The Volvo XC90 is a mid-size luxury SUV manufactured and marketed by Volvo Cars since 2002 and in its second generation.
The first generation was introduced at the 2002 North American International Auto Show and used the Volvo P2 platform shared with the first generation Volvo S80 and other large Volvo cars. It was manufactured at Volvo's Torslandaverken in Sweden. Volvo moved production equipment of the first generation to China and ended Swedish production at the end of 2014, renaming the car as the Volvo XC Classic (or Volvo XC90 Classic).
At the end of 2014, the second generation XC90 was introduced. It is based on a new global platform, the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). Both generations of the XC90 have won Motor Trends SUV of the Year award in their debuts.
In late 2022, the electric-only EX90 was introduced as the successor of the XC90. However, in September 2024, Volvo launched the second facelift of XC90, and stated that both models would be sold together for the foreseeable future.
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First generation (2002)
In January 2001, Volvo debuted its Adventure Concept Car at the North American International Auto Show, to gauge reaction to the styling and features of its upcoming SUV. In November 2001, Volvo released a teaser image showing the frontal styling of the production version, named the XC90. Notable as Volvo's first SUV model, the styling of the XC90 recalled the concept. In January 2002, the full XC90 unveiling occurred, at the North American International Auto Show. Production began in August 2002, after Volvo's traditional mid-year shutdown, with the first XC90s coming out of the Torslanda factory in Sweden.
At its North American launch for the 2003 model year, the XC90 was presented with a choice of two trim levels, the 2.5 T and the T6. The 2.5 T was the entry level version and offered a 2.5-litre B5254T2 "T5" turbocharged inline-five engine, producing and mated to an Aisin co-developed five-speed AW55-50/51 automatic. The T6 offered a 2.9-litre B6294T twin-turbocharged inline-six with and mated to a GM-sourced, Volvo-modified four-speed 4T65EV/GT automatic. While the 2.5T came standard with front-wheel drive, a Haldex Traction all-wheel drive (AWD) system was optional. The T6 was offered only with the AWD system.
A Yamaha V8 engine was added in 2005, whose 4.4-litre Volvo B8444S engine produced and of torque. Volvo sold just over 40,000 XC90 units in North America that year.
The XC90 won the North American Car of the Year award and Motor Trend magazine's Sport/Utility of the Year for 2003.
Jeremy Clarkson, ex-host of Top Gear, has previously owned three XC90s, and claims they were designed by "someone who must've had children due to its practicality."
Facelifts
2007 update
The XC90 was freshened for 2007 with a facelifted front and rear and a revised interior. The 3.2 L SI6 straight-6 engine replaced the B524T2 straight-5 in the base model for the US market. The 2007 XC90 debuted in April 2006 at the New York Auto Show.
2009, 2010, and 2012 updates
For model year (MY) 2009, the XC90 received a new rear logo, featuring larger lettering with wider spaces between the "VOLVO" letters.
In 2010, all XC90 models received painted wheel arches (previously they were optional). In addition, a new, larger, circular Volvo logo appeared on the front grille.
For MY 2012, new LED tail-lights became available on certain models, although entry-level models retain the previous style. For MY 2013, the XC90 received a cosmetic refresh that included standard LED daytime running lights and taillights, and exterior revisions including body colour bumpers, rocker panels and silver trim replacing black plastic trim.
The refreshed model went on sale during late spring 2012 with a base price of for a front-wheel drive base model. For the 2014 model year the base price is .
First generation models XC90 Ocean Race In 2001 Volvo became the main sponsor of an around-the-world sailing race, now called the Volvo Ocean Race. The 2005 edition was the first in which all competitors used the same boat known as the Volvo Open 70, a racing yacht made for a crew of 10+ and to be robust enough to survive the open ocean.
In early 2006, Volvo released a special version called Ocean Race Edition. Special blue colour, leather interior with contrast stitching and special interior trim. A total of 800 were made.
XC90 Sport Between 2006 and 2008 Volvo released the Sport trim, which eventually came to bridge the gap between the R series that was available for the S60 and V70, and the R design badge that ultimately usurped the R series.
In the XC90 Sport, the engine was rated at the same power as in the non-Sport XC90s, but the suspension was markedly stiffer due to different shocks and added roll bars, giving it considerably less body roll in curves. Also, the power steering was tweaked to provide a more direct feel at higher speeds. Furthermore, it borrowed the blue background for the odometer in the dash and got 5-spoke Vulcanis rims. The Sport was marketed in Passion Red and also available in Black Sapphire, Titanium Grey and Electric Silver.
XC Classic The first generation Volvo XC90 was sold in China as the XC Classic. It was produced at the Volvo factory located in Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, with necessary tooling shipped from Sweden. Equipment levels were changed compared to the international versions, and only one engine, a 2.5L turbo petrol 5-cylinder engine with 220 hp, was available. All XC Classic models came with AWD as standard and either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. It was priced below the second generation XC90.
Technical specifications SpecificationD3 AWDD4 FWDD5 FWD / D5 AWDD5 FWD / D5 AWDD5 FWD / D5 AWD2.5T FWD / 2.5T AWD3.2 FWD / 3.2 AWDT6 AWDV8 AWDLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseGround ClearanceLuggage area volume249 LSeats5 or 7FuelDieselPetrolYear(s)200920132003–20042005–20112012–20142003–20062007–20142003–20052005–2011Curb weightEngineI5 turboI5 turboI6I6 twin-turboV8Engine codeD5244T5D5244T5D5244TD5244T4D5244T18B5254T2B6324SB6294TB8444SDisplacement (cc) Fuel economy (mixed)8.1 L/100 km8.1 L/100Km8.2–9 L/100Km8.3 L/100Km11.2 L/100 km10.2–19.9 L/100 km11.0–13.5 L/100 kmMax power outputMax torqueat 1920–2800 rpmat 1750–3000 rpmat 1750–3000 rpmat 2000–2750 rpmat 1920–2800 rpmat 1500 rpmat 3200 rpmat 1750–3000 rpmat 1800–5000 rpmAcceleration (sec)Top speedTransmissionAutomaticAutomaticManual or AutomaticAutomaticManual or AutomaticAutomaticAutomaticAutomaticCO2 emissions (g/km)216212217–239219269265–281317Environmental classification (EU)Euro 4Euro 5Euro 5
Safety The Volvo XC90's front end is designed to absorb frontal impacts and also deflect any pedestrians up on to the hood of the vehicle rather than underneath the vehicle. Volvo has patented the unique frontal structure that features crumple zones, and predetermined positions for the engine and other ancillaries during a frontal impact.
The XC90's roof is reinforced with ultra-high-strength steel to help prevent a collapse in the passenger cavity in the event of a roll-over. This Volvo system is marketed as ROPS, and is closely associated with the Roll Stability Control (RSC), electronic stability control (DSTC), and SIPS systems of Volvo to prevent and ultimately minimise accident forces. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration measures the roll-over risk of the 2013 XC90 as 17.9%. (click Rollover) The maximum sideway thrust is 0.77g.
The XC90's rear structure has been designed to absorb impact energy, with occupants are also protected by a whiplash protection system. Marketed as WHIPS, the system cradles the occupants during a rear-end collision.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Volvo XC90 their Top Safety Pick award. The XC90 was granted the IIHS's rating of "good" in front, side, rear and roof strength tests and has Electronic Stability Control as standard equipment to receive the award.
The industry-first Roll Stability Control was first introduced in XC90 in 2003.
At the end of July 2007, Volvo Car Corp. announced the recall of 42,211 2005 model year XC90s for risk of battery short circuit and fire. The vehicles were manufactured in the Swedish Torslanda Plant between 7 June 2004, and 13 May 2005. The recall only applies to cars in the US and Canada. There have been no reports of short circuiting in the vehicles.
+IIHS scores:Small overlap frontGood1Moderate overlap frontGoodSide (2005–2014 models)GoodRoof strengthGood2Head restraints & seatsGood3 1 vehicle structure rated "Good" 2 strength-to-weight ratio: 4.51 3 seat/head restraint geometry rated "Good"
Second generation (2015)
In May 2012 Volvo announced that the second generation XC90 would go into production in late 2014, unveiled to the public in Stockholm on August 26, 2014, with orders being taken in 2014 and the vehicle officially going on sale in 2015. The SUV would be sold in Europe, Asia and North America, with the United States expected to account for at least a third of global sales.
In 2006, Volvo had begun development of a second generation XC90 using Ford's EUCD platform under the codename Y305, but was cancelled in 2008 as Ford and Volvo were facing strong financial hardships due to the global economic turndown and lack of resources to meet stricter fuel economy and emissions regulations.
The XC90 is based on Volvo's new platform, marketed as Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) technology which features a stronger platform offering weight reduction while improving safety and efficiency.
The vehicle is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor. All engines in the XC90 are 2.0-litre four-cylinder Drive-E powertrains with Volvo's eight-speed Geartronic transmission, delivered by Aisin. The line-up include two petrol engines: a twincharged T6, producing of torque and a turbocharged T5, producing of torque, two diesel engines: a twin turbo D5, producing of torque and a turbocharged D4, producing of torque. The top-of-the-line model is the XC90 T8 Twin Engine, a plug-in hybrid which combines the more powerful petrol engine at the front with an electric motor at the rear to produce and of torque.
The First Edition of the all-new Volvo XC90, was 1,927 individually numbered cars only available for sale via digital commerce, and sold out in 47 hours after orders opened on 3 September 2014. All 1,927 of the First Edition models, which could feature either the Petrol T6 or Diesel D5 engine, were finished in Onyx Black and feature 21-inch alloy wheels and include every available vehicle option. The limited production run number represents the year the Swedish brand was launched, with each model fitted with uniquely numbered tread plates and a distinctive rear mounted badge, with customers able to select their XC90 First Edition numbers. Number 1 was allocated to Carl XVI Gustav, the King of Sweden, with number 10 going to Zlatan Ibrahimović, a Swedish professional footballer.
Design
The new XC90 has a redesigned chassis with double wishbone front suspension and a new integral link rear axle incorporating transverse leaf spring of lightweight material. The new XC90 can also be equipped with electronically controlled air suspension with a choice of five modes.
The interior features a 9" tablet-like touch screen control console along with steering wheel controls and voice-control system, all linked to an interface, marketed as Sensus, which allows for access to cloud-based apps including Internet radio, connected navigation, parking, music streaming, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hot spot for using a tablet in the car. Other features include a gear lever made of Orrefors crystal as well as diamond-cut controls for the start/stop button and drive mode control, located on the centre console between the driver and passenger seats.