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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  Just bought the T6 AWD XC-90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By LoriRayna - April 17 - 2:00 am

  We compared this car with the Lexus RX330. Both were great. The Lexus has better luxury features and the Volvo is more rugged. Unfortunately, Lexus couldnt touch Volvos price. I do like the car and it is fun to drive, but for the high price of the car, it would be nice to have the upgraded luxuries as standard. Add a towing hitch,running boards, or navigation and get ready to pay pretty penny. Running boards alone=$850. Also, turbo chargers make a loud whistling noise which dealer says is unavoidable.

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  Sports car in disguise! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Paul - April 1 - 12:23 pm

  Handles very well and has pletty of power. Truly a fun car to drive! I am very impressed with the avg. of 21 MPG Ive gotten over the first 4,000 miles Ive owned it (bought it with 7,000 on it and have driven a combination of city and highway). Most importantly I feel very safe and protected in this vehicle.

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  Great for Cross Country drive - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By config - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Drove my XC90 all over Europe and from the East coast to the West coast - great performance. Averaged 18mpg but also had a large Thule roof carrier which dragged the milage down approx. 2mpg. Overall an awesome vehicle. Had a problem with a pedal sensor when I picked up the vehicle in Annapolis, MD but dealer quickly repaired it.

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  Best SUV Ever - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By samanthalouise - March 29 - 9:06 pm

  Absolutely love this SUV. Best vehicle I have ever own, hands down. Safe. Reliable. Kid friendly. Just all sound great SUV.

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  Awesome 5 cylinders - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By P Pletcher - March 29 - 10:53 am

  This is the vehicle Porsche should have built. Its lighter in weight by 900 pounds than the Cayenne, and it has a great little 5-cylinder that delivers all the torque right there at 1500 rpm. Very thoughtful, great engineering, beautiful concept, I hated to see the V8 come along because the model was unique without it in the showrooms.

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  GREAT SUV VOLVO MADE - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By DODDY - March 28 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS THE SUV I EVERB DROVE IN MY LIFE

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  Volvo XC90` - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By j - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Excellent choice. Easier access to 3rd row than the MDX. Much more room than the BMW. Smoother ride than the ML320. Better drive than the RX300. Safer than the GX470

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  Volvo XC90` - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By J - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Excellent choice. Easier access to 3rd row than the MDX. Much more room than the BMW. Smoother ride than the ML320. Better drive than the RX300. Safer than the GX470

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  just purchased - 2010 Volvo XC90
  By david - March 20 - 3:16 pm

  After an exhaustive look at a range of cars from the 4 Runner to the Range Rover Sport we settled on the XC90 and I think we got what we expected. An ok vehicle that has an appealing look but its not flashy, and the interior is nice but creature comfort is lacking. What sold us was the relatively decent price for the number of features and the 5 yrs of free maintenance. We also like the spacious interior and the 3rd row seats are nice to have if needed and space is not compromised, although the 2nd row is a little tighter than some competitors. Im 6 but could still sit there comfortably. This SUV will be a fill in for a few yrs until something in this $ range gets us excited.

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  Not Exaggerating, Run Far, Run Fast - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Heather Mullins - March 20 - 7:36 am

  This was a 40th birthday present..worst $$ ever spent. fuel pump went out first yr. stranded in the middle of nowhere literally..3 recalls, middle console makes noise, front end steering makes popping noise (took many trips to fix) grinding noise in reverse, many trips to figure this out, side window leaks, OEM tires terrible, brakes replaced every 25,000 miles, power steering pump went out, now the car is not wanting to go in reverse and the key mechanism has problems, fuel door latch broke ($350 to fix) we are now cutting our losses and trading it for a GMC SLT Yukon, only 58,000 miles on this money pit!! Spend your $42K elsewhere!!