i grew up with a 2004 XC90-my parents still use it 18 years later! lots of good memories in that car, all of them brought back by its sounds and smells. great vid Bern :) ~noor!

He is not ment to be fast. First of all its a petrol which = low torque, 2.5T is a low pressure smaller turbo compared to T5 aka 2.3 Big turbo high pressure. Also the engine is insanely powerful BUT since it was not ment to be a racecar it has a "normal" not a sporty transmission and this is why it is not "fast" + it weights a lot. Those cars are cruisers. Sry for bad english

My 2.5T now has 560000 miles and runs so nice and smooth.

I have an 06 2.5t awd. It does not accelerate like that. There's something wrong with your turbo. It sounds like there's no boost. Turbo boost with about a second delay and great in the city, but scary on highway especially after 70mph.

Sweden is proud of you, knowing all this about Volvos 👌 As a matter of fact, today I had a look and test drive of a 34kKM 2004 2.5T that I may, or may not buy as a winter car. Sweet mother mercy it is slow... wow. It's among the slowest cars I have driven! If I buy it, I'll give it a stage 1 ECU tune which should give it 45-50hp more. //A Swede

I have a 2005 XC90 2.5T, without the third row, AWD. Just hit 300K km (~188K mi), and just replaced the factory turbo (bearings were shot). Also recently replaced the stock exhaust with a Magnaflow stainless from front to back (my mechanic said the open exhaust pathway would allow the engine to generate an extra 20-30HP). Just replaced the upper cam sensor, reset the adaptation, and now it's motoring like a son-of-a-gun. Similar pickup and boost to the 2011 V8 Executive you tested in another video. Hi-test gas and a thorough cleaning of the intakes does make a difference. This 2.5 sounds like my car did before the turbo replacement. Definitely a lack of boost, as it shouldn't take that long to shift up. As others have said, something doesn't sound right. Love my Volvo, and appreciat your excellent videos!

I have a 2006 XC90 2.5T and it’s bullet proof. I will say that not all XC90’s had a third row though, which is surprising! My 06 is one of the rarely configured XC90’s that did not have the versatility package that included the third row seat. Instead, it has two compartments with under floor storage and grocery bag holder. In the later years, the third row eventually came standard. I also have a 2014 3.2 Platinum and I do love that one also. I will say that the 2.5T you are driving seems to be slower shifting than the one I have. I felt my 2.5T was reasonably responsive, but not super fast. I will add that mine only has 156k miles and is dealer maintained and had a software update, so that may make a difference.

Never knew much about Volvos, I usually nerd out about hondas myself. Its so refreshing to see a nice detailed "geeked out" review of Volvo. Always a great review Bern

I have a 2004 Volvo XC90 T6 with the much berated 465te Transmission, I love my T6 but it's kind of like a BMW you have to sort out all of the known issues and once that's done it will drive like a dream. I had the 465te transmission rebuilt and I found a great volvo specialist in my area who took out the entire engine and meticulously addressed all of the known issues with the engine. I still drive the car like an adult should the reason I gravitated to this model is the build quality it's a heavy sturdy and incredibly safe vehicle that I use to transport my son and wife in. I feel incredibly safe in this vehicle and it's whisper quiet and is incredibly quick the T6 engine is a 2.9 liter inline six paired with twin turbos, I also own a 2005 infiniti q45 which has a 340 hp v8 and the T6 engine feels more at home at 80 mph than my Infiniti which is no joke itself. I purchased the car at 130K miles and it's currently at 174K miles the only negative is this car chews through tires incredibly quickly so keep an eye on tread wear.

Hey man, love your videos. I am thinking about buying a used XC90 for my daughter's first car. Your videos have been so helpful because there are very few American videos on the XC90 and yes, I am an American named Anders (I was born 16 minutes from the Torslanda factory). Great work man!

Here's my take on this, and I work in a Volvo specialist shop. I've worked on many XC90's, and many with the 2.5T. Many are ridiculously down on power, some more so than others, one was a plugged catalytic converter, none of the owners seem to care. I myself own a 2006 2.5T, and it blows the doors off my bosses 07 V8 XC90 sport from a stop...he has borrowed mine, and now notices that every one we work on is down on power. I bought it for 1800 bucks, and I haven't done much, except fix the Haldex AWD and angle gear and changed out a dented door.

Love this sort of stuff, subscribed

Excellent video Bern!

Noice review mate! Not sure what has happened, but my 04 XC90 2.5T definitely sounds more responsive and quicker than yours. However that being said, it only has 230k km on it (not sure what it is in miles on the top of my head). On the other hand, mine had engine mounts issues which sounded good actually (like a grunting rumble) similar to what yours had when you floored it after driving off the first time. The sound was totally removed when I installed the side mount + top mount + bottom torgue mount.

