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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  Finaly a cool Volvo! - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Sickpuppy - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I think this is a fine automobile, By far the best SUV I have ever driven. Its slightly under powered but handles beautifully. Interior design is really good and ergonomic.

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  Cramped Interior Space - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By JJ - May 13 - 12:00 am

  Nice quality materials...my wife loves it but she is 53" tall and 110 lbs me on the other hand I am 61" 215lbs I find the interior way to cramped especially for knee room...the ride is nice but I feel like Im sliding off the seat due to poor side bolstering...the 2004 seats were better than the latest versions which changed in 2005...bad choice.

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  First Volvo and very pleased. - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By twelborn - May 5 - 5:08 pm

  I did not ever think that I would be a Volvo driver, but once I took a test drive in this SUV I knew that I had to have it. The comfort that Volvo offers its drivers and passengers is outstanding. Despite the smaller 5-cylinder engine, this car has spunky acceleration and I can manage decent fuel economy for this size of a vehicle if driven properly. I have only been driving it for about 1 1/2 months, but I have had no problems so far and this car was meticulously maintained with its previous owner so there are no problems that I anticipate should happen.

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  My Volvo did not last - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Kevin - May 3 - 6:40 am

  I am someone who wanted to be a Volvo owner for life . I had always heard how dependable Volvos are . Well my XC90 was anything but . At 59000 miles I needed a new transmission . And the Volvo dealer was not helpful with anything . I am just getting ready to turn 110000 miles and I need another transmission . Also I had to put in a new drive train at 90000 miles. Along with a new front axle at 64000. Granted I do drive alot of miles in a year. But I purchased a Volvo so I could have a safe reliable car . And my Volvo cost me way to much in repairs and way to much on rental car bills . After my experience with the Volvo XC90 I would recommend it.

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  lMy first volvo- - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Michele - April 8 - 7:00 am

  I waited 2 yrs for this car! Needed the suv body style, very happy with this! A few minor problems (computer errors). At 25,000 miles, had to replace tires. Not happy about that. Was told its common on Awd suvs?! Would like to know what other owners think about this.

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  2.5T XC90 AWD Versatility, Climate - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By john_helen - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I love my truck. I have used it to haul 7 passengers and I have used ith with everything but the drivers seat flat to move cargo. Driving the XC90 inpsires confidence. The SUV feels nailed to the road and does not suffer from the tippy feeling of other SUVs. It also doesnt feel as big as it acutally is. Very easy to handle. The safety features were a huge selling point as this is primarily a family hauler. But it also was just plain fun for Dad to drive. More character then the MDX and mouch more value for your dollar then the Lexus GX. The X5 is more of a drivers car, but offered none of the versatility of the XC90.

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  2004 Volvo XC90 Transmission Issues - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By FIOSWA - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I have an 04 Volvo XC90 and had the bad experience of the Transmission Service Urgent light coming on and the vehicle putting itself into "limp mode" to stop further damage. Of all the blogs I read after this happened, most of them had negative outcomes as far as support from Volvo. I had a great experience and wanted to share that Volvo covered 100% of my damages. I am getting a new transmission, new radiator and new lines installed. I called Volvos customer service line. I was assigned a customer care rep that was extremely pleasant and helpful. She worked with the Volvo dealer and I had a response in 2 hours of the 100% coverage including the diagnostic fee. Volvo: 1-800-458-1552

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  Solid, Safe, and Practical SUV - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Bill - November 25 - 10:23 pm

  We bought a new 2.5T AWD four years ago and have been very satisfied with our purchase. We didnt need the 3rd row seating and since they add considerable weight and reduce 2nd row leg space, we had our dealer search for a 5 passenger model for us. Im glad we did, because the 2.5T engine is just adequate, given the vehicle weight. We have averaged exactly in the 17-22 EPA mileage range - not bad for such a spacious SUV. The XC90 has attractive, timeless styling, is appointed excellently on the interior and has a smooth, secure, stable ride. The 2.5T wont win any drag races, but is fine for our every day normal driving. The XC90 corners pretty well for an SUV too.

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  Handles like a race car! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By MELCHIORRI - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV. But, because of it being new I have had a few problems: radio and map go on and off in cold weather. hub cap bolts rusted back struts needed replacement the first month breaks in front needed replacement 1st month. THIS SHOULD NOT DETER YOU. I EXPECTED SOME CONCERNS BECAUSE IT IS A BRAND NEW MODEL. THE DEALERSHIP NEW OF ALL THE PROBLEMS WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN. I AM SURE THIS YEARS MODEL WILL COME OUT IN BETTER SHAPE.

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  Very Happy with my XC90 - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Holly - August 31 - 4:10 pm

  I bought this car used in Nov of 2008 and have had it for almost a year and a half. I have not had one problem with this car. I am very pleased with the performance. The gas mileage could be better but i knew that going in. The interior does not have enough space for all my stuff but I manage. I really love driving this car and feel very safe in it.