Volvo XC90 (02 on) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 21 July 2011
The XC90 was Volvo's first real off-roader and proved extremely popular when it was launched. That's not hard to see why - it's well equipped, comes with seven seats as standard and has an extremely comfortable cabin. It may not be as agile to drive as alternatives like the BMW X5, but the XC90 is strong in other areas - most notable its refined ride which makes it ideal for long motorway journeys. There's a wide choice of engines available, but the best is the D5 diesel which offers a great blend of economy and punchy performance. Add in legendary Volvo safety and robust build quality and it's easy to see what makes this such a good family car. It was revised in 2007 with minor exterior tweaks, a more luxurious interior and new engines.
4 out of 5

Other Volvo reviews

4.5 out of 5

Safety

Safety is a Volvo cornerstone and it's no surprise that the XC90 was awarded the maximum five stars for adult occupant protection in official Euro NCAP crash tests. Twin front and side airbags are standard, as are curtain airbags the length of the car, ABS, anti-whiplash protection and stability control. Remote central locking and deadlocks means it's very secure too.

NCAP Test

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Provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe.

Visit Euro NCAP for more info

  • Adult Occupant Rating

    5 out of 5

  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    2 out of 5
4 out of 5

Reliability

Volvo has built a reputation on the strength of its cars. The XC90 feels solidly built and the cabin is made of quality fabrics and plastics. It shares many parts with other cars in the Volvo family, which have been mechanically tough.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

A recall in 2004 for a potential fuel leak from the injector pipes and another in 2005 where the battery ground cable may short circuit. In 2007 there was a recall where the engine malfunction light may come on followed by another for a possible fault with the cooling fan which could cause a fire.

Other

A recall in 2003 for a possible incorrect fitting of seat belt attachments and another the same year for a possible fault with the ABS. In 2006 there was a recall where the steering may fail and in 2007 there was a further recall for an engine control module fault. In 2008 and 2009 there were recalls for power steering problems.