2009 Volvo XC90 Quality Review

The 2009 Volvo XC90 has great front seats, comfortable second-row seats, and a third-row seat best reserved for kids—along with a well-trimmed interior.

Reviewers generally agree on the high quality of the cabin’s materials. Edmunds says, "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." Autoblog agrees, observing inside the 2009 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." 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."

Most reviewers consulted by TheCarConnection.com, however, say the optional third-row seating is suitable for small children only. Kelley Blue Book predicts you won't like the Volvo XC90 if "you're all about maximum interior space," because the 2009 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 contends "legroom in the rearmost quarters is better than in many competitors, although the second row does get cramped as a result."

The 2009 Volvo XC90 receives high marks for its spacious cabin. Kelley Blue Book remark 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.”

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."

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