:56 pm

  Bought this car used a year ago with ~30K miles on it to replace a 00 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I loved the XC90. It is so fun to drive, looks great, has great options (heated seats, navi, dvd, wood steering wheel, etc), was comfortable to sit in, and had no big problems. Only in the shop once when I thought it was making a funny noise. Dealership was great, it was still under warranty so they fixed noise and a couple other things (stereo light had gone out). Had two kids with car seats in the 2nd row. Access to the 3rd row was hard, but you really cant fit a human being in the 3rd row anyway. Better to keep the 3rd row down for more cargo room. Sadly totaled this car but it kept us safe!