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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  Too many problems dont buy - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By bob458 - October 4 - 11:10 am

  Bought a used xc90 from volvo. We have averaged a new problem every 2000 miles. Including a breakdown leaving my pregnant wife stranded and now flickering headlights that cant be fixed despite visits to the dealership and throwing money at it. (computers and modules are next on the list) It would be nice if the dealership looked like they knew how to fix what is apparantly a common problem on their vehicles... So its going to be traded in with a 6 mth loss of 5-6k. Looks pretty but its not engineered well nor built well - certainly not the volvos of old.

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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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  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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  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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  They used to emphasize safety, now its tech - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By Mary - January 18 - 3:05 am

  Be aware that In their bid to jump into the LUXURY SUV market Volvo has only managed to make a its XC90 unnecessarily complex with potentially dangerous Intrusive technology. There are virtually no controls that operate by knobs and the 3 screen tech that controls Everything is Very distracting and more inefficient. Our old XC 90 (2013) was totaled while parked and we jumped into the new model expecting more if what we had loved about Volvo for the last 20 years- We were wrong! I am very computer literate but had to sit in the car & take notes to change some of its worst features. In a bid to Warn the driver of hazards, the overly controlling tech (beeps, noises, etc) is itself a hazard. If I could trade it for a new 2013 Id stay with Volvo. Next time we are looking at American made non-luxury SUVs.

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  Stay Clear - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By new jersey - December 21 - 6:06 am

  We bought our xc90 new. Have had a multitude of problems two wheel bearing hubs rear, steering rack, drive shaft, tie rod ends and two transmissions. Funny thing is my mother bought the same car at the same time and had all the same problems and is going for transmission number 3. good luck to all of us who got stuck with the t-6 nightmare!!!!!

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  60K for a 4 cylinder underpowered engine - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Stay08 - September 13 - 12:03 am

  I test drove the X90. I own a 2008 XC90 v8. The v8 Yamaha engine in the 2008 Volvo XC90 is a GREAT engine. Smooth, quiet and quick. This was the PERFECT engine for the heavy XC90. Volvo decided to make a one size fits all 4 CYL engine and its really a poor choice for the XC90. Its overworked and underpowered. Its a cheap work around. Take a look under the large plastic cover hiding the little engine that couldnt...How can I pay a 60K price tag for this SUV? Volvo was once upon a time a car company that had a quality car from the inside out and today they make a car that has a sharp stylish look but cheaply built compared to the older models....Other options in same price range. the BMW X5,,,,,,Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne, and VW Toureg. These SUVs have decent performance...Think about test driving a one year old BMW X5 v8 with low miles....

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  XC 90 Big disapointment - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By m navarro - August 30 - 2:00 am

  car is fun to drive but not built very well. Have had 3 interior trim pieces fall off, Rear seat leather came apart (had it fixed 3 times) Car hesitates at shift points (feels like you took you foot off the gas) Surgers under hard acceleration, 3rd row seat hardware broke, rear stereo control broke, CD changer had to be replaced, Key unit had to be replaced, engine has a rattle, turdo whines under deceleration, lights on switches too dim, can not see in sunlight. One of the worst cars I have owned. Have bought BMWs for last 20 yrs. I wish I had not changed. Volvo has been no help

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  XC 90 is not quite what I expected from Volvo - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Jim Jackson - August 19 - 10:01 am

  Bought car with 68 k miles, and later found out the front axles needed to be replaced. I have 143 k and still havent replaced them, but I have replaced two wheel bearings this year. Park assist went out, had it repaired, and within days the alarm would come on solid when backing and nothing close by. Had serpentine belt, tensioner and idler pull go out while on interstate. Could barely steer enough to get it to dealership. Then the read assembly bearings failed about 5 months later. Both repairs over 6K. Other little nagging issues with hinge on center console breaking, etc. Maybe it is my fault for buying a car with high mileage, but expected more from Volvo.

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  Be careful - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Bud - July 25 - 10:13 am

  The XC-90 that I have is a piece of junk! Fortunately, when I purchased the car used with 22k on it, the dealership offered, at no additional charge, a 100k warranty. Thank goodness! At last count, they have done over $10,000 in repairs! If you are looking for an upscale SUV, you may want to look elsewhere! The dealer has been great. It is just that Volvo was asleep when they built mine!