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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Disappointed - 2003 Volvo XC90
By California Mom - May 13 - 10:00 amWe bought this car planning to take long road trips. The seat back has real problems. It is very stiff leather, not conforming to the body like leathers weve owned before, Further, it is poorly configured for a shorter person...breaks in the wrong places and is unforgiving. Additionally, the headrest does not adjust. Small foot well(no room for purse and sit straight). Dual air conditioning is usual in many car of this price range. Navigation hard to use and hard to see v. in dash ones weve had before. Clock is unreadable by passenger.
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Not Comfy - 2004 Volvo XC90
By Jimbo1234 - May 13 - 10:00 amThis car is amazing, I really enjoy almost everything about it...the handling is great, the looks are wonderful, and the safety is second to none.
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THE MOST COMFORTABLE MID-SIZE SUV - 2004 Volvo XC90
By MattValerio - May 7 - 2:00 amUnless you want to cough up another $10- 15K for an Escalade, this is probably the most confortable mid-size SUV. It wont tow very much, but the T6 is great over the road, quick, quiet, comfortable, and responsive. It also is distinctive looking enough to get glances from even the most snobby of the folks who want to spend more than $40,000 on an SUV.
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Best SUV - 2004 Volvo XC90
By YBN2 - May 7 - 2:00 amI have had this vehicle for 5 months and enjoy driving it. I was loooking at the Honda Pilot and decided to get the XC90 because of the safety features.
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VOLVO LOVER!!! Great Vehicle! - 2016 Volvo XC90
By Volvo Lover :) - May 1 - 1:31 amEdmunds needs to get off their "high horse" and rate this vehicle properly. Ive drove many luxury vehicles and I must say this is the best one. BMW,Audi, Land Rover etc etc doesnt compare to the quality of the materials... And hey dont be bashing the vehicles features just because your tiny mind cant handle the XC90 capability. It has easy to use features, if you know how to simply use an Ipad or Iphone, this touch screen is the same thing. I love how the vehicle "grips " the road! It has the feel of a car, the simplicity of an Ipad for features, amazing quality of materials from the leather seats to the wood grain on the dashboard. Please see this vehicle!
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Hold off buying this car ! - 2016 Volvo XC90
By SweetOldBill - April 23 - 4:46 pmLove my new Volvo XC90 when it starts. Beautiful inside and out, lots of great safety features, and a pleasure to drive. However, there have been severe software issues and most recently battery draining for no apparent reason when it sits. Each trip to shop has been 2 - 3 days, because their technicians are not fully up to speed and/or the software is too screwed up. They generally have to do a remote consult with Volvo engineers.. As I write this I am about to jump start it to take it back to the shop again, just a month after the last battery episode (they did a battery reset and then installed a new battery last time, but never did find the cause). Do a Google search and you will find dozens of other people with the same problem. Another issue is quirky navigation system. Usually reliable, but occasionally totally screws up destination city. My recommendation. Do not buy this car yet. Perhaps wait a year until Volvo gets their act together.
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Take it or leave it - 2009 Volvo XC90
By sgring - April 20 - 4:20 amNice vehicle- not great- 3rd row not really meant for adults- not a ton of luggage space either. A bit sluggish when accelerating. It has a heavy feel to it when you drive it. Could also use some more power steering help. Difficult to turn the wheel at times. My wife loves the fact that it drives like a tank. She feels very safe in it.
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First time Volvo owner - 2004 Volvo XC90
By FLRich - April 16 - 6:03 pmFor years I drove a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I finally wore it out, and bought an Acura TSX. I loved it! It was an awesome car, but it was a car. I missed my SUV, but at the same time, I didnt want to give up my gas mileage! I saw the Volvo XC90 and had to test drive it. I bought it within 90 minutes after driving it. It is like driving a well made, tight car, but has the room and view of a SUV. The workmanship is awesome. So far I am averaging 17.8 mpg in town and 23 mpg on the highway.
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Great SUV, Small Tank - 2003 Volvo XC90
By LisaScooter - April 12 - 2:00 amThis is a very nice SUV, the V6 has lots of zip and is extremely comfortable. Very nicely designed with a lot of clever touches, like headphone jacks in the back seat.
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I love my 2004 2.5T FWD XC-90. - 2004 Volvo XC90
By AJ - April 8 - 12:06 amI bought it 1/06 like 3 weeks ago. We own a Volvo 1994 850 T-5 and have been happy with. The XC90 is awesome both interior and exterior. We bought a used one that came from a 3 year lease and it had 68k miles on it. Even with this high miles the SUV drives,looks and feels brand new. I already flushed the tranny fluid and it was dirty. Dont wait until 90 miles to do the flush. Flush it every 45-50k miles. I noticed some people have negative things to say about the XC90 but I love it and I only spent 16k for it ;-) Take care of the car and should last a long time. The 2.5T have great engine and tranny but the T-6 have a bad 4 speed GM tranny and are known to go bad.
