2010 Volvo XC90
- 2009 Volvo XC90
- Used Volvo XC90
Based on analysis of 50 XC90 reviews and test drives.
Volvo XC90 - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Volvo XC90 ranks 14 out of 16 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 50 published reviews and test drives of the Volvo XC90, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The XC90 is a family-friendly SUV with a comfortable interior and excellent safety record. However, its performance is only adequate compared to rivals -- although ride and handling improvements for 2010 could change that.
Another downside is that the XC90's relatively low base price can quickly swell with options. "The XC90 does have a first-rate interior, decent driving dynamics and perfect safety scores, but some of its competitors have all of that and then some," writes Edmunds. For more well-rounded choices, consider the Volkswagen Touareg and Volvo XC60. For 2010, the XC90 receives minor updates, with the most notable being the addition of a standard third-row seat. It also gets a modified chassis and standard rear park assist.
The XC90 comes in several trims -- the base 3.2, 3.2 R-Design and V8. The V8 is no longer available in R-Design trim.
- "Earning XC90 kudos are car-like road manners, rock-solid feel, and numerous safety features. While none of these Volvos tops the class for agility or outright utility, prices are competitive, provided you keep a lid on option selection. The best value here is a 3.2 with its impressively refined 6-cylinder engine." -- Consumer Guide
- "Well-to-do families pair naturally with the XC90, as it offers the perfect blend of safety standards, exquisite ride and handling, luxury features, and class. It is also darned comfortable, making it great for long road trips. Many European motoring journalists consider the XC90 the best 4x4 by far." -- Car Gurus
- "Volvo's unibody sport-ute is solid and drives remarkably carlike. There's plenty of space and a clean and well-styled interior inside. The base engine is best avoided as it struggles to move the heavy XC90 around. The V-8 sounds great and offers much more power." -- Car and Driver
XC90 Performance - 7.3 (Good)
The 2010 Volvo XC90's performance doesn't stand out within its competitive class. In an attempt to remedy that, Volvo has tweaked the chassis for 2010 to improve ride and handling - but many reviewers don't detect a difference. "Both XC90 models ride quietly and smoothly on the highway, but they're hardly sporty, claimed improvements for 2010 notwithstanding," says Edmunds. With six-cylinder and V8 engine options, the XC90 offers buyers a choice between a fair amount of power at a low price or abundant power at a premium. Read More
XC90 Exterior - 7.7 (Good)
Reviewers have little to say about the 2010 XC90's exterior, which is neither cutting-edge nor particularly daring. "The XC90 carries Volvo's familiar face -- not the previous boxy angles, but the smoother, friendlier look that's been present since the early 2000s," says Cars.com. Read More
XC90 Interior - 7.6 (Good)
The XC90's comfortable and kid-friendly cabin isn't quite as luxurious as others in its premium class. "The cabin is handsome and well assembled, but suffers from a few low-grade plastic panels," says Consumer Guide. For 2010, the previously optional third row becomes standard - which is a plus for buyers who need seating for seven, but a minus for those who want more second-row legroom or more cargo room. Read More
XC90 Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)
Carrying on Volvo's reputation, the 2010 XC90 is widely regarded as one of the safest luxury SUVs on the market. It does very well in federal government crash tests and was named a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Read More
XC90 Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)
The 2010 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 basic warranty. Read More
