2011 Volvo XC90 SUV

This is a decent full-sized crossover Sports Utility Vehicle with an upscale and stylish interior. The ride in this year’s Volvo XC90 is smooth with high safety scores and good driving dynamics. The forerunner to this model in the crossover market was a Sports utility vehicle that gave the additional passenger space that people desired coupled with the all-wheel drive ability designed for dicey suburban roads and not all-terrain. Still highly regarded, the XC90 is a decent pick for the luxury SUV of its size.

It seats 7 passengers and comes in 3 trim levels namely 3.2-R Design, the 3.2 and the V8. The 3.2 model has features such as 18-inch wheels of alloy metal, leather upholstery, a sunroof, front powered seats, automatic climate control, interior wood trim, automatic-dimming mirror and an 8-speaker CD/ MP3 player with an iPod interface, Bluetooth and USB as well as satellite radio.

The Volvo XC90 offers other available packages such as a Multimedia goody pack consisting of a surround sound system, rearview camera and a navigation system. Six cylinder models have the climate package which comes with wipers that sense rain, headlamp washers. Its front seats are also heated. The 3.2 R-Design has a dynamic package with xenon headlamps and the 20-inch wheels.

Under the hood, the XC90 has a 6-cylinder 3.2 liter inline engine that produces 240 hp and about 236 pound-feet torque which is the standard in 3.2 R-Design and the 3.2. The V8 models have a 4.4 liter engine producing 311 hp and a torque of 325 pound-feet. The transmission is a 6-speed automatic with manual shift for both engines. The 3.2 model has a standard front-wheel drive with the all-wheel drive option. The V8 has all-wheel drive option. Fuel economy for this Volvo is 16 mpg for city and 21 mpg for highway. The combined fuel consumption is 18 given by different test-drivers all point to a good ride on the sport tuned steering and suspension. The V8 is said to represent noticeable improvement on its refinement with no reduction on fuel economy. Both models of the XC90 give quiet and smooth rides on highways but are hardly sporty.

The interior of this SUV has sleek design with good materials. The controls are also user friendly and accessible. Passengers have ample space in front second and third row of seats. Cargo capacity for the XC90 is at 8.8 cubic feet expanding to 93 feet cubic when the rear seats ate folded.

The cabin of the XC90 came to existence during the transition period of Volvo into its current sleek aesthetics in design. Volvo interiors have always been impressive with high quality sleek materials and stylish yet intuitive controls. In addition, there’s an integrated booster cushion for children in the 2nd row seat center position can slide forward to allow easier access to the back. While driving the XC90, test drivers claim that it struggled noisily to get up to speed most likely due to is heavy weight of 5,000 pounds.