Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate
Average Retail Price
$6,700 - $7,925

Road Test

This version of the XC90 was forced to compete with newer and better luxury SUVs and as a result, ranked at the bottom of the category. Despite a mild cosmetic freshening for 2013, it dated back to 2003. This six-cylinder engine is underpowered and the V8 we liked was discontinued. We also measured an unimpressive 17 mpg overall. Handling lacks agility and ride quality is both stiff and unsettled. Some controls are confusing too. While the interior is roomy and versatile with three-row seating and comfortable seats, if you don't need the third row, the smaller XC60 makes a much better choice.

For complete Road Test Report and to see Highs and Lows, become a member

2013 SUVs Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Volvo vs. Other New Car Brands

Volvo vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2013 Luxury SUVs 3-row Ratings

$6,800 - $8,050
economy-icon
EPA MPG 19 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$9,375 - $10,525
economy-icon
EPA MPG 18 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$6,925 - $9,100
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$7,675 - $12,875
economy-icon
EPA MPG 19 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$7,025 - $8,350
economy-icon
EPA MPG 18 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    4-door SUV
Seating
2 front, 3 rear, 2 third
Drive Wheels
AWD, Front
Engines Available
  • 3.2-liter 6 (240 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 6-speed automatic
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2016-
Current Generation

The 2016 redesign brought a much nicer vehicle. The XC90 SUV's best qualities include its flexible and comfortable interior, seven-passenger seating capacity, and long list of safety features. Base models use a 250-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo, offered with front- or all-wheel drive. Our tested 316-hp, turbocharged and supercharged version delivered decent punch and returned 20 mpg overall. but had a raspy sound. A plug-in hybrid with an electric range of about 14 miles is available. All versions use an eight-speed automatic. Handling is commendable, but the ride is stiff, though the optional air suspension makes it more comfortable. The interior is quiet, plush, and modern, with super comfortable seats. But audio, phone, and navigation functions are controlled through an unintuitive touch-screen infotainment system. Volvo's Pilot Assist offers a suite of advanced driver assistance features. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert -- two important safety features -- were made standard for 2018. A surround-view camera and front park assist were also available.

Changes for 2020 included a new 12.3-inch display in the instrument panel showing information such as navigation directions, telephone and road signs. Also, the battery size for the plug-in hybrid increased to 11.6 kWh. Volvo announced a refresh for the XC90 planned for 2025, but is simultaneously also selling the prior year's car as a 2025 model into early 2025. The refreshed XC90 features a new 11.2-inch infotainment system, revised exterior styling, and an updated interior. Volvo also promises "improved suspension". The Ultimate trim has been renamed Ultra, and the PHEV version is no longer referred to as the Recharge.

2003-2015
2003 Redesign Year

The XC90 SUV's best qualities include its flexible and comfortable interior, seven-passenger seating capacity, and long list of safety features. However, its high curb weight and underpowered engines detract from the driving experience. So-so fuel economy is another negative. The ride is fairly comfortable, if a bit stiff. Handling is responsive and secure. The standard ESC works very well. A Yamaha-built, 4.4-liter V8 mated to a six-speed automatic brought significantly more power in 2006. For 2007, an adequately powerful 3.2-liter six-cylinder replaced the base five-cylinder engine; the V8 was dropped after 2011. Unfortunately, Volvo held off on the redesign too long for the XC90, so by 2013, the model scored too low to be recommended.