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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  Magic Blue R-Design for the Road - 2011 Volvo XC90
  By akbrant - April 4 - 7:08 pm

  I traded my 2011 XC70 for this 2011 XC90 in March 2011 for a road trip from Alaska to Texas on to California and back to Alaska. I put 13,000 miles on this baby in 30 days. I have never had a vehicle cradle me on a long rip like this one. I drove many 600-800 mile days and had not one ache or pain at the end of the day. The OEM Perrelli tires sucked, and I put Continental AWD Contacts on and it is luxury personified. The NAV is clunky, but I got used to it as the days went on. I have to leave the NAV on or the backup camera would never get used as it takes too long to rise up. It is sad I gave up newer technology in the XC70, but ergonomically the XC90 is much better for a tall guys.

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  Best SUV, most awarded large SUV for a reason - 2018 Volvo XC90
  By Andy - April 4 - 12:58 am

  On top of reviewing the car itself, I will also provide quick a review on the brands Oversea Delivery program (OSD). First, about the vehicle itself, one of the best 7-seater SUVs on the market. In its class, the only competitor is Audi Q7. And to configure the Audi Q7 with similar equipment including full digital dashboard, semi-autonomous pilot assist feature, upgraded interior and sound systems, heads up display and others, the Q7 will run at least $5-8K more. So in terms of value alone, XC90 is a more sensible selection. I realize that even with the XC90 and in the R-Design trim that I have, it costs more than $71K out-the-door, so to some shoppers the value isnt the most important aspect of the decision making process. Then lets take a look at the various tangible advantages that XC90 offers aside from pricing. First and foremost, the interior of the XC90 is in a class of its own. The upgraded contour seats are just amazing. It truly provides the best comfort in any car money can buy. Next, the center console design is fantastic with the large touchscreen interface. The only thing that can compare to it is the even larger and better panel in the Tesla Model X. Some reviewers on youtube still prefer the button and joystick controls in the Q7 or X5, but I think it is just the matter of accepting a change. After using the XC90 touchscreen interface for about a week, I found it very intuitive and it responds very quickly. I dont understand some of the comments which claim that using touchscreen during driving is more distracting. The fact is, no matter which systems you use, the driver still has to scroll through numerous menus either with a mouse pad (ie: Lexus) or a i-drive type joystick (ie: Audi/BMW), and they are all distracting. I found that the touchscreen on the XC90 at least offers huge icon for most features and all you need to do is to swipe left and right between two large menus. To me, it really cannot get any simpler after one week of getting familiarizing of the system. By contrast, I found the concept of a retractable infotainment screen in the Q7 is very out of date. A retractable screen like that has been a thing in the past since the late-2000 Cadillac CTS. The final point about XC90 interior is the fit and finish. Every single piece of the interior materials is top notch and the simplistic Scandinavian design is great. However, the cabin is not the most quiet for a car in this price range. It is definitely not as tranquil as the cabin of a Mercedes. Now, the second part of the review is about the OSD program. I did it when I placed the order with Volvo. With the OSD, there is no negotiation on prices, everything is ordered per the price list. The listed prices for the car and options are only slightly, if any, lower than MSRP. The kicker is that OSD waives the destination charge, which saves $995 automatically. In addition to that, Volvo provides 2 round trip tickets from any where in the USA to Gothenborg, Sweden and a night of hotel for you to travel to the factory and pick up your own car. You may drive your own car through Europe up to 6 months and Volvo even covers the cost of your insurance up for 15 days. And when youre done with the self-driving tour, you return the car to one of the designated locations and they will ship the car to your local dealership in the USA with no additional shipping charge. So buying a car and getting a free trip to Sweden, why not? I particular like this shopping experience because there is no haggling. I know what I am going to order and how much Im going to pay exactly. I get to tour the Volvo factory and drive my own car to see a part of Europe where I dont visit very often. Such a great way to buy a car.

