VOLVO XC90 4X4 REVIEW

For The XC90 is comfortable, classy and has a practical cabin. It's also got a smooth ride and a strong image.

Against Not as sharp a drive as some rivals and the boomy diesel engine is underpowered. The third row of seats is only suitable for kids.

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

A hugely impressive package that's both comfortable and well built, with excellent space and practicality, though it's starting to feel its age next to some newer rivals.

Reader review rating

3.872727

The Volvo XC90 4x4 full review Read in full

Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Diesel good, but can feel tardy
Ride & Handling
3 out of 5 stars
Smooth ride, but numb steering
Refinement
4 out of 5 stars
Most din is well contained
Buying & Owning
4 out of 5 stars
Well priced but not cheap to run
Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Solidly built and so should last
Safety & Security
5 out of 5 stars
Usual Volvo attention to safety
Behind The Wheel
4 out of 5 stars
Sensibly arranged and comfortable
Space & Practicality
5 out of 5 stars
Roomy and exceptionally versatile
Equipment
4 out of 5 stars
All cars well kitted, SE has all you'll need

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There are 9 Volvo XC90 versions available

Volvo XC90 4x4 2.4 D5 200 Active 5dr	£35,025	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Volvo XC90 4x4 2.4 D5 200 Active Premium 5dr	£36,560	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Volvo XC90 4x4 2.4 D5 200 SE 5dr	£38,875	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Volvo XC90 4x4 2.4 D5 200 SE Premium 5dr	£40,410	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Volvo XC90 4x4 2.4 D5 200 R-Design 5dr	£40,775	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Volvo XC90 4x4 2.4 D5 200 SE Lux Premium 5dr	£41,910	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Volvo XC90 4x4 2.4 D5 200 SE Lux 5dr	£42,175	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Volvo XC90 4x4 2.4 D5 200 R-Design Premium 5dr	£42,310	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Volvo XC90 4x4 2.4 D5 200 Executive 5dr	£43,775	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5

Volvo XC90 4x4 2.4 D5 200 Active 5dr

For us, this trim represents the best balance of cost and kit in the XC90 range. However, we'd understand if some people preferred to upgrade to SE.

What Car? says:3 stars out of 5

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Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

The XC90's clever use of space, excellent safety features and confident road manners means it's one of the finest 4x4s on sale.

It's a true seven-seater, although the third row is suitable for children only, and it offers as much flexibility as most MPVs, despite its proportions. The boot is huge.

It's good to drive, too: comfortable on long journeys and with little body roll around corners. Also in its favour is the fact that the XC90 holds its value better than most of its rivals - especially with a high specification - although it’s beginning to feel its age in some ways.