2009 Volvo XC90 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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What do you do to prove your SUV is the safest in its class? Easy: Strap it into a catapult and send it flying in front of the press. At least, that’s what you do if you're Volvo. The Swedish automaker was so impressed with the safety of its new SUV that, to prove the strength of the XC90’s structural cage, they purposefully rolled it multiple times in front of the media – and stood back smugly as the SUV passed the test. Volvo’s first and only SUV seats seven, except in the 3.2 trim, which seats five.
Volvo made significant changes in 2009 to the XC90’s trim lineup, removing the V8 Sport and the 3.2 R-Design and adding the V8 R-Design – leaving four straightforward trims: the 3.2, 3.2 R-Design, V8, and V8 R-Design. Both the 3.2 and 3.2 R-Design are equipped with a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 235 hp and gets 14/20 mpg. The V8 and V8 R-Design also share an engine – a 311-hp, 4.4-liter V8, to be exact – that earns 13/19. All-wheel drive is standard on the V8 trims and optional for the 3.2 and 3.2 R-Design, for which front-wheel drive is standard. The transmission for all four trims is a six-speed geartronic automatic with overdrive.
The Volvo SUV/crossover rightfully sits in the luxury category. Like other high-end Volvos, the XC90 comes standard with a six-CD changer (except the 3.2, where it’s optional), AUX inputs, steering wheel controls, leather seating, a tilt wheel, tire pressure monitor, and memory functions for the power driver’s seat. But to get the best, you need to pay more, which seems to be the theme for Volvo. Optional packages add heated front seats, an air purifying system, a navigation system, and, for $1,800, a rear seat entertainment system with dual DVD players. Surprisingly, the trim that has the most options and standard features is the AWD V8, not the R-Design. So what, then, does R-Design mean?
The R-Design has added features, both interior and exterior, that create a more posh and sporty trim than the base. Twenty-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels, double exhaust pipes, unique skid plates, and added chrome on the front grille and rear-view mirrors are added to the exterior. The interior shows altered leather seats, steering wheel, shift knob, and inlays.
Getting shot from a catapult aside, the XC90’s safety features are very impressive. Features include antilock brakes, an antiskid system, traction control, front and side curtain airbags (that extend to the third row of seats), roll stability, and a whiplash protection system (WIPS). Optional safety features include blind spot identification, rear-object detection, and active xenon headlights that follow the path of steering.
User reviews for 2009 Volvo XC90
Write a review2009 Volvo XC90 Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Rear headphone jacks · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Dynaudio premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: rear volume control · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: 12 · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Parking sensors: rear · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear trunk/liftgate: split liftgate · Skid plate(s): front
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: dual rear · Video monitor size: 7 · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rails: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat: built-in · Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Satellite communications: On-Call (Volvo)
Third Row Seat
Upholstery: leather
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Single rear air conditioning zones · Third row air conditioning: with independent controls
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Rear headphone jacks · 6 disc in-dash CD · Dynaudio premium brand speakers · HD radio · Rear audio: rear volume control · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: aluminum
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: 12 · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Parking sensors: rear · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Paint: metallic · Rear trunk/liftgate: split liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: dual rear · Video monitor size: 7 · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: sliding sunshade · Roof rails: silver
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat: built-in · Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: one-piece · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Satellite communications: On-Call (Volvo)
Third Row Seat
Type: bucket
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Rear headphone jacks · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Dynaudio premium brand speakers · HD radio · Rear audio: rear volume control · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: 12 · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Parking sensors: rear · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear trunk/liftgate: split liftgate · Skid plate(s): front
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: dual rear · Video monitor size: 7 · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rails: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat: built-in · Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Satellite communications: On-Call (Volvo)
Third Row Seat
Upholstery: leather
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Single rear air conditioning zones · Third row air conditioning: with independent controls
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Rear headphone jacks · 6 disc in-dash CD · Dynaudio premium brand speakers · HD radio · Rear audio: rear volume control · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: aluminum
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: 12 · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Parking sensors: rear · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Paint: metallic · Rear trunk/liftgate: split liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: dual rear · Video monitor size: 7 · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: sliding sunshade · Roof rails: silver
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat: built-in · Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Third row seat folding: one-piece · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Satellite communications: On-Call (Volvo)
Third Row Seat
Type: bucket
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Single rear air conditioning zones · Third row air conditioning: with independent controls
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Rear headphone jacks · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Dynaudio premium brand speakers · HD radio · Rear audio: rear volume control · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: 12 · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Parking sensors: rear · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Headlamp bezel color: dark gray · Paint: metallic · Rear trunk/liftgate: split liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: dual rear · Video monitor size: 7 · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt · Roof rails: silver
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat: built-in · Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: one-piece · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Satellite communications: On-Call (Volvo)
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Single rear air conditioning zones · Third row air conditioning: with independent controls · Single third row air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Rear headphone jacks · 6 disc in-dash CD · Dynaudio premium brand speakers · HD radio · Rear audio: rear volume control · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: aluminum · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: 12 · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Parking sensors: rear · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Headlamp bezel color: dark gray · Paint: metallic · Rear trunk/liftgate: split liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: dual rear · Video monitor size: 7 · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt · Roof rails: silver
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat: built-in · Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: one-piece · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.5
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Satellite communications: On-Call (Volvo)
Third Row Seat
Type: bucket
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer
