Volvo XC90
Overall Score - 7.9 (Good)
The XC90's comfortable and kid-friendly interior, adequate performance and excellent safety record make it a first-rate family SUV. If you're in the market for a luxury midsize SUV, solid alternatives include the highly rated Lexus RX 350 and Acura MDX. For a driver-centered option, consider the BMW X5.
Updated for 2007, the Volvo XC90 offers very good performance, a comfortable and kid-friendly interior and an excellent safety record. BusinessWeek says, "If you're looking for a classy family vehicle that's safe as a tank, the Volvo XC90 should definitely be on your shopping list. It's the first luxury sport-utility vehicle I've come across with a longer list of safety features on its sticker than comfort and convenience gear." Still, the XC90 is not as luxurious as others in its class. Edmunds asserts that the standard five-passenger SUV "feels more utilitarian than most, even with the requisite leather and wood in its cabin. It's more luxurious than a workaday Ford Explorer, but alongside competitors like the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, BMW X5, Lexus RX 350/400h and Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the Volvo is noticeably less elegant."
Reviewers agree that the 2007 Volvo XC90 offers a good value for its class, but they caution that its relatively low base price can quickly swell with options. BusinessWeek says, "The bottom line is that this is an expensive vehicle if you load it up. But if you stick with the small engine and only take the features you really need, it's a relative bargain." IntelliChoice rates the 3.2-liter XC90 as an "average" value based on a predicted cost of ownership compared with others in its class.
The 2007 XC90 comes in three trims: the base 3.2-liter V6; the XC90 V8 AWD, which adds a 4.4-liter V8 engine, all-wheel drive and standard third-row seating; and the XC90 V8 AWD Sport, which adds sporty interior and exterior features.
XC90 Performance - 7.0 (Good)
The majority of reviewers agree that the 2007 Volvo XC90 offers good, but not great, performance for its class. With a six-cylinder and a V8 engine available, the XC90 offers buyers a choice between a fair amount of power at a low price for the class or abundant power at a premium. continue
XC90 Exterior - 7.3 (Good)
Reviewers are generally pleased with the exterior styling of the 2007 Volvo XC90, though most note that the design is neither cutting-edge nor particularly daring. Road and Track says the XC90 "has a rugged appearance but one that's not extreme." continue
XC90 Interior - 7.2 (Good)
The consensus on the interior of the Volvo XC90 is that is it very comfortable and kid-friendly, but not as luxurious as some others in its class. BusinessWeek says, "The XC90 feels less luxurious inside than just plain solid." continue
XC90 Safety - 9.7 (Excellent)
The 2007 Volvo XC90 is widely regarded as the safest luxury SUV on the market, so much so that Edmunds calls it "safe as a bank vault." It has been awarded the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) Best Pick award for safety and has excellent government crash test scores. continue
XC90 Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Volvo XC90 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The XC90 comes with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty. continue