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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  A Great SUV! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Saber - June 18 - 10:00 am

  A quality SUV that gets great gas mileage for a SUV. Has a small feel driving the vehicle with a lot of room to carry passengers and/or cargo. Also feel very safe in the XC90.

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  dissapointed - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Dale - June 17 - 4:40 pm

  I have owned my 2004 XC90 since 6/03 I have a few problems that were covered by warrenty but now the veh is in shop to have a new transmission put in. From what I understand I guess they have had few come back for this reason .........

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  Ky Woman - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By Patricia Foley - June 14 - 8:55 am

  Very nice interior. Fuel economy good but not exceptional. Too many interactive functions when youre trying to drive. Safety features are amazing!! Volvo does consumer guide only on line. Can be difficult if youre looking for a particular issue. Being Swedish in design it was difficult to get used to. Roomy interior, but not everyone fits a small seat.

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  SLPAKPs Review - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By slpakp - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I really love my new XC90...it is great fun to drive after moving from a Chrylser Town and County. Less room, but great handling. One complaint is the way the key/remote control lock is designed. The key attaches to ones keyring via a small metal connector that is not permanently attached to the remote control device. Twice, I have almost lost my key when my key ring and the metal connector have separated. Volvo should design a higher quality connector, one that is integral to the remote control device itself, not something that connects to it and then to your key ring.

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  Not overly impressed - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Wedge - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought my first Volvo instead of Lexus. Not overly impressed. I have had it in shop 5 times: Loud knocking from front wheel hubs. Foudn out after second complaint that hubs were not knocking when torque added or removed via gas pedal. Front windows a nightmare. Creaking and noisy over bumps. Customer service at dealer not good. They will call you incessantly for feedback then do NOTHING with it! Anyone else find the drivers seat not very comfortable?

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  Beware of transmission issues - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By jero72 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  As represented by MANY blogs, transmission failure is very wide- spread issue. More surprising is the repeat replacement issue. Vovlo doesnt seem to be concerned as there is no public discussin regarding design or manufacturing changes, even for the new models. I fully believe the only reason Volvo has not recalled the vehicle for faulty trany (replacement) is because they havent been able to link fatalities to the issue. Based on what I am reading and what I am hearing, its only a matter of time. I am very surprised the Luxury Car manufacturer has not taken a more proactive position on this and dealers are very difficult to work with.

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  Dont waste your money! - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Soured on Volvo - June 5 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been in and out of the shop for the past 5 weeks. For some reason a lot of sensors keep going BAD. The last one to go bad was the gas pedal sensor while I was pulling out into traffic! I have put one set of new tires on at 10,000 miles-Volvo says this is normal. New brakes at 16,000. Now at 26,000 miles-600 extra miles traveling back and forth to the dealership for repairs and then back home I need another set of new tires! I have had it with this vehicle and will never own another Volvo. Volvo is willing to give me some kind of assitence with getting a new Volvo, but will not admit there is anything wrong with this particular xc 90

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  Great, But Need to Stow Cargo Cover - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Happyascanbe - June 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car following a horrific side-impact accident in a 2002 Jeep Gr Cherokee (I got T-boned). Stereo great, Nav useful, super comfortable & quiet with solid ride. Road feedback is good without being harsh. Steering could be tighter, but easy to get used to. Freeway power is great, but increase the response at takeoff from a standing stop.

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  Van to XC90 - 2010 Volvo XC90
  By Tatunka - June 2 - 11:50 pm

  Owned for a few months now and no problems. As noted I would like to see better technology in this car like a modern nav and stereo. The safe and sound warranty is great. All service including oil,brakes rotors, wear and tear etc (except tires) are covered for 5yr/60k 91 octane is recommended but hard to find so I use 93. You can use 87 but I notice a lack of power with the 3.2 engine. Overall, I love this SUV. It is sharp looking and safe. No new design appears in the works until 2012.

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  another volvo - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By 2ndVolvo - May 28 - 12:33 pm

  I drive 1995 Volvo 850, and my wife had 2003 Honda Pilot SUV. Right away after we test drove 2.5T XC90 I decided to trade-in the honda SUV ( which started to show degradation in suspension and interior quality after only 2.5 years). I test drove 2.5T again and felt that 5- cylinder engine did not have enough power. T6 were not available anymore, so I got V8 2005 year model. We are very happy w/ the vehicle so far (~1300 miles in 2 weeks). As others said, it drives and feels more like a sedan, not your typical SUV-there is very minimal body roll, great acceleration and braking, no nose-dive forward as you brake,suspension very comfortable and you dont feel any bumps/potholes, except major ones