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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  Very happy! - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By Pam Nichols - June 22 - 5:09 am

  Ive never had a perfect car for me but this is quite close. My husband refused to ever drive an SUV but he loves this car. Hes always looking for an excuse to drive. It has power! There are lots of extras in the inscription that are worth the extra money. I like the larger tires and leather quality especially. My kids love the car too and prefer to ride in the "way back". Some of the technology is tricky but you do get the hang of it and there are so many features that its worth the effort to learn it.

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  Daines-Montana - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By CWDaines - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Out last 2 vehicles were a 540 BMW and Chev Tahoe. Both are great for purpose intended. The Volvo XC-90T6 is a marriage of both in a beautiful, very useful and excellent handleing package. Performance on snow and twisting mountain roads is exceptional.

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  nice suv - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By vince - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car Aug.2009 and 98,000kms but still good condition,I drove from calgary to winnipeg, and its fun to drive,its only 2.5 cylynder but good in the highway,I love it...

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  In the shop over 80 days in the first 3 mos - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By David Zuech - June 13 - 9:46 pm

  I receive my inscription on 17 July 2015. After owning it for nine days I received a suspension error code followed by a safety restraint error code and promptly sent it in for service. It was in the Volvo dealership in Tulsa for over 30 days. After I received my car back I had it for less than one week before more electronic error codes again began popping up in addition to my virtual speedometer going black on rainy night. Despite dispatching numerous Volvo engineers who attempted to service my car, Volvo was unable to repair it and didnt give me a refund after four months of ownership. I would tread extremely carefully with this first model year car as it seems Volvo has no idea how to have the various modules interact with each other. I would visit various Volvo forums to better understand the gravity of this problem and Volvos pompous attitude to their new customers of the 2016 "car of the year"

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  Ok so far - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By scarmydude - June 10 - 8:34 pm

  We purchased a used 2004 XC90 in June 2011 with 98,000 miles. We have 111,000 to date. Only issue was we had to replace timing belt at dealer suggestion, otherwise normal maintenance. So far it has been trouble free except for routine maintenance. I hope we got a good one since I plan to keep it for at least another 50,000 miles.

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  Solid, Comfortable - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By dackmd - June 5 - 9:40 pm

  Bought this XC90 after 4 years in a Caddy SRX. Looked at and drove an MDX, ML350, Highlander, Enclave and a BMW X- 5. All nice, well built autos, but when you sit in the XC90, shut the door and drive you feel safe and comfortable. Controls are well layed out and everything is easy to use. No useless extras in the dash to "play" with. It has a solid feel on the road, either 4 lane interstate or two lane back roads. Recently took an 800 mile round trip and averaged 22 mpg. Not bad for going 75 to 80 mph.

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  check engine 2 times in 5 months - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By gpkng - May 28 - 8:16 pm

  Returned to dealer for check engine 2 times and 3 times because the windshield washer fluid does not work when temperature is below freezing. Still not fixed. I wonder if anybody else had the same problem. They changed a valve, but did not correct the problem. Scared to drive when it snows - defeats the reason for purchasing a SUV.I am taking it in again.May be I should get a new car. Otherwise drives well. 3rd row seating is too crammed.

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  v8 volvo SUV - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Robin - May 27 - 9:33 am

  solid, safe and with surprising performance. did 20.6 mpg on an interstate trip of 800 miles [doing a steady 80].

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  great with a few exceptions - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By sopsylisa - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my AWD 2.5T with prem, clim, and vers packages for 3wks now. It drives great, and the mileage has been good (about 20mpg overall). I like the split tailgate and that the third row seats fold flat. The handling in curves is amazing. My only major gripe is the poor visibility. The small rear window and wide A,B,C, and D pillars make seeing whats around you very difficult. With both third row seats up, the head rests hinder visibility even further. Annoying small stuff for a 40k vehicle: The 2.5T is a little underpowered when it comes to accelerating from a stop. Roof rack crossbars arent standard.

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  Never wanted a Volvo til now! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By seansmother - May 17 - 4:10 pm

  I always thought Volvos were pretty ugly, and most of them were, but when I saw this, I did the research, and finally bought, and love it!!!! Had a couple problems which dealer fixed quickly (CD player, keys, a few minor recalls), but other than that, this is a great, great vehicle!