Volvo XC90 (2002 – 2015) Review

Volvo XC90 (2002 – 2015) At A Glance

4/5

+Handsome-looking, safe seven-seater brimming with kit and practical touches in its high-quality cabin. D5 is the one to go for.

-A BMW X5 is a more accomplished drive on and off-road. Timing belt engines need new belts and waterpumps every 60k miles.

Insurance Groups are between 40–42
On average it achieves 90% of the official MPG figure

If you're looking for the newer version, you need our Volvo XC90 review

There are a few excellent four-wheel drive cars, like the Subaru Legacy, that ride at normal car height and handle like a normal car. There are lots of jacked-up, Jeep-like 4x4s that carry their passengers half a metre higher, and cannot quite manage to defy gravitational forces on corners. And now there is the Volvo XC90, which is essentially a jacked-up estate car.

Real MPG average for a Volvo XC90 (2002 – 2015)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

90%

Real MPG

19–38 mpg

MPGs submitted

496

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

Satisfaction Index

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Ask Honest John

How do I check if the car I want to buy is too expensive?

" I am interested in a Volvo XC90 D5 AWD 55 plate, how do I know if the price is too expensive? "
You can get a free car valuation here: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/how-much-is-my-car-worth/#pricing-macro
Answered by Sarah Tooze

What are the cons of buying an imported car?

"I am considering buying a 2009 Volvo XC90 which has been imported from Singapore. What potential pitfalls should I be aware of? "
Sky high insurance, non-UK parts fitted to the car and a non-traceable service history. There are thousands of XC90s for sale in the UK, I wouldn't recommend buying one that's imported.
Answered by Dan Powell

What should I pay attention to if I buy a high mileage car?

"I'm thinking of buying a high mileage Volvo XC90. Any tips of what to look out for? "
Everything. The Volvo XC90 is a very large and complicated car. A high mileage example will need new brakes, clutch. tyres, DPF and timing belt sooner rather than later. Avoid all examples that do not have a full service history that traces the car's history all the way back to the original dealer. All reported faults can be found here: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/volvo/xc90-2002
Answered by Dan Powell

What's the best used SUV 4x4 for reliability and performance?

"I am looking to buy a reliable 4x4 as our Volvo XC90 keeps getting stuck in our field. I'm considering either a Land Cruiser or a Nissan Pathfinder - which do you recommend?"
My money would go on the Land Cruiser. It's unstoppable off-road and will last forever. I wouldn't be concerned about high mileage provided it's been regularly serviced. The Pathfinder has a few issues particularly with corrosion: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/nissan/pathfinder-2005/good/
Answered by Andrew Brady
More Questions

What does a Volvo XC90 (2002 – 2015) cost?