Acceleration

AWD 3.2 w/leather	V8 w/Touring Pkg., nav. sys.	Class Average
5	6	6.2

Smooth 3.2 has just adequate power from a stop and for passing and merging. V8 delivers brisk takeoffs, fine midrange passing power. Transmission generally smooth, though some testers complain of slow downshifts with 3.2. All models are rated to tow 4960 lb. No opportunity to test Sport model.

Fuel Economy

AWD 3.2 w/leather	V8 w/Touring Pkg., nav. sys.	Class Average
4	4	3.6

Test 3.2 averaged 16.0 mpg. Test V8 averaged 15.6 mpg in mostly city driving, 17.8 in mixed city/highway use. All XC90s require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

AWD 3.2 w/leather	V8 w/Touring Pkg., nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	5.7

Comfortable and composed. Optional 18-inch tires react more abruptly than base 17s on sharp ridges and pavement breaks, but make no major difference in ride quality. Only slight wallow over larger bumps.

Steering/Handling/Braking

AWD 3.2 w/leather	V8 w/Touring Pkg., nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	5.6

Moves like the tall, heavy wagon it is. Steering numb and slow at any speed. Body lean marked in quick direction changes. Fine straightline stability, though prone to mild wander in gusty highway crosswinds. Good stopping control, but pedal feels touchy on initial application, a bit spongy when depressed quickly.

Quietness

AWD 3.2 w/leather	V8 w/Touring Pkg., nav. sys.	Class Average
7	8	6.5

Polished V8 nearly hushed at cruise, rises only to classy, muted growl at full throttle. The 3.2's 6-cyl matches V8 for refinement, but more clearly heard, even in gentle acceleration. Wind rush builds with speed, but doesn't annoy. Tire thrum modest, except on very coarse pavement.

Controls

AWD 3.2 w/leather	V8 w/Touring Pkg., nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	6.5

Gauges and most controls stylish and handy. Climate controls mounted low but are simple to operate. Audio unit not intuitive, though. Nor is the available navigation system, which is also handicapped by a screen that powers up from the dashtop and washes out in bright light. Handsome, well-assembled cabin, but still let down by some low-grade plastic panels.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD 3.2 w/leather	V8 w/Touring Pkg., nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	7.3

Ample head and leg room on cushy chair-height seats, but little lateral bolstering for fast turns. Standard memory power seat, manual tilt/telescope steering wheel easily situate most drivers. Rear headrests clutter aft visibility. High stance means smaller objects near ground level can be hard to spot; BLIS system may help. Entry/exit requires a fair climb.

Room/Comfort (rear)

AWD 3.2 w/leather	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 OK for two adults, but not three. Very tight passageways squeeze 3rd-row access except for small kids, who are best suited for the tight accommodations there anyway.

Cargo Room

AWD 3.2 w/leather	V8 w/Touring Pkg., nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	7.8

Large liftgate doesn't rise quite high enough to clear a six-footer's head, but teams with a short lower tailgate for easy loading. Cargo space limited behind 3rd row, which is difficult to fold. Once 3rd row is lowered, flat load deck has class-competitive volume. Many rivals have more small-item storage.

Value within Class

AWD 3.2 w/leather	V8 w/Touring Pkg., nav. sys.	Class Average
8	7	5.9

Earning XC90 its Recommended laurel are carlike road manners, rock-solid feel, and numerous safety features. While none of these Volvos tops the class for agility or outright utility, prices are reasonable. The best value here is a base 3.2 with its impressively refined 6-cyl engine.

Total Score

AWD 3.2 w/leather	V8 w/Touring Pkg., nav. sys.	Class Average
61	62	61.4

Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		54
Average Score		61
High Score		82