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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  I WANT TO CRY!!! DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY AND TIME !!!! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By xc90w - July 4 - 11:57 pm

  VOLVO YOU HAVE SOLD A LEMON TO YOUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS AND THAT WILL CAUSE YOU TO SUFFER GREATLY. This 2004 Volvo xc90 has been a nightmare for me. I spent over $2600 dollars this summer and it continues to add on up. my dash board turns off and i lose power to the rear of the vehicle. This makes this AWD car become FWD!! doesnt make sense but its true and i cant even open my gas door and i have to open it manually from inside. THIS IS THE WORST CAR!! Yesterday the tail light on the passenger went out and some of my front right lights too. "multiple bulbs failure" today i start it and they are all working. WHY do this to your customer VOLVO! VOLVO IS LIFELESS!!!

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  Nice Car - Couple concerns - 2010 Volvo XC90
  By lhos315 - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the car about 8 months. I replaced a minivan w/very squeaky brakes. I was disappointed that within a couple months the brakes were already squeaking in this car. Ive had it in the shop a couple of times but they have not been able to fix it. The ride is a little stiff as has been mentioned. The V8 is great with a lot of power. I got the nav package and this system is pretty poor. The rt traf is helpful but this system cant find big time retail stores without typing in an exact address. I wouldnt rec buying this nav system. I too have experienced the buzzzz in the speakers which hasnt been fixed. Does anyone know what this is? Overall a good/fun/safe car to drive around

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  S80 to an XC90 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By MIKE - June 24 - 9:23 pm

  I traded my S80 T-6 for an XC90 T-6. the XC90 is easier to get into due to the seat height, which i like. It drives very well but is some what sluggish compared to the S80 T6. The interior is very nice and comfortable. I never have figured out the radio, I guess I need a teenager. A simple radio would be nice. Gas... boy it does like gas. My S80 T-6 got 26 mpg the Xc90 does good to get 18 mpg on the highway and about 14 mpg in town

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  Worst Car Ever - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By discostu - June 24 - 8:53 pm

  So far this is the most expensive, and most unreliable car Ive ever owned. It has been TOWED 4 times in 18 months because it just shut off. We bought the car for percieved reliability and safety and have gotten none of the above. The car looks great and is fun to drive, but a car that breaks down all the time defeats the purpose.

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  grrrrrrreat - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By McGrady - June 17 - 2:00 am

  this is a great car with sooo much traction control and safety and u feel in it that u own the whole steert

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  Volvo SUV Review - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Rcnee - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Unreal Suv. The best and compared to the BMW a lot less $. The 3rd row seat is great and easy to get back to them.

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  XC90 Review - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By derek135 - June 5 - 10:00 am

  The all-new Volvo XC90 is a combination of a station wagon, SUV, and a sedan. The price is O.K with the options included. The engine makes some noise but is barable. Even though it claims to be all-wheel drive, it uses different types of devices to control the wheels which helps the fuel economy and improves the safety of the car. I give this car an 8.5/10.

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  Love this SUV - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By DougT - June 4 - 4:16 am

  I wanted to buy this SUV and was told to only buy the V8. Im happy I did. The car has some zip. The driving position and front seats are extremely comfortable. Ive driven it in the snow and rain and its handled beautifully. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants a high end SUV. The gas mileage has been fine. I keep it steady at 60-85 and get 16-18 on the highway. If you are erratic and punch it all the time, youll get less.

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  Nice, but bought the Q7 - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Kevin - May 31 - 10:59 pm

  It looks fantastic inside and out and has wonderful features including safety - Volvos namesake. Interior is truly wonderful. We almost bought it. The technology is not intuitive and quite tricky to use - wonky touch pad and too many screens. The 4-cyl engine is buzzier than competitors smoother 6-cyl options. And the dealership is not the same from a service/experience standpoint as other European options.

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  MD Likes SUV - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Chuck Palilla - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful design, inside and out.It hauls my 1200lb. flats boat well.No problem pulling the boat out of the water onto a slippery loading ramp. Fairly good pick up,though lumbers slightly at slower speeds due to its weight. At 65mph plus it has no rival.Most comfortable interior of any suv--it blows away the MB350,X5,MDX and the SRX.