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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  Best Luxury SUV - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Trini - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This is the most car like ride you can get from a SUV... It is fun to drive.

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  An eye-catcher - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Dave A. - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Great looks. Great ride. The most comfortable vehicle Ive driven. Gas mileage has been better than expected at 21-22 on the highway. Very tight handling for a truck. Got the upgrade on the sound system which is well worth it. No complaints whatsoever. Were a 3-Volvo family and love every one of them.

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  First Luxury SUV - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By pdamski - January 20 - 10:00 am

  This is my wife and my first entry into the luxury SUV market. We have really enjoyed the ride, luxury, and utility of the XC 90. I have taken the Volvo "Drive For Life" class and now feel like we have one of the safest vehicles on the road today. With gas prices climbing, the average mpg is a concern. I also own a Toyota Prius, which is my commuter car. We will always choose the XC 90 for longer trips, gas prices be damned.

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  Early Rating - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Donald W. Davis - January 20 - 10:00 am

  There is a wind noice, that I cant locate. It appears to be aerodynamical. Caused by the design. I only notice it at 60mph.

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  great car - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Andrea speer - January 19 - 6:52 am

  Its with a heavy heart that I pass my car on to my son who needs it in college. This is been a great car, very comfortable, reliable and its held up well over 10 years and three kids. Only wish Volvo have not priced the new 2016 XC 90s so high. Had to move to Honda pilot.

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  Overnight Test Drive & Still thinking - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Bob B - January 16 - 11:25 pm

  Ill put it this way, the wife loved this car. we currently have a GL450 and its aging and getting to be time to change. Our dealer was nice enough to give us a Inscription for an over night test drive. We found the performance better then what I have read in many reviews, though the comfort in the seats was ok. Im sure there are plenty of settings that we could play with to adjust the seats. While driving, the wife found operating the radio and climate was a little cumbersome due to the ipad like technology. Again, something to get used to and we were new to the car. Ride quality and steering was very nice, but the funny thing is my wife picked up on the tiny steering wheel as compared to her GL. Over all though, the car seemed fantastic and its still in consideration. Our only, and its probably minor to so many out there, is the climate package on the Inscription. This gives you the heated windshield which would take some getting used to. For me it was like looking out a screen door with all the vertical wires running through the glass. Again, not a deal breaker, just something to get used to.

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  Excellent SUV to have - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By ncku89 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Compared to BMWs X5, the inside and cargo space is a big advantage. Compared to MDX, it shows more lux. interior design and impressive exterior outlook. The thoughtful 3rd row seat definately outbeats GX470. Regarding the safety issue, this is so far the best among the SUV.

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  VOLVO XC90 - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By kiran - January 12 - 11:49 pm

  This is nice car compared to other cars in same category(acura MDX,BMW X5,Audi Q7) in terms of third row space ,value for the money and technology . I strongly recommend to get Heads up display(HUD) which is 900 $ option as it will help you when you are using semi autonomous feature(pilot assist) and adaptive cruise control feature .

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  XC 90-I Love It! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Secret Sound - January 6 - 10:00 am

  We drove everything. Coming out of a 1998 Lexus LX 470, which is a pretty tough act to follow. Every car we drove we would come back to the XC 90. A blast to drive. Extremely good balance of appointments, fun factor, safety, good looks, fuel economy (compared to the LX 470). Hard to get a hold of a loaded T6, so count on paying sticker and probably waiting up to 3 months, but worth the wait. Did I say a blast to drive!!!

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  Review - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By sben39 - December 30 - 6:56 pm

  Solid as a rock. Drives great in all conditions especially high wind. Comfortable seats and doesnt wear you out on long trips.