2019 Volvo XC90 Reviews

Joshua Dowling road tests and reviews the 2015 Volvo XC90 at its international launch.

Never a company to rush into things unnecessarily, Volvo has had its XC90 on sale since 2002 (2003 in Australia), albeit with many significant upgrades and changes along the way. An all-new model is finally on the way and incorporates some fascinating new technology, obviously safety heads the list, but there are many

The XC90 is Volvo's entry in the top-end SUV race, a race in which it is pitted against the likes of the BMX X5, Mercedes-Benz ML and Audi Q7. New It arrived here in 2003 and has become a top-selling model for the Swedish carmaker, accounting for a large slice of the company's business in Australia. Apart from some

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the used Volvo XC90 2002 - 2012.

Ewan Kennedy reviews the 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2011 Volvo XC90 as a used buy.

The Swedish carmaker now does its best work in Australia with a full-sized, family four-wheel drive.Close to half of Volvo's deliveries Down Under are the giant XC90.But there's another twist. Volvo is becoming a diesel-driven brand and the diesel XC90 is the pacemaker. The XC90 has been building support since it joined the local line-up in 2003, even though it competes in a luxury four-wheel-drive class that includes the Audi A7, Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne.Its advantages include size and price. The XC90 is a full seven-seater and starts at $69,950.The spread of engines and equipment means the Volvo can be a family-first people mover or a serious off-roader or a sporty wagon with a V8.“The XC90 is significant for us. It accounts for most of our sales in Australia,” Volvo Cars spokeswoman Laurissa Mirabelli says.“Last year we sold 1912 XC90s, 40 per cent of Volvo's sales in Australia. Given that the vehicle has increased its year-on-year sales since it was introduced in 2003, we expect another increase this year.”The emphasis at the moment is on the XC90 V8, the flagship with a price of $84,950. It's the one I tested and shows how the car has been improved.The first time I drove an XC90 I felt it was slow and ponderous.It lacked the performance and driving enjoyment to challenge a BMW X5 or a Benz ML. Nice for a big family, but . . . Then came the V8, with 4.4 litres and 232kW, and things changed.The improvement is reflected in the 0-100km/h sprint time, which is 11.5 seconds for the XC90 diesel but 7.3 seconds for the V8.The engine is a joint development with Yamaha and is intended to do general duty at Volvo. It is fitted in the XC and the S80 luxury flagship.It comes with a six-speed automatic gearbox and 18-inch alloy wheels. Both make it more responsive and sporty.I was impressed when I first drove the XC V8, on the road and in interesting and challenging off-road climbs, and felt it was time for a second look.“It's a halo for the brand, but it's not our primary focus,” Mirabelli says. “It is not intended to be a volume seller. It's there to add another dimension to the Volvo range. The people who buy the V8 are younger families and older people, mainly men.” On the roadThe racer-red XC90 looked impressive in the pick-up line at Sydney airport, and the throbbing V8 engine note promised an interesting time with a vehicle that goes a little against the general grain at Volvo.Yes, it has seven seats in a huge cabin, but a V8 is still a V8.The general feel was exactly as I remembered; slightly dull steering, a large turning circle and a wobbly feeling from the suspension that reminds you of early Range Rovers. It's not loose or floppy, but has a rubbery feel that reminds you the XC is designed to go seriously into the bush.But those impressions faded in the first few kilometres as the XC's V8 and optional sports pack — $5000 for alloys, special leather electric seats, premium sound and more — made the haul across the harbour city surprisingly easy and comfortable.Fuel consumption looked awful in the grind, topping 17 litres for 100km, but it eased during calmer country running.The XC is definitely comfortable and visibility is great. It is easy to park and has a huge amount of space inside.It doesn't matter who or what you are carrying, it can do the toughest jobs. And tow.The V8 makes the XC more enjoyable than the basic engines, having the instant crack to cut through traffic and the pull to make even the steepest hills feel flat. Remember, it is a two-tonne beast.I also liked the operation of the six-speed automatic — which is smooth with well-chosen ratios — and the chance to take manual control.Little things make a big difference to any car. I particularly appreciated the punchy premium sound system, the optional blind-spot lights and the comfort of the front buckets.The XC has classy trim and the sort of impressive finishing you'd expect when you're paying more than $70,000.Lined up against its rivals, the XC V8 makes a stronger case than I'd expected.It is quick enough to make it a rival to an X5 and ML, with a considerable price advantage, and the seven-seat deal means it also pushes hard against the Volkswagen Touareg and even the Toyota LandCruiser I have tested.Is it the class leader? No. But does it do a good job. Will it appeal to people who like the idea of a Volvo but want something more, something a little special with their V8? Yes.So the test was a success, I learned more about the XC and was reminded Volvo still does a good job in the face of tough opposition. The bottom lineBig and comfy with a surprising turn of pace. Not a leader in its class, but worth a look. 77/100   Snapshotfast factThe V8 in the XC90 is very narrow, with a 60-degree angle between the banks. It must fit across the nose of the luxury S80. Inside view Volvo XC90 V8 Price: $89,950 as testedEngine: 4.4-litre V8 with fuel injectionPower: 232kW at 5850 revsTorque: 440Nm at 3900 revsTransmission: Six-speed automatic, all-wheel driveBody: Five-door wagonSeats: SevenDimensions: Length 4807mm, width 1898mm, height 1784mm, wheelbase 2857mm, tracks 1634/1624mm front/rearSteering: Power-assisted rack-and-pinionFuel tank: 80 litresFuel type: Regular unleadedFuel consumption: Average on test 14.6 litres/100kmWeight: 2111kgSpare tyre: Full-sizedBrakes: Anti-skid four-wheel discsWheels: 18x7 alloyTyres: 235x18Safety gear: Front, side and curtain airbags, anti-skid brakes, stability control, traction control, roll stabilityWarranty: Three years/100,000km FeaturesAirconditioning 4Cruise control 4Alloy wheels 4Climate control 4Leather seats 4Heated seats 4Parking sensors 4Automatic wipers 44 standard equipment8 non standard equipment How it comparesBMW X5 84/100 (from $85,000)Mercedes-Benz ML 82/100 (from $79,100)Porsche Cayenne 74/100 (from $94,700)Volkswagen Touareg 75/100 (from $64,990) 

