XC90 3.2 engine option - Good or Crap?

[scot850]

I hear from Volvo (and know from having driven a XC70 with the 3.2 engine non-turbo) that that engine is not one of Volvos best moments. I have been looking for a 2.5T but as they only made them from 04-06, most are now in the hands of careless owners who don't maintain them and have big mileages on them. I also know the 09- are the best to have and this engine is the only option of the 2 we got up here (V8 or 3.2 non-turbo 6).

So for anyone who owns one with the 3.2 engine how bad is it? I'm told it is a gas pig and does not pull as well as the 2.5T 5 cyl even though it has supposedly more power.

Opinions for/against appreciated.

Thanks,

Neil.

[precopster]

I've been told similar stories by my Indie Viking mechanic friend. The torque is the same (320Nm) but is produced 1700rpm further up the rev range at 3,200rpm. Power is higher on the 3.2L by 22KW however again the engine is working harder at 6,000rpm which is 1,000 rpm higher than when the 2.5T makes maximum power.

0-100km/h is quoted as 9.5 secs on the 3.2L and 9.9 secs on the 2.5T but I bet the 3.2 is screaming out loud and is pushed very hard to achieve it.

Judging by the figures the 3.2L is high revving and needs to be pushed. An engine that produces maximum torque (and power) at lower rev ranges is always more of a pleasure to drive and will usually reward the owner at the pump.

Though I'm not a huge fan of the gas guzzling tendencies of the 2.5T when fitted to the XC90 , I'd hate to drive a car that consumes more fuel.

I've been told by more than one V8 XC90 owner that it consumes no more fuel than the 2.5T and is awesome to drive

[oragex]

The V8 is rather a gas drinking machine in city driving. All engines on this heavy vehicle will take gas but the V8 stands out. I haven't read about particular issues with the 3.2. The 3.2 has later the torque so may be slower to move from a stop, but still pulls fine unless you need a sporty acceleration in which case the V8 is the only option. Quite a beast and nice sounding with a proper exhaust such as this

The V8 on the other side has it's particularities such as harder to service because of less space around, and parts may be more costly to service as well (Volvo parts are already not cheap)

https://www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG.do? ... make=Volvo

[scot850]

Thanks for the input guys, really appreciated.

I think the next thing is for me to find one of each and drive them for comparison. We have an 06 XC70 and it is really quite peppy as it delivers the torque low down as Mike stated. That is why I liked the old 98 V70XC as it was similar in producing power lower down where you need it for most town driving and is fine on the highway. Not looking for it to be a sports car!

Interesting on the V8 fuel consumption, but don't want the added complexity, even though it seems to have few issues I have heard of from the engine.

The 3.2 is not known for being very frugal, mainly as it is hauling a heavy vehicle around, but has to rev it's nuts off to get to the power band. Driving one is the only way to see if I can live with that motor in an XC90.

Neil.

[ogatrulle]

I have driven an 08 xc90 3.2 FWD for about five years. It is the only Volvo I have driven, so I can't compare to other models/engines. However I also have a couple of Northstar Devilles (late 90's and early 00's) for comparison. The Devilles have enough power that I am not letting my 17yo son drive them, because I think it's too easy to get into trouble.

The XC90 is not a rocket like the caddys are, but I find it has adequate power for merging uphill onto the freeway. I might have to put the gas pedal to the floor, but in five years of driving I haven't ever found myself lamenting the power.

Gas mileage is not stupendous (probably around 16-18mpg for mixed city/hwy), unlike the Northstars which get about 22-24mpg under similar conditions.

I speculate that the 4wd saps some power and might need the v8, but I have not driven one to know for sure.

[scot850]

Appreciate the input. Don't think we had a FWD option up north here. I know the AWD will sap some power, so now just have to find one and the time to try one out.

Neil.