The first-generation Volvo XC90: a child of the SUV revolution

As we step into 2002, we’ve just launched the first-generation Volvo XC90. Critics are initially doubting this late entry into the SUV market, but the XC90 is about to prove them wrong.

It quickly becomes clear that our first-ever SUV is a success: it raises the bar in safety, it racks up over 100 awards – and eventually, it grabs the crown as Sweden’s most valuable export product at the time.

A pioneer in SUV safety
When it comes to family SUVs, the first-generation Volvo XC90 stood tall – literally and figuratively. The XC90 offered the spaciousness and sturdiness you'd expect from any SUV, but this was a Volvo, after all. And that’s what made it stand out.

It tackled many issues plaguing SUVs at the time and introduced groundbreaking safety features. Think inflatable side curtains for all three rows, integrated booster cushions for children, and seat belts with tensioners.

Early SUVs were prone to rollovers, but the XC90 changed the game. With Roll Stability Control (RSC) and a reinforced roof, it used a gyro sensor to detect and counter the risk of overturning. These innovations set a new safety benchmark, influencing future models such as the safest Volvo car to date, the fully electric EX90 SUV.

A tale of groundbreaking technology
The XC90 featured a new and advanced all-wheel-drive system for instant grip that improved handling in wet or snowy conditions. It also introduced Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which alerted drivers to cars in their blind spots with a visual warning in the side mirror. These are all features that we continue to enhance today.

“With SUV spaciousness and Volvo Cars safety innovations, the XC90 didn't just join the SUV market; it revolutionised it.”

A strong yet elegant design
It might have been late to the game, but it’s safe to say that the first Volvo SUV made up for lost time, and more. This car combined safety, durability, and versatility in a way that set new standards for the SUV segment. Its legacy continues to influence our designs to this day, making it a true icon in Volvo Cars history.

With the XC90, we didn’t just enter the SUV market; we helped pave the way for a safer and smarter future on the road.