Since its debut for the 2003 model year, the Volvo XC90 has presented a conundrum of sorts: Is it a midsize SUV, a glorified wagon, or a crossover? Call it what you will, the 2010 Volvo XC90 is a solidly built, roomy, four-door, seven passenger, family oriented vehicle that features over-the-top standard amenities and equipment, sprightly handing, a potent V8, and Volvo’s legendary safety properties. Available in three trims, the base 3.2, midlevel 3.2 R-Design, and top-shelf V8, the 2010 XC90 introduces standard third-row seating, standard rear parking-assist sensors, and a tweaked chassis, and its lineup no longer includes the V8 R-Design trim level. While the V8 trim is delivered with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), the two lower trims come with the standard front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration, but each is also offered with AWD. Though the XC90 is a capable and reasonably priced family auto, prospective buyers ought to check out the Volkswagen Touareg, Lexus RX, Mercedes M-Class, and Volvo’s own XC60 before making a decision.
A pair of engines equips the 2010 XC90 line. The base 3.2 and midlevel 3.2 R-Design pack a 3.2-liter variable-valve-timed (VVT) inline six-cylinder (I6) engine and six-speed auto-manual transmission. This combo puts out 235 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque while munching an EPA-estimated 15/22 mpg in the FWD configuration and 15/21 with AWD. Additionally, this sweet I6 can haul 3,970 pounds of trailer. The V8 trim, as its moniker implies, boasts a 4.4-liter VVT V8 powerplant and six-speed auto-manual transmission that spanks the pavement with 311 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. EPA estimates for the AWD-only V8 are 13/19, while its towing capacity exceeds 4,900 pounds.
Whatever its designation - crossover, SUV, or wagon - the 2010 XC90 certainly doesn’t lack for standard amenities and equipment. The base 3.2, for example, loads 18-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack, power sunroof, skid plates, leather upholstery, eight-way power front seats, cruise control, power windows, door locks, and heated mirrors, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, universal remote garage door opener, dual-zone climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, wood and alloy dash and passenger-door trim, memorized driver’s settings, and a 160-watt AM/FM radio with a single-CD player and eight speakers onto its sturdy chassis. The 3.2 R-Design adds a self-leveling suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels, and remote power door locks to the list of standard features, while the V8 trim tacks on heated front seats and upgraded alloy wheels.
Options for the 2010 XC90 run to the packaged variety, and for the 3.2 trim include AWD and a 650-watt Dynaudio premium sound system with 12 speakers, DVD navigation, and satellite radio, as well as heated front seats, running boards, rear-seat DVD entertainment, a trailer hitch, and Bluetooth hands-free communications technology. The 3.2 R-Design additionally offers the available Executive Package with 20-inch alloy wheels and massage-capable, ventilated front seats, while the V8 trim level sports available unique exterior colors and a leather steering wheel on top of all the 3.2 R-Design’s options.
In keeping with Volvo’s much-ballyhooed and well-earned reputation for safety, the 2010 XC90 features not only a slightly beefier chassis, but also four-wheel ABS, traction and stability control, dual front side-mounted airbags, front, rear, and third-row head airbags, active front whiplash protection, remote anti-theft alarm, rear parking sensors, front fog/driving lights, and turn-signal-integrated mirrors. As well, Volvo’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and Xenon HID headlights with active bending are available for all trim levels.
Perfect safety scores are a way of life for Volvo, and the 2010 XC90 is no exception. Owners of the 2009 and 2010 Volvo XC90 cite its proven passenger-protection capabilities as a major factor in their purchase. There is, however, a bit of a tradeoff, with many owners complaining of poor gas mileage, pricey options packages, some technological features, including some less-than-state-of-the-art controls that are simply not worth the extra money, and only lukewarm re-sale value. In the minds of most owners, however, the XC90’s Euro-styling, ride comfort, overall cabin ambiance, and its roominess, not to mention its 93-cubic-foot cargo area (with the rear seats folded), competent handling characteristics, reasonable base price, and laudable warranty coverage overcome all obstacles in the decision to buy.
Hi, I have a 2010 volvo xc 90 with a 3.2 engine, I replaced the belt, belt tensioner, and the idler, put it together its good for a while the belt starts to squeal and no power steering, do you have any suggestions?
XC90 Volvo air conditioner does not cool well at idle ok while driving
My AC works in the auto mode on full blast but struggles and blows luke warm air in other modes. I don't understand why it works sometimes and not others.
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · 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 · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.2 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 3 total · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: grocery bag holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: split liftgate · Skid plate(s): front
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: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Xenon · Rear fog lights: auto-off
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/slide · Roof rails: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat: built-in · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front, rear and third row · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Third row headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
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
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Type: 50-50 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 6
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · 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 · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.2 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 3 total · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Skid plate(s): front and rear
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: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Rear fog lights: auto-off
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: silver
Safety
Active head restraints: front and rear · Child seat: built-in · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Third row headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
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
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Type: 50-50 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · 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
Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.2 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 3 total · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: grocery bag holder · 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
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Skid plate(s): front
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: puddle lamps · Headlights: Xenon · Rear fog lights: auto-off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide · Roof rails: black
Safety
Active head restraints: front and rear · Child seat: built-in · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front, rear and third row · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Third row headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
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
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Type: 50-50 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 6
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · 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 · Third row side curtain airbags
Audio System
Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.2 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 3 total · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: grocery bag holder · 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
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: split liftgate · Skid plate(s): front
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: puddle lamps · Rear fog lights: auto-off
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: sliding sunshade · Roof rails: silver
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat: built-in · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Third row headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
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
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Type: 50-50 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · 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
Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.2 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Beverage cooler: cooled storage compartment · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 3 total · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: grocery bag holder · 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
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: split liftgate · Skid plate(s): front
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 oil pressure
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Rear fog lights: auto-off
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: one-touch open/close · Roof rails: silver
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat: built-in · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front and rear · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Third row headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: front
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
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
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Type: 50-50 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 6 · Width: 8
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer