2008 Volvo XC90 Quality Review

Reviewers from around the Internet agree that passengers enjoy a comfortable, quiet ride in the 2008 Volvo XC90, surrounded by high-quality materials.

Those reviewers give the 2008 Volvo XC90 high marks for its spacious cabin. Kelley Blue Book states that "the driver and passenger relax in a comfortable pair of bucket seats featuring built-in whiplash protection." For all but the back-row passengers, it's easy to get in and out of the XC90 Volvo. Kelley Blue Book says "the tall ride height does not translate into a tall step-up height...making entry and exit similar to getting in and out of a car."
According to Cars.com, there are "rear 40-20-40 split-bench seats.”

With seating for five as standard, the XC90 has the option of a forward-facing third-row seat. Most reviewers consulted by TheCarConnection.com, however, say the optional third-row seating is suitable for small children only. Kelley Blue Book states you won't like the Volvo XC90 if "you're all about maximum interior space," because the 2008 Volvo's "third-row seat is not well-suited for adults." Cars.com agrees, citing "difficult access to third-row seat," and "it's a tight squeeze in back." Edmunds says "legroom in the rearmost quarters is better than in many competitors, although the second row does get cramped as a result."

Reviewers agree the 2008 Volvo XC90 has plenty of cargo space, even if they differ on exact measurements. Edmunds states "cargo capacity is 43.3 cubic feet with the third seat folded (or not there at all if you have a five-passenger model), and it expands to a generous 85 cubic feet with both rows folded." Cars.com says "with all seats stowed, maximum cargo volume measures 92 cubic feet in five-seat models and 93.2 cubic feet in seven-seat models."

The quality of the interior materials is generally high. Autoblog says inside the 2008 Volvo XC90 "a blue-lit instrument cluster joins some additional badging, a leather wrapped steering wheel and an aluminum center stack to boost the premium feel." Edmunds agrees that "Materials are first-rate, ergonomics straightforward and the overall design consistent with the hip, minimalist look Volvo has utilized with great success for a decade." They predict "the addition of standard sapele wood trim in the V8 model should please those who have found past XC90s a bit austere." Kelley Blue Book isn't as enamored, pointing out that "there is a lot of gray plastic and leather inside the XC90 Volvo, although a smattering of wood trim helps warm things up a bit."

Car and Driver says that driving a Volvo XC90 is "a relatively quiet experience"; however, Cars.com doesn't like the "droning V-8 exhaust on the highway."