Better performance for my XC-90??

New Volvo Fan · Post by **New Volvo Fan** » 17 Apr 2004, 21:32

My 93 XC-90 was slated as getting 18 miles to the gallon in the city. I opted for the 5 cylinder for this reason. Between the turbo lag (quite significant) and the poor gas mileage - a constant 14 I'm a little frustrated. Are there any modifications I can do that will reduce the turbo lag and/or increase the gas mileage? For the record it is an 03 5cyl with AWD. Thanks

Post by **matthew1** » 18 Apr 2004, 11:04

On a new vehicle there's not a whole lot you can do if you want to keep the warranty valid. Put fuel treatment (STP injector cleaner etc) in every third fillup.

A K&N air filter may help -- big 'if.'

Does your state/contry/province have oxygenated fuel? I know that is a wintertime law in some places -- and it drives performance down.

JoanneNH · Post by **JoanneNH** » 19 Apr 2004, 12:55

I have an 04 XC90 (2.5T) and have averaged about 18 mpg city driving. I've had continual lag problems with my XC90. I hit the gas and the car goes no where. I have to floor the peddle to get the car to move. Have you had a problem with your third row seats at all? I have had both my third row seats refuse to come down on 3 separate occasions. Would love to hear any feedback anyone has.

Also, is Volvo service known for not troubleshooting a problem called to their attention unless they have their tech's experience the "issue".

Any advice.

Rebel Yell · Post by **Rebel Yell** » 18 Nov 2004, 10:04

The XC90 is not a blazing acceleration machine, something I've become used to. I have the T6 and want more power too. I average 17.3 mpg overall with the vast majority of it on country roads. As for the occasional problem, like the seats failing to collapse easily, I've had that with my second row seats. My dealer is very good at at least listening and evaluating my reports. A different dealer may have a more robust dedication to service. I still like the vehicle as it fits the bill for my original intent-safe, quiet, roomy and flexible seating/cargo options. And it looks nice.

Post by **matthew1** » 18 Nov 2004, 11:02

Yea they do look sharp. I'm a bit disappointed that the consensus is that there is not enough power. At 17mpg I'd expect a ton of it!

I know it's a heavy automobile tho...

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 02 Jan 2005, 17:22

IPD and others may develop soon ECU upgrades for the XC90, if they have not done so already. Flash programming like IPD does should not show up on any diagnostic, either.

If the 6 and 5 cylinders can be tweaked with a boost increase on the cars, the SUV should be no different.

Plus, the V8 model is coming soon, but it is not cheap, and should be a huge pain to service down the road, the engine is very compact - read no access - so maintenance and service should be expensive.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 21 Feb 2005, 07:09

I just picked up a new XC 90 V8, all I can say is it is worth the money and possible maintenance heaches. This engine makes all the difference in the world.