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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  This SUV ROCKS!! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Volvolover - May 26 - 10:00 am

  this has been a great vehicle. great for hauling kids, and has tons of room for cargo, with seats up or down. really like the looks, and that it is the only one in my town! amazing safety features.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Happy Owner2 - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Delivered at factory and drove comfortably all over Europe ~ 5,000 miles. Acceleration and high speed driving quiet, responsive and more than adequate. Tame at US highway speeds but still responsive and not at all tiring over long distance. No "truck" feeling, i.e., smooth handling, car-like ride, and no vibration. Fuel economy ~20 mpg on highway, even with heavy load, ~15 mpg in town, light load, carefully monitored. Navigation system flawless and comprehensive. Cargo space superior with two seat rows, outstanding with only front seat row up. All in all, everything I expected and more from a quality European car manufacturer.

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  Everything breaks! Marked low to bring its ratings down! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By lane11 - May 25 - 1:42 pm

  Wow, this is a great car to drive, unfortunately, everything breaks on it. I normally dont post, but I just had to register to let people know. Here is the short list of things: 2004 T6, first owner: Front (both) and rear (both x 2) shock mounts (not shocks, the stupid plastic pieces they put in there). Motors in the dash for the air. Replaced two of them now. $$$ Driver window motor. $$ The rain drains on the roof got plugged up, when they overflow, it goes onto one of the computers on the driver side. $$$ Turbo is now dead $2000, and the traction/stability computer is dead. $$$ Rear wheel bearings $$ plus the tires they ruined. I wont own another volvo, ever.

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  Volvo XC90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Chuck - May 22 - 4:33 pm

  Overall, were happy with our purchase of the Volvo XC90. Clearly, the safety features were our first draw to the vehicle but styling wasnt far behind. Reliability has been good so far, with only several little things popping up. Fuel economy has been OK, good when you compare to other crossovers. Its not sexy or fast. We didnt get options like a DVD player or upgrade the sound system, but after three years of ownership and one child, we wish we had. Overall, this has been a good car for us.

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  Love my XC90 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Lin - May 20 - 7:53 am

  I am totally pleased with my 2005 XC90. The ride is a dream and the handling is great. I feel safer in this vehicle than any other car. My other car is a 2004 Corvette which is totally fun to drive. The Volvo is fun too. I wish I did not have the 3rd row seats but that is the way it came. It was the only red XC90 that I could find in So. Calif. so I took it with the extra seats that will never be used. My choice. They are only made for little children. Adults would never fit. Next one, and there will be a next one will not have the 3rd row seats. Summary: I LOVE my XC90!

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  Sabadoo - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Edward Goldenberg - May 17 - 2:33 pm

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  Great so far - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By ike10 - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Have had our xc90 for 7 weeks now, and am extremely impressed so far. have used the flat folding front passenger seat three times already. plenty of cargo room and the most well thought out interior design ive seen... extremely user friendly. handles great (for an suv) and love telling my suv- hating friends that my suv pumps 1/4 the pollutants into the air as their recent model compacts. a good tradeoff on handling vs plushness... corners great and is still dead quiet and comfy on most roads.

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  Love my Volvo - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By acolaruotolo - May 13 - 10:13 pm

  a real pleasure to drive. We are wrapped in comfort, safety and beauty.

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  I hate this car - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By mbj1227@gmail.com - May 10 - 5:44 pm

  I ordered this car last May and took delivery in January. Since then it has been in the shop 12 days for a myriad of ailments. "Hybrid System Failure" warning had it in the shop 8 days. Parking brake failure and alarm had it in the shop 4 days. The touch screen cuts in and out while driving, sometimes the windows wont roll down, it wouldnt shut off once. Lots of electrical glitches. The battery charge never charges more than 18 miles on the screen, but in reality the battery range is about 7-10 miles if that. The gas tank is too small so I have to fill the tank each week even with the battery. The interior is not well laid out - no storage space and the glove compartment barely holds my bottle of Advil. I bought this car for a family vehicle but it is far from being family friendly. It is not easy to move the seats up and down, not enough cup holders... DO NOT BUY THIS CAR.

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  Volvo for"life" - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By 2004 Volvo XC90 - May 6 - 3:33 am

  This by far is the best vehicle we have ever owned. Highly recommended for its safety and reliability. Just drove to FL and back from the east coast and it performed outstanding. Averaged just over 23mpg. My wife loves this vehicle which we purchased for "Life".