2005 Volvo XC90

4.5
2005 Volvo XC90 Gallery Image
2005 Volvo XC90 Gallery Image
2005 Volvo XC90 Gallery Image
2005 Volvo XC90 Gallery Image
2005 Volvo XC90 Driver's side profile with drivers side door open
2005 Volvo XC90 Front Drivers side wheel at profile
2005 Volvo XC90 Drivers Side Headlight
2005 Volvo XC90 Passenger Side Taillight
2005 Volvo XC90 Drivers Side Door handle
2005 Volvo XC90 Front angle view
2005 Volvo XC90 Trunk open
2005 Volvo XC90 Engine
2005 Volvo XC90 Gas cap open
2005 Volvo XC90 Sunroof/moonroof
2005 Volvo XC90 Front angle medium view
2005 Volvo XC90 Front angle view, low wide perspective
2005 Volvo XC90 Exterior Bonus Shot
2005 Volvo XC90 Exterior Bonus Shot
2005 Volvo XC90 Inside of driver's side open door, window open
2005 Volvo XC90 Driver's side inside window controls
2005 Volvo XC90 Front center divider
2005 Volvo XC90 Courtesy lamps/ceiling controls
2005 Volvo XC90 Cup holders
2005 Volvo XC90 Rear A/C controls
2005 Volvo XC90 Gear shifter/center console
2005 Volvo XC90 Front seats from Drivers Side
2005 Volvo XC90 Rear seats from Drivers Side
2005 Volvo XC90 3rd row seat from Driver Side
2005 Volvo XC90 Seat Adjustment Controllers
2005 Volvo XC90 Passenger seat
2005 Volvo XC90 Closeup of radio head unit
2005 Volvo XC90 Centered wide dash shot
2005 Volvo XC90 Speedometer/tachometer
Starting MSRP

$35,985

Expert Rating
7.7/10
Pros
  • Great crash-test scores
  • Plush ride quality
  • Powerful available V8 engine
  • Available third row
Cons
  • Tight third row
  • Lackluster base engine
  • Not capable off-road

2005 Volvo XC90 Review

ByJoel Patel

The 2005 Volvo XC90 is a midsize three-row SUV that can seat up to seven people. It’s for drivers who want a luxurious SUV that’s packed with safety features, a plush ride, and a large cargo area. It will also appeal to families that need a three-row SUV with a large cargo area. Volvo offers the XC90 with three different engines, including a V8, making it a good option for drivers looking for a midsize SUV with punchy acceleration and strong passing power on the highway.

The XC90 separates itself from the pack with its lengthy list of safety features, great crash-test scores, smooth ride, available V8 engine, and high-quality cabin. Keep in mind that the XC90 trails key rivals when it comes to engine performance from the standard five-cylinder engine, off-roading capability, passenger space in the third row, and driver visibility. While the XC90 is available with a powerful V8 engine and all-wheel drive (AWD), it’s not as capable off-road as some of its rivals. The XC90 may have a large cargo area and roomy front seats, but the optional third row is tight on space.

Volvo XC90 Changes for 2005

  • No notable changes

Where the XC9 Sits in the 2005 Volvo Lineup

Volvos vehicle lineup includes an SUV, cars, and wagons like the XC70. The XC90 is the only SUV in Volvo’s lineup.

2005 Volvo XC90 vs. the Competition

A midsize SUV is an ideal choice for shoppers who need to seat up to seven people, a large cargo area, and a powerful engine. The XC90 competes with these rivals:

  • Lexus RX: High-end interior, well-equipped trims, and comfortable ride.

  • BMW X5: Athletic handling, variety of available engines, and high-quality interior materials.

  • Buick Rainier: Quiet ride, powerful available V8 engine, and decent off-roading capability.

What’s the Best 2005 Volvo XC90 Trim for You?

Which Trim Is the Best Value

With features like eight audio speakers, a CD player, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, and leather upholstery, the 2.5T has a lot of features shoppers want from a luxury SUV. Its list of standard features also includes roof rails, heated exterior mirrors, 17-inch wheels, fog lights, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, power windows, and dark wood inlays.

Find a used Volvo XC90 2.5T Near You

Best Trim for Fuel Economy

The 2.5T comes with a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive (FWD), and a five-speed automatic transmission. The combination results in up to 18 mpg combined.

Find a used Volvo XC90 2.5T Near You

Best Trim for Cargo/Trunk Space

The XC90 V8 comes with seating for up to seven as standard. It offers the most cargo capacity of any model in the lineup. It has up to 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, 85.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, and up to 93.2 cubic feet of cargo space in total.

Find a used Volvo XC90 V8 Near You

Best Trim for Towing

All XC90 models with AWD are rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Find a used Volvo XC90 V8 Near You

Best Trim for Off-Roaders

The XC90 isn’t meant to go off-roading. It is available with AWD, 8.9 inches of ground clearance, a stainless steel skid plate, and roof rails for light trails and for inclement weather.

