2003-2008 Volvo XC90: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Sized and priced to compete with the Acura MDX and Lexus RX 300, Volvo's first sport-utility vehicle was based on the company's S80 sedan platform. Built in Sweden, the XC90 was a four-door unibodied wagon with turbocharged power and a choice of five-passenger seating or space for seven with an available third-row bench. A combination rear liftgate with smaller, drop-down tailgate panel was standard. The entry-level 2.5T came with front-wheel or all-wheel drive, a 208-horsepower five-cylinder engine, and five-speed automatic transmission. The T6 AWD had a 268-horsepower six-cylinder engine and a four-speed automatic. Both transmissions incorporated a manual shift gate. XC90's AWD lacked low-range gearing and wasn't intended for severe off-road use. All models included antilock four-wheel disc brakes, traction/antiskid control, and Volvo's new Roll Stability Control, which was designed to activate the antiskid system to reduce the chance of a rollover if sensors detected unusually rapid or severe body lean. Also standard were front torso side airbags and curtain side airbags, covering front- and second-row seats. The third-row seat was part of the optional Versatility Package, which also included curtain-airbag coverage for the third row, a load-leveling rear suspension, and third-row air conditioning and audio controls. XC90's second-row bench was split 40/20/40 and offered an optional integrated child booster seat for its middle section. All three sections slid fore and aft. Every XC90 had wood interior trim. Leather upholstery was optional on the 2.5T and standard for the T6. The T6 also added a sunroof, in-dash CD changer to replace a single-disc player, power passenger seat, and 17-inch wheels substituting for 16s. Those items also were available for 2.5Ts. Other options included rear-obstacle detection, navigation system, heated front seats, and for the T6, 18-inch wheels. Rivals included the Acura MDX and Lexus RX 330, and later, the Cadillac SRX.