Except, perhaps, watching the figures zoom on the instantaneous fuel consumption readout.

A six-hour road trip, with a car full of people and gear, can go two ways. It can be a fun adventure with music, comfort and a relaxed environment, or it can be cramped, nauseating and leave you with the feeling you've been hit by a truck.Luckily a trip to the snow in the Volvo XC90 goes down the path of sing-a-longs, tranquility and kangaroo-friendly driving.The magic carpet which got us safely to and from the snow was the 3.2-litre, six-cylinder XC90, which comes in at $69,950. This engine was only introduced last February. As a luxury all-wheel-drive, the Volvo is well-equipped with a whole lot to offer at a reasonable price.To start with, there is plenty of room. At almost-full capacity, which included five backsides and luggage bursting at the seams, the Volvo proved it was up to the challenge.It was roomy and comfortable for a long trip, with three adults able to sit in the back. The only complaint was that the middle seat was too firm. But with leather seats and a decent amount of leg, head and shoulder room, there wasn't much else to complain about.Holidaymakers are well catered for in terms of luggage space, although the rear could have been a little deeper, especially as there is only a space-saver spare underneath.Another impressive feature is that it's a seven-seater, with a third row consisting of two fold-up seats as standard, although these are suitable for children or small adults. While the extra seats are cramped, they were useful, along with the 40/20/40 middle-row split, which meant we were able to lay down one seat to allow for snowboards and skis.Although it wasn't quite so lucky for the passenger who drew the short straw and got to squash into the back on our daily travels to the snow. On the first trip to the slopes and back again, a cargo net proved handy, preventing luggage from entering the passenger area.While highway driving, comfort of the XC90 extends to ride handling. The car glides over any road problems and does it all in a quiet and cushiony manner. Around town, the ride is slightly bumpier, but it's still tolerable and relatively comfortable.The in-line six-cylinder produces 175kW higher up the tacho at 6200rpm, with 320Nm@32000rpm.Hill climbs are a bit of a struggle under a full load, especially with some slightly delayed gear changes. There's more than 2000kg in kerb weight to take into account, too. But taking decisive control of the gears gives a better performance. It also comes in handy for faster acceleration when overtaking.There is a consistent delivery of power, revving up to 4000rpm under harder acceleration in auto mode. Volvo says the large car accelerates from 0-100km/h in just 9.7 seconds, although with extra weight it didn't feel as quick.The XC90 is nimble around corners and you don't really notice the size of the vehicle until it hits tight spots, especially in car parks. Manoeuvring in most places is made easy by the friendly steering that has just enough feedback to make it feel smooth but not too light.The nose feels quite big and with the slanted dash gives a notion of being even further away from the front. It's also hard to see where the nose ends.The brakes were put to the test when a kangaroo decided to play chicken with the XC90. But with Volvo's impressive safety features and reputation, including ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution, a driver and passenger dual-stage front airbag, SIPS airbags, front seat, protect head and chest, dynamic stability traction control, whiplash protection and side impact protection, not to mention the five-star Euro NCAP rating, we didn't have to be too worried.But in this circumstance I wouldn't like to be in the kangaroo's shoes, although it could have shown more concern. So luckily for both of us, the alert driver and tight-gripping brakes kicked in and pulled the car up with plenty of room to spare.On our adventure, we didn't quite get the car down to the snow, rather opting for the ski tube to save time. And unfortunately, there was no time to venture off-track, so we were unable to get a feel for it in varying conditions. Although after leaving the XC90 in the snowbound car park all day, the airconditioning didn't want to work on one occasion.But during long drives on highways and through towns, the XC90 was all about capability, control and comfort. Although it's also very thirsty, averaging more than 13 litres per 100km, which meant filling the 80-litre tank was a costly exercise.When it comes to exterior design, it just doesn't feel quite as classy as other cars in the segment, such as the BMW X5, the Lexus RX330, the Audi Q7 or the Mercedes ML.There's not really anything wrong with its looks, it just didn't seem to stand out among the many four-wheel-drives making their way to the snow. Instead it looked a little outdated and average, but some other models have undergone changes in recent times, whereas the XC90 has been on the market with pretty much the same look since it arrived here in 2003. In its defence it is much cheaper than most of these models.On the inside, the dash layout is very user-friendly and different with its slanted position making controls easier to reach. Functions are also fairly easy to use and it looks very stylish with the black leather interior and black console with silver trim. The test car was fitted with some extras such as metallic paint, a Premium Sound system and the useful Blind Spot Information System (BLIS).At $1200 it may sound steep, but BLIS uses digital cameras under each side mirror and software to recognise and detect other cars in your blind spot. A small light on the bottom of the large mirrors lights up when there's a vehicle next to you, which helped when carrying a full load.Rear passengers have their own air controls and the middle seat features an integrated child booster cushion.So the trip to the snow was a success. It was like making a cake. Add five occupants, women who don't pack lightly, into a pre-prepared mixture of comfort, luxury, safety and a strong performance and you get the work of Betty Crocker, in Swedish-car form. Although it could have used a little more sweetener, especially in the design department.The bottom lineA long road-trip may seem daunting but the XC90 makes it a walk in the park, with its comfortable, roomy and safe environment, combined with a decent performance.Volvo XC90Price: $69,950Engine: 3.2L/ 6-cylinder, 175kW, 320Nm.Transmission: 6-speed GeartronicEconomy: 11.8L/100km (claimed), 13.5L/100km (tested)

 One of the more appalling surprises of growing up and having children is the things you find yourself saying.Such as: “You'll understand yourself one day”, “I don't know what young people are coming to”, and “I wouldn't mind one of those new Volvos”.The Swedish safety specialist may be trying to get hip with the new C30 hatch, but the brand remains domestic at heart. And I'm starting to appreciate that.As in a happy household, little details make the difference. Take the integrated child seat on the XC90. Click up a section of the centre-rear cushion and it becomes a booster seat for kids between three and eight.It also slides forward to place your young passenger almost between the front seats, and the rear section of the centre console can be removed to give junior more foot space.Like a parent returning to the workforce, the XC90 has had a bit of a late-career bloom. A 4.4-litre V8 and 2.4-litre D5 diesel version were added to the range late last year, and a 3.2-litre six-cylinder version has recently gone on sale, replacing the 2.5-litre petrol version.All the new engines come with six-speed automatics. The 2.4-litre diesel accounts for about 70 per cent of the XC90 sales, which are up this year by 24 per cent. With 136kW, the D5 is 18kW less powerful than the disappearing 2.5-litre petrol engine, but its 400Nm of torque is more than 90 per cent of the V8's 440Nm.It trumps them both with its fuel consumption of 9.0 litres per 100km — something to celebrate these days when, in many parts of the State, the price difference between diesel fuel and petrol is negligible.In real-world highway use, it did even better, registering 8.2 litres/100km — medium car figures — but did I mention the XC90 has seven seats?The five-cylinder diesel can be a little gruff at cold idle compared with the V6 diesels of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Land Rover Discovery, Jeep Commander and Volkswagen Touareg, or the straight six diesel of the BMW X5.But it's far from objectionable once under way. Its 0-100km/h time of 11.5 seconds is a little slower than the posted times of rivals but, like all diesels, the XC90 D5 feels stronger on the road than the figures suggest.The interior is distinctive, with a design language that's more architectural than automotive. It's not quite as showroom-dazzling as an Audi's perhaps, but its functionality grows on you. And the audio system is well above average, with a punch and sharpness that brings old CDs to life.With not quite so much punch and sharpness on the road, the XC90 is still set up for a comfortable ride and conservative handling. But at least it succeeds in being comfortable, apart from a very subtle diesel buzz and the slight coarseness of big SUV wheels and tyres.Suspension noise is well abated and the six-speed adds a layer of refinement missing from the old version.It has the presence of a luxury SUV but, at $72,950, it's verging on affordable by prestige wagon standards, which is why it has become part of more families this year. Fast factsVolvo XC90 D5On sale: NowPrice: From $72,950Body: SUVEngine: 2.4-litre 5-cylinder turbo diesel; 136kW@4000rpm, 400Nm@2000-2750rpmTransmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-driveFuel: 9 litres/100km combined claimsSafety: Everything you can think of and a few you probably can't   

It now includes the existing 154kW 2.5-litre, five-cylinder turbo engine, at $69,950, the new 2.4-litre, five-cylinder turbo diesel engine for $72,950 and the range-topping V8 for $84,950.And it dispels any stereotypical connotations that may have previously been connected to the brand. Volvo boasts a whole lot of "firsts" and "bests" for this new 4.4-litre V8 engine.It's the first V8 for the company, the cleanest petrol V8 and the most compact V8 on the market. Volvo also claims the XC90 is the world's safest SUV. This model is the first car to house the new V8 engine, producing 232kW of power at 5850rpm and a whopping 440Nm of torque at 3900rpm.The V8 replaces the previous T6 engine and offers more torque and power, as a smooth runner both around town and on the highway. It growls nicely as the six-speed automatic transmission rolls over into each gear.The V8, which wasn't initially on the cards for a right-hand drive, is fitted transversely like all Volvos. But Volvo expects its new diesel XC90 to be most popular in the range.The cheaper, new and refined five-cylinder diesel engine produces slightly lower figures, with 136kW at 4000rpm and 400Nm at 2000rpm to 2750rpm. It has a claimed 9.0-litres per 100km consumption, compared with the claimed 13.5-litres per 100km for the V8 petrol.The diesel also dispels the myth about noisy engines, as the cabin is relatively quiet, especially on highway cruising.It has plenty of grunt when you accelerate from a standstill, with a slight lag, but responds reasonably quickly at both low and high revs. It also has good pull up hills.It's a softer ride in the turbo diesel: even after a 20km forest run your backside couldn't complain. It handled well through a small creek, over bumps and on the dirt road. This diesel improves on power and torque figures over its predecessor and, with a particulate filter fitted, offers better tail-pipe emissions.As with the V8, the diesel is mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission, featuring Geartronic function. Both new models feature an All Wheel Drive system with instant traction, improving the grip on bad surfaces.The XC90 has had a few subtle changes, with a nose change for the V8 and changes with some of the plastics. It's a big car, but at the same time, it doesn't feel too big or bulky to drive like others in its class. You sit at a good position above the road and it is still easy to manoeuvre in carparks.The XC90 comes with seven seats as standard and the second row can be moved to change the leg room. Space is generous throughout the car, and the front passenger travels in great comfort with good legroom.Folding the seats is also easy, with each one folding individually. Volvo has a reputation for high levels of safety and the new XC90 doesn't disappoint, stretching features to the third row of seats. It is fitted with Roll Stability Control, safety belt tensioners and inflatable curtains and has received a five-star Euro NCAP rating. The car is also designed to be pedestrian friendly.It comes with the usual nice touches as standard, including leather trim, electronic climate control, steering wheel controls, a removable front armrest and cruise control.The V8 adds Premium Sound with Dynaudio sound system, with a six-disc in-dash CD player, heated front seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, rain sensor wipers and colour-coded wheel arches, as well as roof rails.The XC90 gets a little pricier when adding options. A new Blind Spot Information System is available to warn of potential danger. With cameras under the large side mirrors, it can detect objects in your blind spot, setting off an alert light on the mirrors.While this improves safety, it's just as easy to check your blind spot and you still find yourself doing it, so the jury is still out as to whether it's worth the extra $1200. The Satellite Navigation system, with a Park Assist camera, was impressive. Reversing cameras in large cars like this are an important feature, but together with the satellite navigation, it costs $5500, a rather expensive option.FAST FACTSPrice: LE $69,950, D5 $72,950, V8 $84,950Engine: 2.5-litre, 5-cylinder turbo engine, 154kW@5000rpm, 320Nm@1500-4500rpm; 2.4-litre, 5-cylinder turbo diesel engine, 136kW@4000rpm, 400Nm@2000-2750rpm; 4.4-litre, V8, 232kW@5850rpm, 440Nm@3900rpm.Transmission: 5-speed auto with Geartronic (LE), 6-speed auto with Geartronic (D5 and V8). Fuel: 80-litre tank, LE 12.0L/100km (claimed), D5 9.0L/100km (claimed), V8 13.5L/100km (claimed).