2005 Volvo XC90

2005 Volvo XC90: Highlights

XC90 adds its first V8 engine for 2005. This SUV is based on Volvo's S80 car platform and isn't intended for off-road use. It seats up to seven and has a combination rear liftgate/drop-down tailgate. The 2.5T model has a 208-hp turbo 5-cyl engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The T6 has a 268-hp turbo inline 6-cyl, 4-speed automatic, and AWD. The V8 has 311 hp, a 6-speed automatic, and AWD. All transmissions have a manual shift gate. The AWD system lacks low-range gearing. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and antiskid/traction control are standard. So is Volvo's Roll Stability Control, designed to activate the antiskid system to reduce chances of a rollover. Also included are front torso side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows. Standard on the V8, the 3rd-row seat is otherwise part of the Versatility Package. The 7-seat versions come with load-leveling rear suspension and 3rd-row climate and audio controls. The 2nd-row bench splits 40/20/40 and is available with an integrated child-booster seat. Leather upholstery is optional on the 2.5T, standard on T6 and V8. Seventeen-inch wheels are standard; 18s are optional. Other options include rear obstacle detection and a navigation system.

CompetitionConsumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize SUVs are similar in size and construction to Midsize SUVs. Most, in fact, are gilded versions of Midsize SUVs; though a few are exclusive upscale designs.

Our Best Buys include the Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended pick is the Volvo XC90.

NewsThe XC90 rapidly became Volvo's most popular U.S. model. The newly available V8 looks a sure-fire sales-booster.

We see few further changes of note in the immediate future. A replacement is no doubt in the works, but Volvo doesn't need to rush so long as the current models keep selling so well. Regardless, it seems a redesign isn't on Volvo's calendar until at least model-year 2009.

2005 Volvo XC90 Road Test
Consumer Guide's® seasoned auto editors road test more than 200 new cars and trucks each year. We evaluate each vehicle's on-road performance in ten critical areas: acceleration, fuel economy, ride quality, handling, quietness, interior controls, front-seat room, rear-seat room, cargo volume, and overall value. The Consumer Guide® 2005 Volvo XC90 road test gives you a quick snapshot of the vehicle's performance with pros, cons, and numeric ratings. Also included on select reviews are Editor's Comments and Long-Term Tests.

2005 Volvo XC90 Prices & Equipment
The Consumer Guide® 2005 Volvo XC90 new-car review includes retail prices and dealer-invoice prices. In addition, our easy-to-read price charts break down the standard and optional equipment included in each trim level. Finally, we provide the latest manufacturer-rebate and dealer-incentive information to make comparison shopping a breeze.

2005 Volvo XC90 Specs & Safety
The Consumer Guide® 2005 Volvo XC90 new-vehicle Specs and Safety page includes detailed specifications charts. Each body style is included and key measurements comprise exterior and interior dimensions, curb weight, towing and payload ranges, and cargo volume. We also include engine specifications, fuel-tank capacity, and EPA fuel-economy numbers. Augmenting these numbers are NHTSA crash-test scores and a breakdown of the factory warranty.

2005 Volvo XC90 Photos
Since so many vehicles look alike, the Consumer Guide® 2005 Volvo XC90 new-vehicle review includes an extensive photo gallery. The 2005 Volvo XC90 features a selection of interior and exterior images. To clarify the assortment of photos, each image includes a caption that identifies the vehicle year, make, model, body style, and trim.

2005 Volvo XC90 Local Dealers
The process of buying a new car is overwhelming. Even when you know what kind of car you want, how do you select a dealer you can trust? We can connect you with a local Volvo dealer that not only meets the highest standards of customer service, but one who will provide you with a great new-car price quote on a 2005 Volvo XC90 -- hassle free. You control the car-buying process with a Consumer Guide® new-car price quote in hand.

2005 Volvo XC90 Review
To save time, we've collected all of our 2005 Volvo XC90 new-vehicle information on the Full Review page. This page includes what's new for this year, a Consumer Guide® road test, complete retail and invoice prices, detailed specifications and engine ratings, and crash-test information. If you are researching new vehicles, the Full Review page is a great place to get all of the facts in one place.