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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  Early Purchase Review - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Donald W. Davis - April 13 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is everything I had hoped it would be. Performance and styling is excellent! It gives me performance and allows me to enjoy the same luxury that I have in my Mercedes.

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  Happy Owner - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By haef - April 13 - 10:00 am

  As an early owner of the XC90, I am pleased to say that this vehicle has exceeded expectations in almost all ways, now with 33,000 miles. We have the T6 AWD 5 pass with the 17 in wheels. Our biggest disappointment has been the OEM Perilli tires, which Volvo replaced at 17000 miles due to excessive noise which gradually built up over time. It was nice of Volvo to replace them, but theyre doing it again. We love the ride and handling, and the seats support my poor old back like no others! We drive from MI to CO 2-3 times a year, LOADED, and it still drives and handles great. In the mountains it really pulls, even with a load.

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  First Year Follow-Up - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By flyingman - April 10 - 11:30 pm

  This is a follow up to my first post in Aug 06 when car was new. Just turned 10k miles and one year. Absolutely nothing has gone wrong with the car. Got a recall notice about the gas tank door and they fixed this during a routine service at 7,500 miles, but never suffered the problem. Took one long trip with 5 persons and gear. It was tight but didnt want to put anything on the roof. Added a hitch (not from the dealer!) and a great bike rack from softride. We are still loving the car. Mileage is in the 17-18 in the city and 22-23 hwy.

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  I Love It - But Im Nervous - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By MichelleF - April 4 - 8:03 am

  Ive had my T5 for 2 1/2 years and have had no major issues. However, dealer just told me all 4 tires need replacing, and I am only at 27K miles. Also, a co-worker had one from same year as mine, and he warned me that he started having lots of expensive problems with it after 30K miles, so I am a bit nervous. I think the new V8s probably get the same gas mileage as my Turbo 5 cyl, so would recommend people just get the V8. Dont get the T6 though - the transmission is very sluggish in low gears, and I prefer the faster pick-up of my T5, though you will hear the engine hum a bit when you accelerate hard and fast.

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  First Volvo-Love It!! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By cj - April 3 - 8:03 pm

  Overall, love my 2004 Volvo. Great sound system, navigation system, comfortable seats and love the 3rd row option. Radio controls and temperature gages are easy to read and use. Only complaint I have with Volvo is mechanically they make great cars..but guys, why cheat on the small things. My rear windshield wiper has already broken, my passenger visor light burned out, driver/mid back area adjuster broke inside my seat (6 mo after purchase of car). With such overall great quality of car, use those standards all the way around.

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  Built like a TANK - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By red1958 - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Anyone that doubts the safety of this vehicle, read on. Within 3 days my wife and I have been rear-ended. The first one was my wife, she was hit in the back by a Camry at about 15-20 MPH. Last night I was hit in the rear by a Mustang on the freeway, it must have been going about 45-50 MPH. The damage to the XC90 in both accidents was minimal, marks on the bumper, while both of the other cars had major hood and fender damage. If anyone has any thoughts about their kids being safe in the 3 row of this vehicle, Im here to tell you DON"T because the hype about the safety of the XC90 is true and Im living proof.

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  Hot Mama Mobile - 2017 Volvo XC90
  By Renee - March 28 - 9:43 am

  I switched from a Mercedes GL to my new XC 90 Inscription and I dont miss my Mercedes a bit. It is so comfortable, easy to drive, easy to park, and functions wonderfully!! Not quite as fast off the mark as my old car, but catches up fast. Havent been for service yet, but love that three years of service is included in the purchase price, much better than expensive services at Mercedes. So far, so fun! Bought it in Nov. 2017.

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  New Buyer - 2010 Volvo XC90
  By harcherdl - March 12 - 10:56 am

  We just bought our AWD XC90 and are very happy so far. Reviews of the add ons (like NAV and entertainment packages) helped us decide not to purchase these features. The safety features are unparalleled, especially at this price. If feels like you are driving a real vehicle instead of a plastic toy. Ride is smooth and much quieter than the Durango SLT Plus we traded in. 5 yr wear and tear, 5 yr maintenance, and 5 yr warranty were great bonuses. Costco buyers program, and the 2009 tax incentives sealed the deal for us.

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  S80 to XC90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By day6142 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  The XC90 has an S80 ride and while it steers like a dream, it is an SUV and is not quite the driving experience as the S80.

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  Solid SUV - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By Fuzzball - March 3 - 8:53 am

  We leased this SUV after 7 leases of Volvo cars before it. We had outgrown any car they make and this is a perfect fit. Lots of room, extra row of seats, (not much room there) and all the emenities needed. The ride is solid, plenty of room for me, (62) amd a son of the same size. The premium sound is great, there is more than enough power to enter the highway safely and easily, braking is solid also. Car looks great, very reliable and lots of room in the back for luggage and whatever you pick up at Home Depot. The leather seats are as comfortable as at home, heat is great, have yet to do a summer with the black leather interior, but we are not concerned.