Used 2012 Volvo XC90 for sale 

The XC90 SUV has the single most change this year, which too, is not in the benefit of those against downsizing. The existentially inept V8 that powered all the XC90 models yet has finally been discontinued from this year. Apart from that, there is nothing new to this year’s XC90 SUV. Implicitly, the XC90 will be continued to be offered in two different models: the 3.2 and the sportier R-Design. Each version is offered in two trim levels, including a base model, midrange Premier Plus and the top-of-the-line Platinum.

We Recommend:

The 2012 Volvo XC90 is a better choice in terms of luxury and safety offered. We would recommend you to opt for the Momentum trim as it comes loaded with features and also offers AWD as standard. Besides, of all that can be checked, it is the most affordable trim. 

The 2012 Volvo XC90 has a six-cylinder engine that struggles to move the heavy seven-seat SUV, A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, and reviewers reported that it shifts smoothly but can be reluctant to downshift when more power is needed. It’s a smooth operator whose strong pulling power belies its relatively small size, though it never feels sporty. The same can be said for the handling, which is responsive but not engaging. 

The body stays in check, however, even in quick maneuvers. Making matters worse for performance fans, the previous V-8 option has been dropped for the 2012 model year. That leaves the XC90 with just one powertrain option, a 3.2-liter straight-six engine rated at 240 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. This engine can be ordered with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive

The 2012 Volvo XC90 is targeted at families and not the sports car crowd so as you may suspect it performs more or less like what any busy mom or dad might expect. That means it’s fast enough to do the school and grocery store run but not quite enough to excite you. If you want something eventful, the BMW has an X5 that would suit, but there is a cost to its performance. On the other hand, the Buick Enclave appears to be an optimum choice, especially because of the V-6 engine producing 270 HP.

The EPA rates the 2012 XC90’s fuel economy at 16/23 mpg city/highway and 19 mpg combined, though those figures can easily deteriorate with even a little hard driving. Opting for the all-wheel-drive model sees the combined figure drop just 1 mpg so we strongly recommend ticking this option for its added safety. For an SUV with a lack of authoritative prowess, these figures are less than ordinary. In fact, a poor fuel consumption rate is one of the drawbacks of this Swedish entity. 

If stellar mileage is a priority, there are plenty of new fuel-efficient models coming onto the market including both hybrids and clean-diesels. Some worthy rivals worth a look at including the Lexus RX 350 and Mercedes-Benz ML350. Even the BMW has the same economy, but at least it performs better in terms of power output. 

Inside, the 2012 Volvo XC90 offers a passenger cabin that's stylish, comfortable, and quiet. Front seats offer good support and a generous amount of room, but the second-and third-row seats are a little tighter than those on several competitors. A child booster seat built into the center section of the middle row slides forward to put young ones within easy reach of mom and dad, though Volvo's 3.2 and R-Design are available with two booster seats. 

Gauges and controls are nicely arranged, but the latter isn’t the most advanced. The navigation system included in the Platinum level is antiquated and relies on obtuse controls located behind the steering wheel or on the remote control. Most other Volvo models have a more advanced infotainment system.

The XC90's interior can also handle its share of cargo. Folding down the 40/20/40-split second-row and 50/50-split third-row seatbacks results in a flat load floor and 85.1 cubic feet of cargo room. This is pretty good for a luxury crossover, but larger three-row crossovers like the Buick Enclave and Ford Flex will hold much more. 

Another downside is the fact that there are just 8.8 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seat, which means carrying seven people and their luggage is unlikely unless you invest in a rooftop cargo carrier. Some of the interior features in the 2012 Volvo XC90 are:

• Cruise Control
• Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror
• 12V Rear And 12V Cargo Area Power Outlet(S)
• Speed-Proportional Power Steering
• Leather And Alloy Steering Wheel
• 8 -Way Power Driver & Passenger Seats

2012 Volvo XC90 Infotainment System

Over the years Volvo’s fleet has been getting more and more features, many of them coming as standard. Not only does this improve the value equation but it means that even standard trim vehicles like the 2012 XC90 are loads of fun. Some things we like include Bluetooth hands-free interface, Sirius Satellite Radio, and new watch-dial instrumentation. Other standard goodies include leather upholstery, keyless entry, cruise control, and dual-zone climate control. 

There's also a sporty R-Design package that nets you a number of cool items such as sports seats, brushed aluminum trim, and custom wheel designs. Individual options for the XC90 feature a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system, Volvo's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), a Classic Walnut wood steering wheel for the 3.2, and various shades of metallic paint.

• Power Mirrors
• 8 Total Speakers
• Auxiliary Audio Input And USB With External Media Control
• 6 Months Of Provided Satellite Radio Service
• 160-Watt Audio Output

Having first been launched in 2003, the Volvo XC90 is now one of the oldest models currently in production and it’s certainly starting to show its age. The changes to the 2012 XC90 include subtle refinements to exterior and interior, though you’d have to look twice to notice them. The silver mud-guards provide a tough stance, as do the matching roof rails. And we especially like the unique six-spoke 18-inch wheel design with a silver matte finish that is available. 

If you thought the exterior was dated, the interior is even a bit more aged. While the rest of the Volvo model line features a 'floating' center stack--a thin panel that houses audio and climate controls, with an open area and storage just behind--the XC90 makes do with Volvo's former-generation instrument panel, with a wider center console and solid center stack.

Apparently, the XC90 is not as heavy as the BMW X5, but neither is it as light as the Lexus 350. This, when the amount of body roll experience comes down significantly, only then is the time the SUV experiences praise. Even the 113” of wheelbase is closely comparable to the BMW X5’s 115.5inches of wheelbase: Some of the exterior features in the 2012 Volvo XC90 are:

• 18 X 7.0 In. Wheels
• All Season Tires
• Heated Mirrors

Standard safety features on the new Volvo XC90 include anti-lock brakes, stability control, front-seat side-impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, anti-whiplash front seats, and a handy child booster seat built into the second row. A blind-spot warning system is optional on all models, but the XC90 is not available with the multitude of advanced accident prevention technologies available on other Volvo models. In crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the XC90 earned the organization's top "Good" rating in the frontal-offset, side-impact, and roof-strength tests.

• Passenger Head Restraint Whiplash Protection System
• Daytime Running Lights
• Stability Control
• Child Seat Anchors
• Adaptive Headlights

Given all the differences and shortcomings, especially with respect to the performance, the Volvo XC90 may not have what it takes to become a peoples’ car. The SUV will exhibit incredible practicality, but there is no point in being practical or rational about performance. Plus its old-school design looks pretty outdated. Thus, we feel it is better to search for competitors with a better background.