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  A lot of car - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By crabby hayes - April 2 - 7:38 pm

  For as big as this car is, it handles surprisingly well. That said, I had planned on getting something smaller, but the ride comfort and technology (especially the great center display and fewer buttons) won me over. It is bigger than the Highlander it replaced, so my wife and I are still parking in the back corner of the mall parking lot - afraid to get too close to anything that might scratch our new car. It is great onthe open road, but a bit too much around town, My wife and I are still learning the new technology, which is a bit intimidating to a non-technophile. My wife couldnt figure out how to turn off the radio the other day, and needed to recruit a youngster to help (you just turn the volume down until you see the "x" - oh well.

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  Great car, performance could be better - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Doug Reynolds - April 1 - 10:00 am

  The Volvo XC90 is an excellent package for a person who wants the performance and feel of a European sport sedan, but the versatility of a large SUV. This car feels light and nimble, but has variable performance. Sometimes there is a lag between 1st and 2nd gears. Braking is excellent. Ride and handling are very good. Engine is quiet. Gas mileage and range is poor. The car is well-engineered for versatility. Second row seating adjusts individually for all 3 seats. Center seat slides all the way forward. Third row is two independent seats which fold into the third row. Comfort and quality of materials is excellent. Dash layout is great.

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  So far so good - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By merrickjjbp - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle for a group; we had four kids and four adults on vacation. Drives like a luxuary car. Great interior finish. Why did it take 100 years for somebody to rethink the interiors ergonomics. Three rows have space and flexibility. Only downside is economy Overall, great vehicle

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  2 Years W/ My XC90 2.5T AWD - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Frank - March 27 - 4:23 pm

  I am just completing my 2nd year of ownership with my XC90. As others have mentioned it has spent some time in the shop and seems to be recalled every 6 months or so. The XC90 is a very safe SUV and has a vault like feel to it very similar to Mercedes Benz. My biggest issues are all the little things that go wrong with it. I am now replacing the chrome window trim on the driver’s side for the 3rd time. The design of this is so poor, it’s held to the window frame only with double stick tape. There is also a removable armrest/storage compartment that is starting to fall apart and Volvo is refusing to replace or repair it. A great service department is key to owning this vehicle.

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  My First Volvo - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By barbra - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I came out of a 3 year lease with Mercedes Suv, and could not believe the difference in my Volvo. Comfort to myself all front and rear passengers. Rides like a passenger car. The safety features are endless. By this time the first year with the Mercedes it was in the shop at least 4 times. The reliability and all around advantages made me a VOLVO FOR LIFE customer.

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  The SUV I Love to Hate - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By JLS - March 23 - 8:16 pm

  Ive owned my XC90 just over a year. Been in the shop over 6 times for warranty items ranging from the air intake on the engine to the air vents breaking. Most frustrating is that the same parts keep breaking. The air intake has been repaired 3 times and the vents 2. Ive also been frustrated with trim parts falling off and the third row seat breaking. Ive owned Volvos for years and have had little to know problems other than routine maintenance. This Volvo is the vehicle I love to hate. Love the ride and creature features, hate the reliability and build quality.

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  A Volvo that turns heads?? - 2011 Volvo XC90
  By rocco - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive just owned the XC90 R-Design for a bit over a week, so I can not speak to its durability or reliability, but I can say that this is one of the best looking, most comfortable, spacious, versatile and well designed SUVs/crossovers on the market. I looked at EVERYTHING in the segment before deciding on the Volvo for offering what is, in my opinion, the most attractive package at a price that cant be touched by BMW, MB, Lexus, Acura. I am a loyal BMW owner and have been extremely pleasantly surprised by Volvos offering. While the XC90 is an aging design, the R-Design breathes new life into it.

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  No idea of the troubles... - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By C.TAYLOR - March 22 - 9:40 am

  Ive bought my 04 XC90 believing the car was reliable. Later to find out the first month I had it the transmission light appear. the transmission had to be replaced a long with the radiator and later the radio had to be replace as well next the driver side window track had to be replaced then the doors would open while driving on its own while locked. A few months later the steering wheel became loose, it cost me ninty dollars to have it tighten. The transmission I can some what understand because it was made by GM. I thought I bought a car without an American part. Unfortunately not so. This will haunt me for the life of this car. The brakes and tires well its a heavy car big deal!