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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  Rides great at 110 MPH - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Easy Rider - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I picked up the car at the factory in Sweden. It was a great experience to visit the factory and pick the car up at the location it was built. The factory tour was impressive. They were making mostly XC 90s, so we could see every stage of XC 90s being built. At the end of the day, we drove to the ferry. The next day, driving through Germany, the drive was great. The factory representative told us to take it easy, keep it under 4000 RPM. He estimated that would be about 85 MPH. He was wrong, with the T6, I was going 100 MPH before I new it at about 3000 RPM! It is truly a great ride.

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  Volvo XC-90 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By R. Pyott - December 12 - 4:53 pm

  The XC-90 is fun and gives me a great feeling of security and safety. The handling is excellent. It has a nice turning radius. Acceleration on the highway is very good. The controls are conveniently positioned. I love the exterior appearance of the car. At first, the headrests felt a little strange but I love them now plus they are one of the only cars to pass the whiplash crash test.

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  rear ended - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By jjok - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I was waiting at a stop light last Mon when I was suddenly jerked back in my seat. I was rear ended by a full sized chevy pick-up that had been stopped behind me. That truck was rear ended by a dodge daytona that was going 35- 40 mph without braking. The daytona was scrunched up like an accordian, the chevy was damaged enough to be totalled, my xc-90 did what it was supposed to do, it took the impact and deflected the force downward. The whiplash system helped me a ton. My damage was bacically to the lower area and lower liftgate. $2000 damage and being put out, but I cannot overemphasize my impressment of the safety of this unit!!

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  Worst SUV I have ever purchased - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Janeen - December 6 - 10:00 am

  So many problems with my XC90. Volvo sent this SUV out and did not finish putting it together. The carpet fell down in the front seat, outside window trim was not attached, numerous problems with the braking system-very loud noise, exhaust was entering car, Anti skid warning light kept coming on, When unlocking the front door the trim around the lock came off, made repeated trips to dealership and they said they fixed it and they did not. Cant wait to get rid of this SUV!

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  Key Design Stinks - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By axey - December 6 - 10:00 am

  Excellent in every respect EXCEPT: (1) both remote control designs failed, and (2) the Fuel economy is well below Estimated ratings.

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  What a difference 10 years makes - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Diplomat - December 6 - 10:00 am

  We replaced our 144K 940 turbo wagen with the loaded XC. Our only complaint has been the Bose CD changer, which froze up...requiring a trip to the dealer to arrange replacement. As for what Volvo built, it is so much better than our 940. If it lasts as long, then we have made a heck of a purchase.

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  Nice Ride! - 2010 Volvo XC90
  By Kat1976 - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle through the military/diplomatic sales in Bahrain and overall it exceeded my expectations. Dissapointments: the vehicle was delivered to DC/VA almost four/five weeks behind scheduled arrival date with wrong interior color (calcite seats...ouch...), my speakers are making weird bzzzz sound. I installed bluetooth and portable Garmin for Volvo navigation system and I am pleased with both. I especially like the portable navsystem, because you can use it with other vehicles;saves you $ when you rent on vacation. I really like how it handles the bumpy DC/VA roads and that there are no blind spots like in other SUVs. Also, the free service plan on 2010 models is a MAJOR perk!

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  Not reliable at all! - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Lorraine - December 3 - 11:13 pm

  I love the ride but it has died in the middle of a busy intersection twice. It had to be towed back to the dealership and they replaced the fuel pump and we are waiting to see what they think it is this time. The drivers side beam has had to be replaced twice. The DVD system works intermittently. I thought Volvos were supposed to be dependable and safe. I have a 3 year old and I am going to have to get something else unfortunately.

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  Battery died because of software glitch - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By kawvt - December 2 - 1:36 am

  I bought this car 9 months ago and have had it die 3 times on me. The battery had died because of a software glitch (they think) as described in a technical bulletin Volvo Int. put out. Each time the vehicle has been in my garage and when I went to start it, nothing. I love this car but am so disappointed in the reliability. I also think for a beautiful SUV such as this is, and not a big mammoth SUV, it should get much better gas mileage. Our local dealership has been great but it has been extremely inconvenient to have our brand new Volvo die. I love the way it drives, handles, its comfort, but if I have another problem, Im inclined to ask Volvo Int. to take the car back.

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  [Review by Jim] - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Jm - November 30 - 6:16 am

  I have a roof vibration that seems to have been resolved for the time being. I love the tight handling performance and accesibility into the back. There is an uncomfortable edge on the steering wheel in the design that I dont care for. The seats are VERY comfortable and I have a bad back, so I know! I wish the back seats were heated also. The GPS could be easier to use without all of the current steps necessary now. I wish the rear, side windows could vent open for the pets as they do in the Lexus. I wish also that the side mirrors would dim with the rearview interior mirror. There is a bad blind spot in the design that could be improved. I love this car even though I would change a bit.