2010 Volvo XC90: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2010 Volvo XC90 is a much longer standard-equipment list, led by seven-passenger seating, leather upholstery, a moonroof, rear park assist, and a built-in booster cushion on every trim. It is not a redesign, and the V8 R-Design leaves the lineup.
About the 2010 Volvo XC90
1st generation XC90 (2003-2014), late-cycle update year.
Volvo positioned the XC90 as a premium family SUV with safety, seven-seat flexibility, and understated Scandinavian style at the center of its appeal. The official materials emphasize a cabin that works for family life, fold-flat seating, and a calm, comfortable driving character rather than aggressive sportiness. Compared with rivals, the XC90’s main draw was its mix of Volvo safety engineering, real three-row usefulness, upscale cabin touches, and available V8 power.
The 3.2 serves as the family-focused core model, while the 3.2 R-Design adds sportier looks, firmer suspension, and quicker steering. The V8 sits at the top with all-wheel drive, the lineup’s strongest engine, wood cabin trim, heated front seats, and rain-sensing wipers. Every version seats seven and includes third-row climate controls for 2010.
What changed, by category
2010 Volvo XC90 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 4.4 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.2 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.2 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd Geartronic w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd Geartronic w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd Geartronic w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 13 mpg | 15 mpg | 15 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 19 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Horsepower | 311 hp | 235 hp | 235 hp |
| Torque | 325 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 4960 lb | 3970 lb | 3970 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 85.1 cu-ft | 85.1 cu-ft | 85.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 30.1 in | 30.1 in | 30.1 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Massage Front Seat | |||
| Refrigerator/Cooler | |||
| Third Row Seat | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2010 Volvo XC90 redesigned?
No. The 2010 XC90 remains part of the first generation and receives an equipment-focused update rather than a full redesign.
What became standard on every 2010 Volvo XC90?
Every 2010 XC90 came standard with seven-passenger seating, third-row climate controls, leather seating surfaces, a power moonroof, rear park assist, and an integrated second-row booster cushion. Premium audio and satellite radio also became standard across the lineup.
Did Volvo discontinue the V8 for the 2010 XC90?
No. The regular XC90 V8 remained in the lineup with standard all-wheel drive, but the sport-styled V8 R-Design was dropped for 2010.
Which trims were offered for the 2010 Volvo XC90?
The 2010 XC90 lineup consisted of the six-cylinder 3.2, the sportier six-cylinder 3.2 R-Design, and the all-wheel-drive V8. The prior V8 R-Design was no longer offered.
Is the 2010 Volvo XC90 meaningfully different from the 2009 model?
Yes, mainly in standard equipment rather than design or performance. The 2010 model puts several family and comfort features into every XC90 and simplifies the range by dropping the V8 R-Design.