Volvo XC90 Review

2008 Volvo XC90 3.2 SUV

Volvo does things a little differently from other premium brands in the automotive world. For this Swedish manufacturer, safety and kid friendliness are just as important as luxury amenities and driving performance, and in no vehicle is this more apparent than the Volvo XC90, a midsize 7-passenger SUV.

Easily one of the safest SUVs on the market, the Volvo XC90 pioneered Roll Stability Control when it debuted for the 2003 model year. This bit of technology uses a gyro sensor to identify every SUV owner's greatest fear, a potential rollover situation, and activates the stability control system to try to avert it. Another interesting feature that debuted for the 2007 model year is the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which monitors images from a pair of cameras mounted in the side mirrors and warns the driver via an indicator light when another vehicle moves into the XC90's blind spot. Of course, the XC90 also provides staples like side curtain airbag protection for all three rows, anti-whiplash seats and an emergency communications system. Volvo crash safety is legendary, and indeed this midsize SUV has scored well in NHTSA and IIHS testing.

In addition to peace of mind, the Volvo XC90 offers families plenty in the way of practicality. Headroom and legroom are ample for children and teenagers in the second and third rows, and both the 40/20/40-split second-row seat and 50/50-split third row can fold flat into the floor when extra cargo space is needed. There's even an integrated child-booster cushion for the second row that allows the center section to slide forward for easier access to a fussy toddler.

For all these reasons, the 7-passenger Volvo XC90 is one of our top recommendations to families shopping for an SUV. Although its on-road performance is merely average as luxury SUVs go, the addition of a V8 to the lineup for 2005 significantly improved its standing in this crowded segment.

Volvo's XC90 is available in two versions: 3.2 and V8. Available with front- or all-wheel drive, the 3.2 is the entry-level model and carries a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine rated for 235 horsepower. Mileage suffers a bit on the XC90 V8, but the 311-hp 4.4-liter V8 provides strong acceleration, moving this 4600-pound SUV to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds. All-wheel drive is standard with the V8.

The 3.2 comes with five-passenger seating (with the third-row seat optional), while the V8 comes with seven-passenger seating. As this is a premium SUV, all major safety and convenience features are included even on the base model, with the exception of rear parking sensors, which are optional. Leather upholstery is also optional on the 3.2, but you get it standard on the V8 model. Major options include a rear entertainment system with dual screens, a DVD-based navigation system, a Dolby Pro Logic II surround-sound audio system and an interior air quality system that monitors incoming air for toxic substances.

The XC90 drives just as you'd expect a safe, heavy Volvo SUV to drive. Ride quality is smooth and the cabin stays quiet, while handling is competent but not the least bit sporty. Equipped with AWD, the XC90 makes an excellent snow vehicle but isn't intended for serious off-road romps.

The Volvo XC90 is still in its first generation, and changes have been minimal over the years. The 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine also debuted in 2007 as a replacement for the 208-hp, 2.5-liter turbocharged inline five-cylinder (known as the 2.5T) offered through 2006. Used-XC90 shoppers will also come across T6 models (sold from 2003-'05), which had a 268-hp, twin-turbocharged, 2.8-liter inline six-cylinder. Although acceleration was adequate with either of these turbo engines, their power bands really weren't well-suited for duty in a heavy SUV. However, if you test-drive a used XC90 T6 or 2.5T and find its performance to your liking, there's no reason not to buy it.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.