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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  Perfect Family Car - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Alex - March 21 - 7:50 am

  We bought this Volvo one summer and have been loving it ever since. The car is very spacious and is very kid proof. If you have small children it is great because its got a built in booster seat and moves forward so the parts and reach the child easier. The XC90 5 Cylinder can be slow at times but when you step on it, it goes and handles very well. The rides very smooth and for the price comes with so many options. You can pay 10000 more for a BMW X5 with all the same features but not the same safety.

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  Not there Yet - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By par404 - March 12 - 2:59 am

  Thought the XC-90 has been reinvented since 2004, still has room for significant improvements. Vehicle is significantly over-priced for what you get. Fuel economy a big disappointment for a 4 cyc using premium fuel. We got closer to 19-20 MPG average. There are other proven options that are better and more refined such as the Buick Enclave or Infinity (if you are hooked on premium fuel). After renting, the Jury is out and I do not want gamble at $50K+. Take a hard look at the other options before buying.

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  Comments - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By RM - March 6 - 8:13 am

  Love this car.

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  Availability of parts - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By sportette - March 4 - 9:40 pm

  I bought my XC 90 used, 29,000 miles on it. I hit a deer December 26th. It is now May 9th and I am still waiting for parts that the dealership says are on order. I do have the car because the missing parts do not affect the drivability. I still find this amount of time excessive. I do love the car and have always wanted a Volvo. I have had electrical issues with the radio changing stations by itself, doors locking by themselves or not wanting to unlock. I have not been able to figure out how to program the visor buttons to open our garage door. I cannot find the section that covers this in my owners manual. I am also disappointed in the gas mileage.

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  Its a beast and perfect! - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Marc Korody - March 4 - 8:29 pm

  I wasnt a Volvo guy but the new design brought me right into the showroom. Then I drove all three models, and by far the inscription seats stood out at me. These seats are the most comfortable I have experienced. Overall the car has 21" wheels which make the ride a bit rough, but the seats and interior make up for it. XC90 is a family hauler and not the fastest off the line, but it makes up for it in technology, comfort and value. For $62k you get act that in MBZ would cost you $80k, plus its totally unique looking (I get compliments) :-) Be warned - the sales experience is not as refined as the car, just ignore the idiots and do your own research. Service & Parts department so far has been excellent.

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  Over 40k miles - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By 04silverado - March 1 - 5:17 am

  I purchased my 3.2 AWD with 22k miles when it was two years old. I have since put about 45k miles on it. What repairs have I done? Only one thing that I can think of besides brakes and tires. An emissions pump. I consider one repair outside of maintenance in almost 70k miles acceptable. Because of its weight if you drive aggressively expect it to eat brakes and tires and gas mileage to be in the teens. The original Pirellis had to be replaced shortly after I bought it because they were worn out. I put Sumitomos on it and have yet to replace them with over 40k miles. I do a pretty even mix of city/highway driving. I anticipate getting another year (15/20k miles) out of them.

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  Tried to lease from many dealers and failed - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By Manny Fernandez, Jr. - February 21 - 6:55 pm

  The dealerships are not very aggressive in selling their vehicles. They seem to have little to no wiggle room when it comes to leases. While the Volvo Corp website listed lease deals for the hybrid no one I contacted was interested in getting the car for me. It was what they had on their lot. I was really surprised at their kind of caviler attitude. The car is definitely interesting but not an inexpensive lease. Again I asked several times at more than 5 dealers if they would get me the car that Corporate was advertising and the answer was we would have to search. I would never hear back..... Must be nice!

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  xc90 in ohio - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By schatzi - February 13 - 11:10 pm

  this is my fourth volvo - bought it for my wife but i love to drive it. it has plenty of pep around town. i am glad i got the 5cylinder and the 5 speed transmission. it is really quick. took it on a trip about 600 miles; drove great on expressway but at 70 to 75 mph the fuel economy goes down. it has approx. 6000 miles on it; so far no problems. i would recommend this vehicle. i looked at the acura mdx and the lexus rs330 but my wife liked this the best

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  A computer that drives with software problems - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By Chris - February 9 - 9:46 pm

  There is essentially an ipad in the car that controls almost literally everything. Voice control is not reliable. Many user complaints, including mine, are of strange behaviors all related to software and frequent software updates. Literally after owning my inscription 2017 XC90, I was driving and the heads up display moved, the A/C would not come on, the seat started filling with air on its own and my steering wheel buttons would not work to change radio stations or make phone calls. No joke. Today is the 3rd visit to the dealer in one month. My problems are not unique. Visit the forums and read. Sad, its so beautiful and cool, it just doesnt work, you cant just get in an go. You have to wait for everything to load and many apps simply fail. So disappointing. If you are an early adopter this might work for you but as JD Power pointed out already (2/5) it is very unreliable and operating the car is like driving the car while using your iphone for everything. Its distracting and there are so many darn software bugs.

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  Some issues - 2009 Volvo XC90
  By KEN MORRELL - February 9 - 8:23 am

  The XC90 looks beautiful. However, its not the most comfortable car to drive in. Theres not too much room in the front for the driver and passenger. At 14,000 I already needed a wheel alignment which is not covered. Also I had problems which needed service on the drivers side chair as well as indicator lights going off on the dash board for no apparent reason. After one year, Im looking to trade the vehicle in for a SUV that gets better gas mileage. This SUV consumes gas like I consume beer.