By the sound of the engine, it seems as if it was not maintained properly. Needs a throttle body cleaning and a fresh gallon of oil. I also think that the petrol used is low octane. But that 2.5L howl is somehow addictive (imo).

No doubt these are not fast cars, especially with the 2.5T. But I'll say the 2.5T is an excellent engine, easily one of Volvo's most reliable. I have an 2006 XC90 2.5T with 245,000 miles and it seems more responsive than the one you drove. There could be a number of problems with the one you drove, especially if it was neglected. Also, the transmission adaptations likely need to be reset if you want to drive it like a sports car (or at least give it time to learn your driving style so it can adjust shifts accordingly). It's also really is about how you drive the car and your mindset (what you expect). In daily driving you don't need to floor it around every corner. So for us, the 2.5T is perfectly suited. I agree about the T6 engines on the XC90s with the GM transmissions. Too much power and too heavy a vehicle for such a small transmission. However, it's a much safer bet in a lighter car. I have the same T6 engine and GM transmission in my 2000 S80. It's got 270,00 miles (family owned since new) and the transmission has never had an issue (knock on wood).

I actually had the Volvo XC90 3.2L inline 6 AWD - honestly regret getting rid of it but on the hunt to get another one back OR a V8 model if any left where i live - within budget. I dont have anything to compare personnally yet - but i owened a 2013 S60 T5 for a bit, that was great. But to me, in all the SUV's ive tried - for the city and canadian winters - the 3.2 XC90 was great - NEVER got stuck and if gas was cheap id drive around just because i can

Just bought a 2004 Volvo XC90 2.5T and I will say that it’s in no stretch of the imagination fast. However I find myself surprised when I accelerate to the speed of traffic. My particular car seems to have quite a bit of top end torque, so once you get past 15 or so, it takes right off no issue. Something must’ve been up with the one you drove. I also find that premium fuel does wonders for the turbo.

There is definitely something wrong.. sounds really slow indeed, like it is driving in limp-mode… normally the 2.5t is not like a racecar, but still had a decent acceleration.. like 0-60 in 9.5sec

You should definitely test drive a 3.2l in-line 6 XC90. I have one and can say it is decently powerful and they sound great.

I bought my 2006 XC90 2.4L a couple of years ago and I LOVE it. I would never buy anything new ish because if all the shitty tech and how cheap and samey they all feel. Luckily, there was corrosion on the exhaust so I put a straight pipe with twin tailpipe underneath and the sound is unbelievable when it accelerates. Looks like the car in this vid is very slow, probably some issues under the bonnet 😅 My 2.4 moves a lot quicker than that. Great vid, like your channel. Renovating a caravan atm and will be towing it with the XC90, can't wait!

Nice video title, clicked on it immediately, because I love your genuine honest opinion, but it's going to tick off a lot of Volvo loyalists. My buddy has an 06, nice condition, low mileage, and it doesn't feel fast at all

Could also have a freewheeling stator in the torque converter,

Haha you love your Xc90s dude!! It does seem to be down on power or has a fault 🤔 they are a variation of the old T5 motor and a variation again of what is fitted in the Mk2 focus ST!! 👍

It's actually the sound deadening that gives the car that distinctive smell.

Great video Mr. volvo

in the uk we got the 163hp d5

My 2.5T is surprisingly peppy. I kind of wonder if a previous owner had a tune installed

You trade fun for reliability and crash safety with this I always try to have two cars that compliment each other so I can have one boring and useful car (usually end up with 3-4 for a while)

thanks from sweden 🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪 cool you like volvos

This is a great channel eh

@4:38 you can even leave it down and close the hatch if you're hauling something long. It wont latch, but if need be haha.

It’s not that slow. It’s still got a ton of low end torque and that low-pressure turbo 5 cylinder is actually pretty damn quick itself. Still feels faster than a lot of turbo 4 cylinder crossovers on the market today! Plus, if Volvo offered the XC90 in the T5 (high-pressure turbo 5 cylinder) model or even the astounding R motor, this thing would be much, much faster!

The ones without 3rd row had weaker suspension put in the back of them

Im buying one tomOrrow.what I should check?

Bulletproof engine. Strong enough for regular driving, and the XC90 is hardly a sports car anyway (the weight and steering is proof enough). Our car has the 2.5T engine mated to a six speed *manual* transmission. With 130 000 miles (210 000 km), it pulls great. The manual shifting is actually very nice as well (far better than our Mustang, Thunderbird and Peugeot 205 but not as good as the 1st gen Ford Puma). Had the same engine in a Ford S-Max before, and was surprised by how well the XC90 matches up.