Find a used Volvo XC90 Near You

Top-of-the-Line Trim

The range-topping XC90 V8 is the best option for maximum luxury. It comes standard with a six-disc CD changer, a power-adjustable passenger’s seat, a moonroof, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lights, self-leveling rear suspension, a third row with air conditioning, a rear audio system with headphones, and color-matched body trim.

Find a used Volvo XC90 V8 Near You

Should I Buy an Older Volvo XC90 Instead?

The XC90 is in its first generation, which was introduced with the 2003 model. Any older first-generation model (2003-2014) will be broadly similar to the 2006 XC90. You can save money by purchasing a used XC90.

You can find a used Volvo XC90 with Carfax’s used car listings. Each used car comes with a free Carfax vehicle history report.

Research the XC90 from other model years

Key Features

MPG Range
16 city / 21 hwy
Standard Powertrain
208 hp, 2.5-Liter, I5
Standard Seating
7 Passengers
Standard Drivetrain
FWD
Max Cargo Space
41.6 cubic feet
NHTSA Safety Rating
n/a

2005 Volvo XC90 Trim Configurations

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2005 Volvo XC90 Safety

NHTSA Crash-Test Ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program evaluates how vehicles perform in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways.

Frontal Crash Rating

Overall

n/a

Front Driver Side

n/a

Front Passenger Side

4/5

Side Crash Rating

Overall

n/a

Combined Side Barrier & Pole

Front Seat

n/a

Rear Seat

n/a

Side Barrier

Overall

n/a

Driver

5/5

Rear Passenger

5/5

Side Pole

Overall

n/a

Rollover Rating

Overall

8/5

IIHS Crash-Test Ratings

IIHS tests evaluate two aspects of safety: crashworthiness — how well a vehicle protects its occupants in a crash — and crash avoidance and mitigation — technology that can prevent a crash or lessen its severity.

Crashworthiness

Small Overlap Front - Driver Side

Good

Small Overlap Front - Passenger Side

n/a

Moderate Overlap Front

Good

Side Impact

Good

Roof Strength

Good

Head Restraints and Seats

Good
Crash Avoidance & Mitigation

Front Crash Prevention

n/a

Headlights

n/a
Seat Belts & Child Restraints

Latch

n/a

Ratings only apply to the model tested. Date of manufacture and optional safety equipment can affect results. For full details visit iihs.org.

2005 Volvo XC90 Reviews

Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating
4.5
36 Reviews
5 Star
58%
4 Star
31%
3 Star
11%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
interior, rating 4.3 out of 5
exterior, rating 4.5 out of 5
performance, rating 4.5 out of 5
family, rating 4.8 out of 5
cost, rating 3.8 out of 5
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Read reviews that mention
3/5
By Moneyline~Macq on Sep 04, 2025
Great vehicle,

Well 1st off the vehicle is a great lil suv. Good on gas, nice response in the pedal, and surprisingly good handling. Parts and repair is the disadvantage, But if maintenanced properly and timely, vehicle is definitely good for 300+miles

interior, rating 2.0 out of 5
exterior, rating 4.0 out of 5
performance, rating 4.0 out of 5
family, rating 5.0 out of 5
cost, rating 2.0 out of 5
3/5
By Custer on Aug 27, 2025
Reliable engine

This suv is built like a tank. 15 mpg is about the best you can do city and hiway driving. It still looks new and I do like the body style.

interior, rating 4.0 out of 5
exterior, rating 5.0 out of 5
performance, rating 3.0 out of 5
family, rating 4.0 out of 5
cost, rating 2.0 out of 5
5/5
By Tony B on May 16, 2025
XC90 V8

I took possession on 05 Mar'05. Few things in life have exceeded my expectations. My XC90 has done just that.

4/5
By Harry on May 05, 2025
Reliable and cost to own above average.

Routinely maintained; cost to own above average ; assembled in Sweden equals better quality.

interior, rating 4.0 out of 5
exterior, rating 5.0 out of 5
performance, rating 5.0 out of 5
family, rating 5.0 out of 5
cost, rating 4.0 out of 5
3/5
By GARRICK on Apr 22, 2025
Good handling. Terrible mileage. Bad interior glue.

Awesome interior space. Power on hills is adequate. Great handling in inclement weather! Terrible to work on, mileage is poor, and interior glue is failing everywhere, even though it's garage kept.

interior, rating 1.0 out of 5
exterior, rating 4.0 out of 5
performance, rating 4.0 out of 5
family, rating 4.0 out of 5
cost, rating 3.0 out of 5
1 - 5 of 36 reviews

2005 Volvo XC90 Pricing

The data below is updated daily, based on used car inventory for sale on CARFAX.

Original MSRP $35,985 - $46,090
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Frequently Asked Questions About the 2005 Volvo XC90

What is the average combined fuel economy for the 2005 Volvo XC90?
The 2005 Volvo XC90 combined fuel economy ranges from 15 mpg to 18 mpg.