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:
Showing 721 through 730 of 1,132.00-
20K+ and Still Liking it - 2008 Volvo XC90
By 20K+ - August 1 - 6:03 pmIve driven the XC90 for 20K+ miles still love it. Mileage is almost always over 20. Trips - Norway/Sweden 1,700 miles - 23.8 mpg. Upper Midwest 2,400 - 23.4 mpg. New England - 3,400 miles 23.7 mpg. Amazingly good mileage. Comfort cant be beat. Have had ZERO problems, not even one repair trip to the dealer. It will be a long time before I trade-in this car.
-
Great car, terrible technology - 2016 Volvo XC90
By NJVolvo - July 31 - 7:56 amThe good: Car has great material, great feel, and great acceleration/braking. A ton of space and smooth ride. If the software was so terrible the car would be perfect. The bad/worst: Car has so many software bugs and issues, its just terrible. Voice command will sometimes disable the radio buttons, the system crashes, auto stop/start works whenever it feels like it, and worst of all, the accident prevention braking goes off randomly. Car decided to randomly apply brakes and almost caused our car to get rear-ended.
-
Test Drive - 2003 Volvo XC90
By Alex1212 - July 12 - 2:00 amWatch out BMW and Mercedes! This vehicle is simply the best. It feels tight and is very easy to drive. I have test driven many Lux SUVs and the Volvo tops them all. The Acura is its closest match in size, but the Volvos looks, opions and safety is beyond compare. I feel sorry for those who are willing to pay so much more and get so much less!
-
Good times with grandchildren - 2006 Volvo XC90
By Dianne Syring - July 6 - 2:26 pmI wanted safety features. As a grandmother of three that spends time with the children in the car. I love the built in toddler seat. Recently took a beach trip with 2 daughters and 3 grandchildren and we were all very comfortable and had plenty of room for gear.
-
Love my new ride - 2016 Volvo XC90
By KP - July 6 - 7:54 am -
love - 2005 Volvo XC90
By S LYNCH - July 4 - 10:43 pmGreat car. Its got two TVs and the kids love it.
-
New Volvo for me - 2008 Volvo XC90
By MatthewP - July 1 - 10:53 pmWithin two months the windshield crack not cover by the manufacturing warranty. Too small for 7 seaters, will not fit teen for a trip.
-
pretty solid - 2003 Volvo XC90
By jj - July 1 - 2:26 pmI have had this auto for two years now. I still get looks while driving. It is a very comfortable auto to drive and lots of safety stuff too.
-
2012 XC90 - 2012 Volvo XC90
By laarcadacpa - July 1 - 1:24 pmMy wife and I are very pleased with our 2012 XC90. Our last SUV was an MBZ ML 320 which is a very good vehicle. The price of the new ones, though, gave us pause. In buying an SUV we considered seating capacity as a primary quality. We have 5 grandchildren locally. The performance comments concerned me. However, with the 7 speed automatic that manually shifts, there is more than ample performance, if one knows how to use a transmission. The value, space, engineering and performance are all here.
-
Looks Good, Guzzles Gas - 2004 Volvo XC90
By joeboxer - July 1 - 10:00 amIve had the XC90 since 4/1/03 and have gotten the most heinous gas mileage -- 10/11mpg City and 15/16 Hwy. The interior is very noisy but the excellent stereo mitigates it. Ive had the car back to the dealer three times in three months with various problems.The interior is mediocre/bland/sparse and back seat room tight. Lots of other little annoyances prove that looks arent everything.
