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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  avoid the 2003 XC90 - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By steveswife1 - March 10 - 7:50 am

  Weve had tons of service problems. Volvo keeps telling us it is because the vehicle is the first year for the model. The vehicle absolutely cannot hold an alignment (we get it realigned every 3-6K miles) and burns thru tires rapidly (every 10-12K miles). Every time we have something fixed, a new problem emerges within 500 miles of driving. Lots of stuff (rear shocks, bearings, brake pads) have had to be replaced prematurely, and there have been many minor problems (stench from HVAC, radio malfunctions, etc.) on top of more serious concerns.

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  Volvo XC 90 T6 Sucks ! - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Volvo XC 90 sucks - March 4 - 10:00 am

  XC 90 is the greatest disappointment in 35 years of buying and driving new cars. The engine lags at odd times, feeling like engine is stalling out on acceleration,cutting vehicle speed. Dealer checked OBD computer. No faults,therefore,no problem. Premium Dolby II Surround Sound system cuts out intermittantly in both radio and CD modes.Display disappears and sound stops. Dealer checked with Volvo. There may be "software" fixes for both problems, so I have to wait until May 2 for the Volvo Tech Rep to examine the car.After a week and a half of owning this vehicle, Im ready to sell it, or JUNK IT!

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  Buyer Beware! - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By LHawk - February 4 - 11:34 am

  I have had this car since April 2016. It is a beautiful car with a comfortable interior and nice ride. Thats where it ends. Since day 1, the voice navigation system has not worked. The back-up camera doesnt always come on when you put the car in reverse. The car stopped accelerating while I was driving and had to be towed to the dealership. The foot-activated tailgate sensor doesnt work. The climate control goes from barely there to hurricane force. The touch screen has gone blank on multiple occasions. The gas gauge doesnt provide an accurate reading of miles left in the tank. I actually ran out of gas - Ive been driving 30+ years and have never run out of gas - even as a poor teenager! On multiple occasions the accident avoidance feature engaged - when there wasnt a car around me. The a/c stopped working. It has been in and out of the dealership multiple times - each time with the hope that the latest software update would solve the problems. This last fix was supposed to solve the navigation issue. The technician sat in the car with me and we tried to use the navigation and it switched me to the Music. That was the last straw. I am pushing the dealership to get me out of my lease - I am not interested in another Volvo - I just want out of this unsafe, unreliable vehicle.

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  Only one engine option? - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By tayste8 - January 9 - 12:29 am

  I currently own a 2006 Volvo XC90 V8 and Im in the market for a new SUV. My Volvo dealer gave me a loaner 2016 XC90 Inscription to drive for the day. I was impressed with the comfortable seating, cabin layout and conservative exterior design. I WAS SOLD.....until I actually drove it. The 4 cyl engine is the only option and right away I noticed the lack of performance off the line, on hills and especially passing at low speeds. Mid range performance is decent and there were moments when I felt it all come together but I couldnt get past the under sized engine.