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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  2006 2.5T AWD XC90 - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Andy - August 28 - 2:30 pm

  Great use of space. Either 7 people or lots of cargo space. I live in Colorado and the turbo provides excellent power for high altitude driving. Had some friends compare a Lexus rx with an xc90 on I-70 in the high winds (40-50 mph and gusty) that we sometimes have on the front range, and they said the xc90 was vastly superior. Dont know about the Lexus but my xc90 handles these winds like no other car Ive ever driven.

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  Volvo XC-90 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Vickie Anger - August 28 - 2:03 pm

  Absolutely love the car.

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  Disappointed... - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Mark Blum - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the Volvo after considering several other LUVs. After 3 weeks, Im not sure Id buy another one. It lacks some of the "creature comforts" found in Lexus and Acura and its not as fun to drive as you might expect from the T6 version. The XC90 has a much harsher ride than Id expect from an LUV in this category. Get the wood wheel, its more comfortable to drive.

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  My favorite car - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Homes lover - August 17 - 12:21 pm

  Sitting in this car is fabulous I have for teenage boys and this was the best SUV legroom in the middle and the rear seat for the mid sized SUV class. Technology and display and rear view camera are awesome too. Love my xc 90

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  good car but expensive to keep - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Anonymous - August 16 - 2:00 am

  i bought this car this past summer with 144xxx miles on it but when i bought it the motor was gone so i got a good deal on it, i bought a motor for $3000 with 70xxx miles and first it ran great but then one of the turbos quit. the transmission has ever been an issue for me but this car is very expensive to keep it only gets about 8 mpg but it rides nice so i guess its not too bad

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  OOPS - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By john perkowski - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Good long distance runner, very good front seats. optional 18 tires(MXV) POOR in snow and worn out in 18K mi. T6 engine needs a five spd., Four spd auto is a mis-match. Very conveient rear hatch design. Needs a larger fuel tank. Great brakes. Love the styling, outside shape. Overall for the money, keep looking.

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  Thumper - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Nick - August 9 - 9:13 pm

  We have named this car "Thumper". It bumps, it grinds, and makes all kinds of noises in the front end. I have been to 3 different dealers who are unable to correct the noises, even with new brakes and shocks. While the dealers in Orange County and Covina are quite professional, the dealer in Carlsbad is useless. This car has a long way to go to call itself a premium product. There are inadequate service facilities, and I have absolutely no confidence that the vehicle will provide reliable service through the first 100,000 miles. As a suggestion, if anyone buys one, be sure to interview the local Volvo service department. Many are inadequate and they often do not have loaner cars as promised.

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  VOLVO XC90 - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By gleger2 - August 5 - 8:53 am

  Very happy with our purchase, it really fits our life syle..bigger than bmw and lexus rx

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  Love my XC90 - 2009 Volvo XC90
  By Heather - July 27 - 11:06 pm

  I have been looking at this car since it came out and finally took the plunge and purchased new 09 model. Love everything about it. Handles really wheel and very fun to drive. Bought this truck over alot of others for the trunk space for my ridgeback dog/family member and he has plenty of room and his own AC vents. Only downside i have seen is that the rear vents dont work unless the a/c is on.

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  Not worth it!!!! - 2018 Volvo XC90
  By dblassc - July 26 - 8:26 pm

  I’m leasing this new car $620 a month 39 lease term, momentum plus package, 12k miles. To be honest after have other great brands, this is by far the worst SUV I ever had, all the technology involved (for which I purchased) is really hard to take advance of it, I mean the safety features might be great but inside the car the way they felt is another history. Control Panel: Zero intuitive, very difficult to use them. With 2nd largest display in the market (after Tesla) you really really expect to work just fine. I consider my self a tech person and I use all the features and they are definitely not friendly, you can only use one at the time, cant mix audio with air condition for example, because there is all integrated. Voice navigation: is by far the worst on the market, better not to have at all, 5 or 5 times is unresponsive and failed, after 2 system upgrades directly from Volvo is definitely something with the way it was designed, the only way I found to make it work is to send the address directly from the Volvo on-call app to the car directly, which never let you ask for an address directly. FYI (I updated maps from Florida in full). Seating: Front row seating are another failure by far the hard as a rock, and impossible to set up, basic lumbar features for a 55K SUV. Climate: Very poor in terms of vent power, and again difficult to get to the controls directly. (Included in screen panel only) Volvo on call: This system allowed you to start your car from the phone, service is included in the 39 lease term, but you can only use 2 times per day (???) Gas Consumption: In terms of engine seems to be powerful (mine a 2.0 turbo, 4 cylinders) but consumption is very high for a small engine like that , in my case city commuter , less than 18 per gallon. Service on Dealer: Service people very diligent and pro costumer service, I can not say the same from General Sales Manager, Carlos Sacasas (Volvo Carsf North Miami), that will treat you in the worst way, like you are not worth it as a client for them STAY AWAY!! I already have it for 200 miles enough to know that this car won’t last in my hands for the full lease term (already searching for options to change)