2006 Volvo XC90 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

This SUV is based on Volvo's S80 car platform and isn't intended for off-road use. It seats up to seven and has a combination liftgate/drop-down tailgate. Two models are offered. The 2.5T has a 208-hp turbo 5-cyl engine and front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The V8 model has 311 hp and AWD. Both use an automatic transmission. The AWD system lacks low-range gearing. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and traction/antiskid control with rollover sensors are standard. Also included are front side airbags and curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows. A 3rd-row seat is optional on the 2.5T, standard on the V8. It's accompanied by a load-leveling suspension and 3rd-row climate and audio controls. XC90's 2nd-row bench splits 40/20/40 and is available with an integrated child-booster seat. Leather upholstery is optional on 2.5T, standard on V8. Other options include rear obstacle detection and a navigation system.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize SUVs are similar in size and construction to Midsize SUVs. Most, in fact, are gilded versions of Midsize SUVs; though a few are exclusive upscale designs.

Our Best Buys include Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended picks are Mercedes-Benz R-Class and Volvo XC90.

New or significantly redesigned models include Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and Saab 9-7X.

2006 Volvo XC90 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Cargo room	Fuel economy

Interior materials	Navigation-system controls

Build quality

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

2006 Volvo XC90 Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 04/28/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2.5T 4-door wagon	$35,640	$33,537	$695

V8 4-door wagon	$45,840	$43,125	$695

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

2.5T

Powertrain

2.5-liter 5-cylinder turbocharged engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front- and 2nd-row curtain side airbags, front-seat active headrests, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, roll stability control, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth/vinyl upholstery, front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), center console, cupholders, fold-flat passenger seat, 2nd-row split folding seat, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, map lights, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, front and rear fog lights, roof rails.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

235/65R17 tires, alloy wheels.

V8 adds to 2.5T:

Powertrain

4.4-liter V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, all-wheel drive.

Safety

3rd-row curtain side airbags, 2nd-row integrated child seat.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, 8-way power passenger seat, 3rd-row seat, aluminum interior trim, power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer w/rear controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror, rear climate controls.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Deletes: wood interior trim.

Load-leveling rear suspension.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
2.5T	$3,675	$3,160
Leather upholstery, 8-way power passenger seat, power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, cargo cover.

Touring Pkg.
V8	$2,325	$1,999
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, upgraded sound system, rear radio and climate controls, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, wood interior trim, 235/60R18 tires, unique alloy wheels.

Touring Pkg. w/chrome alloy wheels
V8	$3,475	$2,988


Convenience Pkg.
2.5T, V8	$1,300	$1,118
Rear-obstacle-detection system, power-folding mirrors, power child locks, cargo net and cover.

Versatility Pkg.
2.5T	$2,675	$2,300
3rd-row seat, 3rd-row curtain side airbags, rear climate and radio controls, integrated child-booster seat, load-leveling suspension. Requires Premium Pkg.

Climate Pkg.
2.5T, V8	$850	$731
Heated front seats, headlight washer/wiper.

Powertrain
All-wheel drive
2.5T	$1,775	$1,526


Safety
Integrated child-booster seat
2.5T	$200	$172


Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
2.5T, V8	$2,120	$1,823
2.5T requires Premium Pkg.

Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
2.5T, V8	$1,995	$1,715
2.5T requires Premium Pkg.

Upgraded sound system
2.5T	$775	$666
Requires Premium Pkg.

Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel
2.5T	$325	$279


Interior air quality system
2.5T, V8	$175	$150


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Bi-xenon headlights
2.5T, V8	$700	$602
Requires Climate Pkg.

Special paint
2.5T, V8	$475	$408


Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/60R18 tires
2.5T	$750	$645


Chrome alloy wheels
2.5T, V8	$1,900	$1,634
Includes 235/60R18 tires.

2006 Volvo XC90 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Volvo XC90 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	112.6

Overall Length, in.	188.9

Overall Width, in.	74.7

Overall Height, in.	70.2

Curb Weight, lbs.	4450

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	85.1

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	21.1

Seating Capacity	7

Front Head Room, in.	40.1

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.0

Rear Head Room, in.	39.5

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.4

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	Turbocharged dohc I5	dohc V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.5 /153	4.4 /269

Horsepower @ rpm.	208 @ 5000	311 @ 5850

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	236 @ 1500	325 @ 3900

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed automatic	17/22	--/--

6-speed automatic	--/--	16/20

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Volvo XC90 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	12/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/unlimited	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Sweden

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive

< 2006 Volvo XC90 Photos

Also in the 2006 Volvo XC90 Review:

Volvo XC90

Volvo XC90 Road Test

Volvo XC90 Prices & Equipment

Volvo XC90 Specs & Safety

Volvo XC90 Photos

Volvo XC90 Full Review

All Volvo XC90s

All Volvos