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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  Smooth ride - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By augie - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive have always been told that Volvo was a safe car to drive. I did not realize it until I went to look for myself. I was amazed by all the safety features in the XC90, especially the stabiity control and anti-roll system. The ride is real smooth and plenty of power. We looked at MB M350, BMW X5, Nissan Murano, Infiniti FX35, Toyota Sequoia, GMC Yukon. The X5 was our second choice. I just wish the fuel tank was larger. At 18 mpg you dont get too far on 19 gallons.

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  12 months with 8 visits to the repair shop - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Kelly Northington - November 16 - 6:35 am

  We had issue after issue with this vehicle. Main issues were the faulty control panel and the brakes. The vehicle would auto brake in the middle of the freeway for no reason almost causing multiple accidents. Also we had the break pads changed 5 different times for constant squeaking. Eventually Volvo Corporate bought the vehicle back as we filed a lemon law complaint.

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  what we wanted! - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Joe Alutto - November 8 - 8:43 am

  The 2016 XC-90 rides well, has incredible comfortable seats, all 7 of them! Cargo capacity is fine and acceleration a pleasant surprise given the relatively small engine. MPG has been in the 23 mpg around town and 26-27 on the highway. The dealer claims we can use regular gas but we have been using premium as indicated in the user manual. There have been four or five software updates during the 18,000 miles we have used the car but the dealership has been very helpful in explaining what needed to be done and why. The navigation system is no better than others we have experienced and voice control sometimes seems to only respond to a foreign language I do not know! My wife and I love the car and hope to run it for many years as we have with all our cars.

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  A little disappointing - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By Mr. Phillips - October 31 - 10:47 am

  Thought the newly redesigned SC-90 would come out as a classy car. Unfortunately, the Chinese influence has taken over. Too much cost cutting in poor quality materials. In the past the quality of steel used in Volvos were second to none. Today, can not say the same. Ride is comfortable, yet quality better in other equivalents. Hopefully, once they begin assemble in Charleston SC, overall quality will improve to compete against BMW. Not yet there. However, in this case looks are deceiving. As for performance, a gas guzzler for the size and type. Do not waste your money or patiently wait.

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  Never again - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By joggin jonny - October 30 - 5:30 pm

  This is my third and last Volvo. I said that after the second one but my wife talked me into it again. Tires and rims replaced due to front end shake. Cracked front suspension member, Loud noisey vibrating turbo. Transmission that downshifts like a manual. Drive train that clunks like a u-joint going out. All this for over $40k? Potential SUV buyers would do well to look elsewhere.

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  I love this Vehicle - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Liz Lerch - October 29 - 5:36 pm

  This is a great vehicle. It is very well engineered. The third row seat is so easy to use and the kids love it back there. The car feels solid and safe. It holds the road beautifully and is quiet inside. I feel encapsulated in quality and luxury when I drive it. The stereo sounds great and is easy to use as are the temp controls. I drove a lot of other cars before choosing this one and none of them came close to the quality of the XC90.

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  First Year XC90...Gremlins - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By hpark - October 25 - 10:13 pm

  Bought the T6 as a certified used car from a local dealership in 2004 with 24K on it...thank goodness for warranty as this vehicle was in the shop too often..during our first year of ownership approx 4 visits and about 1.5 months of non-use as they finally determined the engine block was cracked which caused a perpetual coolant bleed into the cylinders...plus since then sunroof drain blockage caused water to leak into the vehicle and soak all of the electrical in front. Tires burn through in about 20k miles and a window switch that sank into the door panel. Guess this is part of the First year gremlins that came out...long story short...I think the Japanese earned their quality reputation.

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  Lap of luxury - 2018 Volvo XC90
  By Jon - October 22 - 8:14 pm

  You will be impressed

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By David K - October 22 - 10:50 am

  I consider this vehicle to be the best Ive owned. Its classy, comfortable, reliable and economical. On a recent trip, I got 24 MPG on the highway. Typical MPG around town is 19-20. How many other non-hybrid SUVs can do that? I have the 2.5T and though I was concerned a 5 cylinder SUV might be underpowered, I can report positively that it is not. My 18 year old son drives a Jeep Cherokee and he says the acceleration in my vehicle "scares him."

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  XC90 KICKS X5 ASS BIG TIME - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By ROB MIKY - October 22 - 2:00 am

  THIS SUV IS THE ONE OF THE GREAT SUV OUT THERE ROLL OVER PROTECTION UN BELIVEABLE TAKE CORNERS NICE LUX CAR I HAVE NO COMPLANTS ABOUT THIS SUV I OWENED BMW X5 AND IT SEAT AND RIDE IS NITEMARE.