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| Nobody will argue the growth of the SUV category has been like watching a wildfire spread, but unlike a wildfire that keeps getting hotter, the SUV class has been cooling off. That's not saying much given the blistering sales pace of the SUVs over the last decade, and it certainly is not a reflection upon the Volvo XC90, arguably the safest SUV on the planet.
Five years ago I first stepped into a Volvo XC90 and it struck me as a very unique-looking vehicle, imagine that, a Volvo having a distinct look? The brand was finally getting away from the squared-off, boxy shape that had defined it for decades and was moving to more contemporary styling cues. While that was the automotive equivalent of pumping electricity into the scoreboard at Wrigley, it was long overdue and it paid dividends, despite the traditional naysayers. After all, Volvo had wagons, why did they need an SUV?
But the market was ready for a Volvo SUV and the XC90 emerged (like wildfire) from the plant and off of dealerships lots. Despite a rapidly improving class of premium SUVs, the XC90 had not undergone major change since its inception (insert Wrigley metaphor again).
Luckily, when Volvo does get around to change, they get it done right. The 2007 XC90 offers more horsepower, more luxury, and even more safety features. My tester was the lower-end 3.2-liter six-cylinder with 239 horsepower. Even this base model version is a huge improvement over the previous 2.5T engine offering, which always seemed a bit underpowered for my liking.
If power is what you crave, it would be hard to resist the new V8 ($46,425) or XC90 V8 Sport ($49,300) options. These two versions offer a 4.4-liter V8 engine delivering 311 hp. A significant upgrade if long hauls and towing are part of your needs. All three engines are paired with ultra smooth 6-speed transmissions. This is the same set-up as the outstanding S80 sedan. I found my tester to be smooth, never torquey, in virtually every scenario I put it through.
Inside the XC90 you have the quirky, yet highly functional interior layout. Dials and gauges are easily read and sightlines are wide open. Safety starts here with great visibility and good support and seating. My tester had soft leather seats with 8-way power adjustments.
Second row legroom is average for adults, headroom is good, even with the power glass moon roof option, part of the Premium Package ($2,995). This is a must package that includes the power passenger seat and a convenient 6-disc, in-dash CD player.
Everyone's use of the third row seat (optional on the 3.2-liter) is different, but if you have little ones, they not only love to sit back there, but there is plenty of room for them, not adults. The third-row seating is standard on the V8 models, but the 3.2-liter requires purchase of the Premium Package and Versatility Package ($2,250). Mileage is 16/22 for the 3.2 liter.
For many American families, SUVs are the primary vehicle of transport. Because of this, the XC90's safety features deserve plenty of space in this review.
Beginning with the safety cage design, Volvo adds interior safety systems like WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System), SIPS (Side Impact Protection System), and IC (Inflatable Curtain). Add to that list a Roll Stability Control (RSC), which helps prevent a rollover from occurring, and Roll-Over Protection System (ROPS), which helps provide increased protection, should you actually manage to rollover your XC90.
New this year, Volvo has added BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) and adaptive bi-xenon headlamps. BLIS ($595 option) that utilizes cameras in the side mirrors to alert the driver when another vehicle has entered the XC90's blind spot. The bi-xenon headlamps on my tester ($800) were amazing. They provided outstanding lighting and swiveled up to 15 degrees in either direction on curving roads.
With the option packages, including the $1,850 for all-wheel drive and some tough looking 18-inch alloy rims, my review vehicle pulled into port at $45,950. Look around at the competition and you will see that is the going price for a premium SUV, but I'd say it's a deal when you consider the great exterior looks and the amazing safety features provided.