Seems like something is up with the engine. Imagine the 200k miles have worn out some of those horses.

Great video. I have two 3.2’s and yea they scream like a non vtec b18. I will be picking up a V8 next week. This is going to be fun. 😈

the cracking on the dash i've found was a problem on my pre-facelift xc90 d5 but not on my current 2007 2.5t maybe they used different plastics?

You gotta drive hard for like three day maybe a week the transmission goes into sport mode or something my 01 2.4t v70 does that

Not to say that the 2005-2008ish are “fast” by any means, however I think there is a lot more power in most vehicles besides the one in the video. I have an 05’ 2.5T I5 with 160K miles that has plenty of torque coming off a stop. Probably wasn’t a great idea but recently raced a 2024 Chevy Trax and won by almost a cars length from a stop…

The Volvo XC90 V8 is pretty quick. My parents had a 2006 Volvo XC90 V8, it did 0-60 in 7 seconds which isn't bad for an SUV it's size and it's age. The top speed is appearntly 250 km/h. (155mph).

If you think that one is slow you should try the 2.5 Diesel 163bhp... I know it was not sold in north america but it's really common in europe.

What are the alternatives to Volvo xc90 model up to 2014 year? Those car getting old and newest version are not so... Interesting

There’s obviously something wrong with the engine, I mean it isn’t fast by any means but I have one and it’s stock and it isn’t that slow!

Sounds like the turbo's gone. I had a 2.5T and it was a ROCKET!

That motor has enough torque to go faster than that. Something is wrong with that motor. Either the turbo isn't engaging right, possibly the bypass is stuck open. Or you need plugs and coils. It would probably do much better with some good oil in it and some premium gas. Change the air filter and maybe if you know how to take the TCM off of it and check it to see if it works. They usually fail around 100,000 miles and nobody ever replaces them.

With fuel at $5+/gallon, I'm good with slow. Slow & safe always works.

Bern I never heard a black guy talk like you. I commend you for speaking properly. Subbed

Lol I sense there is no spool,my xc has an R turbo and upgraded fuel pump with injectors and it broke all my motor mounts has so much torque,heck even with the Chinese turbo it would haul butttt

Ah yes, that wonderful five banger with a massive turbo lag. LOL! I love these Audi-evolved, Porsche tuned, White block legendary engines but could probably use a bigger turbo for the bigass XC90’s.

Are there any power upgrades you can do to get more Horsepower?

Sounds like it needs a tune up

I am really split between XC90 2.5 T and Volvo XC70 both 2007 What can you recomend? Oh also they are both benzine powered.

can u do an xc70

How do you feel about 2007 xc 90 V6? Should I walk away from it or risk it. 173k

Seems really slow looking at the video. Mine flies and everyone who's driven my car was pleasantly surprised how responsive and fast it moves

D5 ftw :)

Comparing with 2.4 diesel is fu×××ng fast , much faster than it.

Come to Australia - you can try my D5 (Diesel) XC90 :)

Whats is 5000 lbs in kg or tons

ton volvo a definitivement un.probleme je possede le meme et il a bcps plus de repondant que lw.tien je fait 0-100kmh en 8.9 seconde pour un vehicule.stock aussi.lourd

Bern will a 2.5 T easily pull 5 tons

Must be a serious issue with the one you drove. Mine is much quicker than that!

Miss Thor bro

There's something wrong with your Volvo. I have a 2006 with the 5cyl. And can hit 60mph with a 3k lbs travel trailer by the 3nd of a typical freeway on ramp in Seattle. Also the engine does not sound right. Possibly your turbo is done.

it kinda sounds like something is wrong with that engine lol

Warum gibt es in den Staaten kaum bis keine XC90 mit dem D5 Motor? Und was die dritte Sitzreihe angeht, muss ich widersprechen 😁 Mein XC90 Executive D5 hat serienmäßig nur fünf Sitzplätze und die dritte Sitzreihe existiert nicht 😉

Why is everyone calling this engine bulletproof the seals and gaskets leaks so easily on this car and it costs more to repair than the car is even worth! This is after fixing all of the coolant leaks and constantly replacing spark plugs and coil packs every 40,000 miles. These cars are ANNOYING. also they don't run well on regular gas very slow. Any car that you have to put premium in sucks

The early 2.5t and later 3.2 are the ones to get. Fuck the T6 and V8

NOT 2007. 2006

Weights a lot...

Hahahah so is the 3.2.

Slow!!!