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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  love the car, not the dealer - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Amber Lawson - September 2 - 8:26 am

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  Love the XC90 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By PJ - August 31 - 5:00 am

  This car is really cool to look at, but more importantly so safe! It drives so well and is so sturdy on the highway. Even in windy conditions or passing a truck, it hugs the road and never blows around. It has lots of interior room and is very comfortable.

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  Drove many, chose one. - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By colosnow - August 30 - 2:00 am

  The XC90 T6 drives close to my Audi A4 Avant without the cornering ability. The acceleration at higher speeds is insane, a big deal for those who spend a bit of time on the highway. I disagree with Edmunds on the third row seat criticism; the second row slides forward and back to create better space configs, and I tested both rows myself - I am 6 feet tall, over 200 lbs. A road trip may be out of the question, but still... Biggest con is mileage, but Volvo makes up for it with ULEV and PremAir (if your considerations are environmental).

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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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  XC90 T6 AWD vs. XC90 V8 AWD - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By DENNIS - August 20 - 3:10 pm

  Purchased a 2003 XC90 T6 new. Traded it in for a XC90 V8 in 2006. Totally different vehicle. Engine powerful and quiet. No comparison with the T6. T6 noisy, rough running and a gas hog. V8 smooth as silk and much better MPG. Also, the T6 was a five passenger, the V8 a 7. The V8 rides much smoother because of the self leveling rear. All in all a world class vehicle with a top IIHS safety rating. You can spend a lot more money on an SUV and I dont think you can buy a much better vehicle. Dollar for dollar an excellent investment.

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  Just right SUV for family - 2011 Volvo XC90
  By philo4 - August 19 - 1:58 pm

  We had a minivan for a decade, so its time to change to something different. Looked for a 7 seats SUV and XC90 was our choice. I write this review after 6 months of driving. Its designe is old but still looks good. The engine is just adequate for 4700lbs vehicle, but not refined. The gas mileage is bad and its idling is rough. Volvo needs to improve its engine badly. The ride is ok for SUV but the seats are very comfy. I feel very secure with the XC90. Its not a fancy nor fast SUV but more like driving solid built vehicle.

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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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  Urgent Transmission Service Required - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By viking - August 6 - 10:00 am

  We waited six months for it. With 200 miles on the odometer, taking daughter to school, my wife had to call Volvo roadside assistance due to sudden sluggishness follwed by a dashboard message "Urgent Transmission Service Required." The dealer had the car for 4 days, and flew in a Volvo master tech to fix the problem - bad solenoid that locks in gears. Dealership never heard of problem, but one of the salesman heard that it had happened in a handful of other XC90s with low mileage. Aside from this early problem, we love the stylish exterior, the comfy interior, the practical seating, the decent soundsystem.

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  Nothing but driving pleasure - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By jaker - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Paid sticker/waited 3 mos. for delivery of a 2004 crystal green T6 in June 03. After driving three months, simply love it. Get lots of compliments. Functionality and build quality excellent. Interior quality beats MDX hands down. Mileage only 17- 18 but youre pulling 4600 lbs. so what can you reasonably expect. Third row theatre style seats with separate air conditioning are a hit with the kids. Heard complaints of lack of legroom in the third row but that missing two inches is instead provided for a crumple zone to protect third row craniums. Soo how close your kids heads are to the tailgate in an MDX.

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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!