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 vehicle - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By sue - September 16 - 2:56 am

  Not bad gas milage considering the weight of vehicle. Love the safety features and the interior room. Drives like my Volvo S80 and is very well equipped

• 

  Volvo XC90 Great - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By DKJ - September 15 - 8:00 pm

  This is our second Volvo and it has been great. Feel very comfortable driving such a safe design vehicle. I used to drive American vehicles before and there is no comparison. The values and solid designs makes it so nice. Many compliments already. Kids love it. Sound system very nice. Wood steering worth it. Adds some elegance. Fuel mileage really is just like other SUVs and better than some.

• 

  Quality rating - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By dixgannett - September 13 - 10:00 am

  Have had 2 XC90s. The T5 is a better engine that the T6 with the old GM 4 speed. Mileage is far better, and engine pull is very adequate. Have done reports for Volvo (free of charge) rating this vehicle quite highly. Good to haul stuff, and excellent handling in the mountains, which the engine pulled easily. Quality rating very high on workmanship and quality of materials. Only SUV with the stability control. Highway driveability - excellent - quiet and stable.

• 

  xc90 best in class - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By happy xc90buyer - September 13 - 10:00 am

  looked at and drove md80,rx330, explorer toyota 4runner, all within 2-4,000 dollars. top of the line xc90 43k. seating for 7, seats fold down easy, great view from windows and windshield. more interior Sq feet than others, simple dashboard for many features. will pass on to child in 5 years would buy 2 if had the cash

• 

  fuel economy - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By dixgannett - September 13 - 10:00 am

  I must add, after reading some of the reports. Most talked about power between the T6 and T5. From 0 to 60 MPH, there is only .5 second between the two engines. The T6 gets 20 on the highway, the T5 gets 24. Thats a big difference. For the .5 second, Ill take the T5 any day, expecially with the 5 speed.

• 

  xc90 still a good bet after 2 yr - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Susan - September 6 - 5:50 pm

  This is my first Volvo and it has not disappointed. It was purchased for overall safety reasons, and it has been very reliable in the 2 years that I have had it. It is a pleasure to drive. The only problem with performance is the get up and go. It is a little sluggish. The vehicle doesnt get too bad gas mileage. I have been getting 19 mpg in the city and 22-23 on the highway.

• 

  Initial Experience - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Dukem - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Responsive acceleration, but not mean to be a performance sport car; excellent all-around value in terms of features and price compared to competitors.

• 

  The best SUV! - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Hacky - September 4 - 2:00 am

  The SUV that handles like a car. IMO a better ride than that of the MDX. The XC90 is the best combination of space, safety and practicality. If you need the huge space of a minivan, you should get a minivan. However, minivans do not provide the sense, real or imagined, of security that one gets driving the XC90. The third row fold-away seats are awesome, designed to be safe for kids, big enough for smaller adults on shorter trips. Better design than the Lexus 3rd row. With the 5-speed tranny this engine is smooth and it feels much bigger than it is. Better for stop and go driving than the T6 with the 4-speed tranny. That being said, a few more horsies wouldnt hurt.

• 

  Love my Volvo - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By viking551 - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Best auto I have every had....all the space Ill ever need, third row seats, plush luxury. All this with 18/24 mpg on REGULAR GAS. Everything I wanted!

• 

  a long time waiting - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By chrisandpatty - August 30 - 10:00 am

  After waiting 6 months and paying MSRP we now have decided that it was worth the wait. There were times the MDX or the X5 almost won us over but we now have a car as luxurious and certainly for now not as common. The children love all the extra room.