New for ’06: T6 model retired; 18-inch wheel option; computer-controlled all wheel drive

Volvo, the Swedish automobile maker and part of Ford Motor Co.'s Premier Automotive Group, arrived late to the burgeoning “crossover” or car-based SUV market with the XC90 in 2004. Built on the S80 car platform it is priced and sized to compete with BMW X5 3.0I, Lexus RX330, Mercedes-Benz ML320, Infiniti FX, GMC Envoy SLT and Acura MDX. As a newcomer, the XC90 won the 2003 Motor Trend SUV of the Year award and was named 2003 North American Truck of the Year by independent automotive journalists.

Previously, three versions of the XC90 were offered: the 2.5T in front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and the all-wheel drive T6 and V-8. For 2006, the T6 has been retired, leaving only the base 2.5T with a turbocharged 208-horsepower five-cylinder engine and a powerful all-wheel-drive 311-horsepower V-8 model with six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.5T is still available as either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Standard equipment on the base model includes three-way memory eight-adjustment power driver's seat, power windows, power outside mirrors, deep tinted windows, in-dash CD player with AM/FM stereo radio, tailgate wiper, 17" alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, tilt-telescopic steering wheel and dual zone climate control. The premium package ($2,995) adds leather seating surfaces, power passenger seat, power sunroof and in-dash 6-CD changer. To this, the V-8 adds 18-inch wheels, body-colored door handles, aluminum trim and child booster seats built in to the second row.

Available with the premium package on the 2.5 T is a Versatility Package ($2,100) adding third-row seating with separate air conditioning controls, self-leveling rear suspension and rear audio head phone outlets and controls. A Convenience Package ($1,295) adds rear park assist, power retractable mirrors, cargo covers and power child locks. Notable stand-alone options include a Climate Package with heated front seats and headlamp washers ($675), metallic paint in a variety of colors ($475), 18-inch chrome alloy wheels ($1,900) and a navigation system with remote control ($2,120).
When viewed from the front and rear, the XC90 is distinctively Volvo. From the side, the profile, roofline and impressive 9.2 inches of ground clearance are reminiscent of the BMW X5. Like the V70 and XC70 Volvo wagons, the back of the XC90 features large red tail lights that attractively extend the entire height of the rear gate glass to the tips of the roof rails. The tailgate is split 30/70 top-bottom, making the top half lighter and easier to close. On the downside, this tall driver more than once banged his head on the opened top half.
Our tester was the 2.5T in silver metallic over-trimmed with flat charcoal-colored plastic bumpers, wheel-openings and body-side molding that take away from the otherwise pleasing exterior appearance.
Volvo boasts some of the most comfortable seats in the business and the XC90 is no exception. The interior has a tremendous amount of cargo and passenger carrying capacity. Volvo claims more than 60 different seating configurations in addition to its 93.2 cubic feet of load space. Unless you're transporting small children, skip the third row of seats — XC90 works best as a four- or five-passenger vehicle. The third row also eats up second-row passenger room.

One of the most thoughtful interior features is the sliding child booster seat (a $200 option on the base model). The console between the front bucket seats can be easily removed allowing the middle seat to convert to a child booster seat, which slides forward to just behind the center console for easy child attending.

The dash features easy to locate and use audio and air-conditioning controls. The interior is finished with high quality materials, however the charcoal color interior is too drab with only minor touches of dark wood around the shifter and glove box, and brushed aluminum on the door handles and shift plate. A lighter colored interior should cheer up the cabin.

Our tester for the week was the base 2.5T with front-wheel drive. With the assistance of turbocharger, the 208 was adequate but not excessive. Drivers looking for a little boost, but not wanting to jump up to a V-8 will miss the midrange V-6 offered in previous model years. The engine is smooth and the five-speed transmission performs flawlessly. The noticeably quiet ride is terrific and very sedan-like. The XC90 handles well, although steering feels somewhat numb and on the light side. I had a difficult time trusting the optional reverse warning system on our tester. When backing up, the warning beep was late in signaling the driver of approaching objects, not sounding until I was extremely close.

While our tester was rated at 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, I averaged just over 17 mpg during my weeklong test, which included a road trip to Sedona. Volvo recommends premium fuel for both engines.
Mention the name “Volvo” to anyone and first word that comes to mind is safety. The XC90 lives up to and exceeds that tradition with a long and impressive list of cutting edge safety and technology features. XC90 offers an automotive world first with its Roll Over Protection System. SUVs have long been criticized for the ease in which they can topple because of their high center of gravity and narrow track. Volvo uses gyroscopic sensors to determine the vehicle's speed and roll angle. If a rollover seems imminent, the system sensors activate the Dynamic Traction and Stability Control, which immediately reduce engine power, and/or brakes the necessary wheels to help the driver regain control. If the system fails and there is a rollover anyway, Volvo has reinforced the roof with boron steel — a metal 4 to 5 times stronger than normal steel — to protect it from crushing. Additionally, Volvo equipped the XC90 with inflatable side curtain, head-protecting airbags for all three rows of seats, unusual for any vehicle. That's in addition to driver and front passenger side air bags. In the event of a rear-end crash, the front seat headrests have a whiplash protection feature that moves the headrest to meet the person's head when pressure sensors detect the occupant being forced backwards, thus reducing the distance the head will snap back.

The XC90 has been named a “Best Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In government crash tests, it earned five stars for side impacts and driver side front impacts and four stars for rollovers and passenger protection in front impacts.

It's obvious Volvo engineers made safety a top priority with the XC90. And, they were able to do it while building an attractive vehicle. That peace of mind alone is worth the price. The XC90 is easy to drive and is as comfortable and quiet as any luxury sedan with excellent passenger seating flexibility. While entry-level is affordable, options are expensive and the price can quickly jump to over $45,000.

In my opinion, the XC90 continues to be a standout in the SUV segment. For those concerned with the safety aspects of modern transportation, it's the best choice available. It's an incredible feeling knowing you're safe behind the wheel. If you're in the market and shopping for an SUV, the XC90 should be at the top of your “must test-drive” list.