Acceleration

AWD 2.5T	V8 w/Touring Pkg., nav. sys.	Class Average
5	6	6.2

Test AWD 2.5T did 9.2 sec 0-60 mph. That's competitive with rivals, and there's sufficient power for most any situation, though a 2.5T loaded with passengers and cargo can struggle to maintain speed up steep grades. Some test 2.5Ts annoyed with nonlinear throttle response. V8 responds best to generous throttle application, but is strong from a stop, has fine midrange passing power, and its 6-speed transmission shifts seamlessly. All XC90s are rated to tow 5000 lb.

Fuel Economy

AWD 2.5T	V8 w/Touring Pkg., nav. sys.	Class Average
4	4	3.4

In tests that included mostly highway driving, AWD 2.5Ts averaged 15.3-17.1 mpg. Test V8 averaged 15.6 mpg in mostly city driving, 17.8 in mixed city/highway use. Volvo recommends premium-grade fuel for all engines.

Ride Quality

AWD 2.5T	V8 w/Touring Pkg., nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	5.5

Firm, but comfortable and composed. Optional 18-inch tires react more abruptly than 17s on sharp ridges and pavement breaks, but make no major difference in ride quality. Little pitch or bounding over large humps and dips.

Steering/Handling/Braking

AWD 2.5T	V8 w/Touring Pkg., nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	5.7

Quite adept, as SUVs go. Feels much like a tall, heavy station wagon. Some testers find low-speed steering response heavy, slow. Stability, precision increase with speed, though steering always suffers slightly numb feel. A bit ponderous in quick, around-town maneuvers; good grip and balance in fast turns, despite generous body lean. Fine straightline stability, though strong wind gusts felt at highway speed. Good stopping power, though pedal feels overly sensitive on initial application, slightly spongy when depressed quickly.

Quietness

AWD 2.5T	V8 w/Touring Pkg., nav. sys.	Class Average
6	8	6.6

2.5T's 5-cyl can feel coarse as revs rise. Polished V8 nearly hushed at cruise, has precision hum in rapid acceleration. Wind rush builds with speed but doesn't annoy. Tire thrum muted except on very coarse pavement.

Controls

AWD 2.5T	V8 w/Touring Pkg., nav. sys.	Class Average
7	6	6.6

Gauges, controls attractive in style, placement, function. Audio unit not intuitive. Likewise the navigation system, which is additionally handicapped by a screen that powers up from the dashtop and washes out in bright light. Handsome, well-assembled cabin; have to look hard to find the few low-grade plastic trim panels.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD 2.5T	V8 w/Touring Pkg., nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	7.5

Wide, cushy seats positioned chair-height. Deficient only in lateral support during fast turns. Ample head, leg room. Standard memory power seat, manual tilt/telescope steering wheel easily situate most drivers. Visibility good, though elevated stance means objects near ground level can be hard to spot. Rear headrest impedes view aft. Entry/exit easier than on truck-type rivals, though step-in requires long reach.

Room/Comfort (rear)

AWD 2.5T	V8 w/Touring Pkg., nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	6.3

Second-row entry/exit impeded by narrowish doors that should open wider. Room, comfort in 2nd row acceptable for two adults, but not three. Very tight passageways make 3rd-row access a squeeze except for small kids, who are best suited for the tight accommodations there anyway.

Cargo Room

AWD 2.5T	V8 w/Touring Pkg., nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	7.9

Large liftgate doesn't rise quite high enough to clear a six-footer's head, but teams with short lower tailgate to create easy-loading liftover. Cargo volume limited behind 3rd row, but all rear seats fold easily to create flat load deck and class-competitive volume. Many rivals have more small-item storage.

Value within Class

AWD 2.5T	V8 w/Touring Pkg., nav. sys.	Class Average
6	8	5.8

Carlike road manners, rock-solid feel, and numerous safety features are the XC90's strengths, and they earn it our Recommended badge. Handling-conscious drivers will wish for sharper steering, and the 5-cyl engine's level of refinement disappoints. But prices are reasonable, and the availability of a V8 engine makes it competitive with a wide array of popular rivals.

Total Score

AWD 2.5T	V8 w/Touring Pkg., nav. sys.	Class Average
59	63	61.5

Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		52
Average Score		61
High Score		73