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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  Safety First - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By avonpan - October 18 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I chose the XC90 for its safety features(whiplash protection, rollover protection, airbags galore even curtains to protect from glass). We were in a rollover (3+ times) accident in a different SUV;it was totalled and we were too. Both of us were paranoid of being hit by an out of control driver again and wanted the BEST protection. Volvo beats the others hands down. My husband was reluctant to even test drive one because Volvo conjures up images of "boring boxy ugly" car. However, after the test drive, we were convinced that its combination of looks, safety and performance beat the Mercedes, Acura and BMW.

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  Best Car Ever - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Gabriela - October 14 - 1:43 pm

  Great pick up when you need it. Stops on a dime. Very ergonomic,everything is within easy reach on the dash. Safe, and a beautiful design.

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  Love it! - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Dena - October 1 - 12:46 am

  I traded in a 2004 Lexus RX330 for the 2007 XC90. I love the way it handles and it feels much tighter and sportier. It accelerates and shifts gears much more smoothly than my Lexus. My only complaint is the gas mileage is not as good, and I had a minor issue with the Sirius installation. This car is fun to drive!

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  Excellent Car! Great Price - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Cindy Fabre - September 28 - 2:36 am

  I have this car fully loaded. The navigation is great. It prompts you, big screen, and is accurate. I also love the DVD system. The twin screens are great. The car drives smoothly, and I have no problems (knock on wood). I had previously owned the merceds that had issues every few months. This is an excellent value for the price and you can put the cheap gas in. The Booster Seat is also a great feature.

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  Traction problem - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Longford - September 24 - 10:10 pm

  Has been getting stuck everywhere! Recent snow has highlighted problem. Great satisfaction of Land-Rover driving rescuer. Has been to dealer before, who said 4 wheel drive was working normally. NO IT ISNT! Will go to an independent if Volvo cant sort it. Suggestions are a damper in the software, or a gearbox fault. Been very satisfied with overall package, but wife now wants a 4x4 that does not humiliate on a little bit of snow, or wet grass.(Hello Land Rover!!)

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  Buyer Beware - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By prb - September 21 - 3:43 am

  We purchased this 2007 SUV in Oct 06, 1300 miles later, and 200 miles from home the water pump went out. Volvo cannot get a part for three (3) weeks. We were left stranded with little or no support from Volvo. Customer service is as worthless as the warranty. Although, I rated the vehicle well, I would never, ever purchase another, simply due to the poor support from Volvo. In all fairness selling dealer did more than they had to and has tried to assist where they could. Vehicle remains 200 miles from my residence awaiting a water pump.

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  2008 XC90 3.2 AWD - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By SYeard - September 17 - 9:50 am

  Picked up the car at the beginning of July and its been happy driving from day one. The XC90 is a pleasure to drive with the 6 cylinder engine and the versatility of the 7 seat capability is a must for all active SUV owners. A very premium experience.

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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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  this is what a suv should be - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By plateau guy - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Had for 7 months now and love it. Gas milage is averaging almost 18-mostly non freeway-pretty good for a solid midsize suv. Lots of room for gear, and drives great- much more like a car than a truck. Could use more power, but then so could everything! Sound system sounds great with powered sub- woofer.

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  Nothing but problems - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By volvoalabama - September 6 - 9:33 am

  Ive had nothing but problems with my 2005 XC90, and they are still ongoing. The main issue is a continuous start problem, but the front door locks have broken, the door pull has come loose, the carpeting has come loose, the CD changer is broken, the DVD player raises and lowers unexpectedly while driving. The dealer cant figure out the start problem. I have to pay for rental cars, lose time from work, and experience the general frustration of not being able to depend on a car. I wont buy another Volvo.