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:

• 

  I love this car! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By carly - March 20 - 12:16 pm

  This is the best car Ive ever driven. Its perfect for my growing family and its really fun to drive. All the features are so easy to use. I had a Land Rover before this and its like night and day. The Volvos a much better vehicle, for a lot less.

• 

  First Time Volvo Owner - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By First Volvo Owner - March 19 - 4:03 am

  A very easy car to drive, switched from a small sports-sedan without any problems... Superb interior quality. The controls are well designed and are easy to use. Feels safe inside. The new I6 3.2 engine performs well for a car of this size. Do not expect an X5 performance out of this car but the engine feels just right for this type of vehicle. Can’t wait to take it for another drive. Overall I am very happy with the purchase. I needed a family car that would be fun to drive and at the same time accommodate 4 adults and 2 small children. I think I made the right choice. The other vehicle I looked at was 06’MDX, which is a very solid SUV but it just did not feel like a $40K SUV.

• 

  A Great Family SUV - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By VolvoOwner - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Waited for 2004 model such that any 1st year kinks can be fixed. Well, not sure whether if there were any major kinks in the 2003 model but overall the 2004 is a great SUV. Handles great, good road feel, plus the Volvo safety features to boot. After taking delivery, found a loose washer rolling along the moonroof groove and the side door latch came loose. Dealer took care of that quickly. Have been a joy to drive so far.

• 

  Never again! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Mosey - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I have traded my cars in every 3 years so as not to have problems with them and this has been the most unreliable car Ive ever owned. It has been in for problems about six times in the past year and is about to go back for a recall with safety belts. Ill have to wait there for 1 to 2 hours for this and a loaner car would not be available for three weeks if I wanted to wait for that. Of course I wont take a chance with my childrens lives so Ill waste another day dealing with Volvo.

• 

  whats up with the tires? - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By carpool mom - March 19 - 2:00 am

  in spite of very careful rotation etc I am on my third set of michelins at 24,000 miles

• 

  Two Thumbs Up - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Bobb - March 19 - 2:00 am

  We Love our Volvo xc90!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We love it, our kids love it its Greatttttt! its good in snow and rain and ice and sun and fog and dark and light its Greatttt!

• 

  owner - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Sandra Nicholson - March 16 - 11:56 pm

  This vehicle is everything I expected. It handles great, has a luxury interior and a updated exterior design. The only complaint that I have is that the vehicle accelerates a bit slower that I would prefer. This is due to the weight of the vehicle. The weight of the vehicle is what offers safety. To sum it up, I would rather be safe thant accelerate quickly.

• 

  Peace of Mind - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Rorschach - March 14 - 10:00 am

  My first Volvo, but I am very happy with the XC90. Rides great, stable in any weather, very comfortable, looks great. Unpretentious.

• 

  My First Volvo!! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By First Volvo Guy - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I currently own a 2003 BMW 530i, which I LOVE to drive and I needed a people mover thats stylish, safe (3 kids) comfortable and good on gas. Saw the XC90 last yr when it came out and was impressed with its styling. Fell in love with it on my test drive. I drove a friends X5 and was not happy with the ride, ruled out the Touareg and the Cayenne because of the lack of the third row, the MDX because its just an expensive Pilot and Im not a fan of American SUVs (too big, trucky and bad on gas).Anyone looking at luxury level SUVs to definitely check this one out before making their final decision. Volvo did good with this one!!

• 

  A Mommys car - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By SLAG - March 11 - 5:20 am

  Very good vehicle, I feel that I have provided myself and family some extra safety when on the road.