Pat Patterson Volvo - Vehicle Reviews - Volvo Auto Vehicle Reviews Information, Pat Patterson Volvo, Covington Pike Memphis, Tennessee

Competitive in its class

All for the adventure enthusiasts, the Volvo XC90, midsized SUV was introduced in 2003. Manufactured at Volvo's Torslanda plant in Sweden, it is Volvo’s largest selling car in the US. Built on the Volvo P2 platform, it shares its features with the Volvo S80. The crossover SUV for the year 2007 comes with new 3.2L engine replacing the turbo charged engine. This year the XC90 gets only 6-speed automatic as standard. Last year it received a computer controlled All Wheel Drive (AWD), that sends more power to the rear wheels for optimum pick-up and a new 18 inch wheel design.

The V8 engine was developed especially for the US market. Since Volvo has no background in manufacturing the V8 engines it joined hands with Yamaha to develop a V8 for the XC90. The mating of V8 with the 6-speed AT is good on gas mileage.

Optimum care is taken to ensure better safety. A feature like the gyroscopic sensor is installed that detects rollovers and activates the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control. The high-strength Boron steel is used to build the roof structure, which is stronger than conventional steel.

The XC90 with three trims the XC90 3.2, XC90 V8 AWD and XC90 V8 AWD Sport with a basic warranty of 48 months or 50,000 miles.

Smooth engine and transmission pumps out enough power

The XC90 3.2 comes with a 3.2 liter (L) six cylinder engine mated with 6-speed adaptive automatic with Geartronic transmission; it also has electronically-controlled with look-up and winter mode selection. The 3.2L I6 pumps out whooping 232 horsepower (hp) and 236 pound feet (lb-ft) of torque.

Both the top-of-the-line XC90 V8 AWD and the AWD Sport trims get the eight cylinder 4.4L engine that delivers 311 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque at 3900 rpm. These two trims also get the same 6-speed AT and makes 15/21 mpg (city/highway).

Well-balanced and sporty looks

The XC90 has well balanced and fresh looks. The 2007 XC90 gets a minor retouch which includes the redesign of the taillight, side mirror, which have turn lights and are body colored. The optional wheels are 18 inches in diameter. It has sharp muscular fascia and the elevated hood narrows down near the grille. The round headlights go well with the muscular finish. The high beltline crease runs from the headlights tot the taillights giving a stylish stance. Bigger wheel lips, protruded wheel fenders make the XC90 a typical SUV, and the long taillight that extends till the roofline reflects the cues of a rally car.

The roof is built with high-strength steel for additional safety. The roof railings are black or silver colored.

Though the XC90 is a tall SUV its centre of gravity is much lower ensuring more stability. Longer wheelbase and shorter over hangs add to the stability. The easy to use tail gate has two gates which split into 70 and 30. It also reduces the burden to lift the gate unlike other SUVs. The optional 18 inch chrome or alloy finished wheels render impressive looks than the standard 17 inches.

The Sport edition gets the sports tuned suspension, 19 inch Vulcanics Alloy Wheels and all season tires as standard. Other standard exterior features include rain sensors, rear window defroster, 70/30 dual split tailgate, rear door intermittent wiper and rear tinted windows.

Roomy, elegant and upscale interiors

The interior of the XC90 looks elegant with the dual toned upholsteries and is quite roomy. The engine is placed across the chassis, which leaves more space inside the cabin; the dash is pushed forward creating more leg room in the second and the third row.

The three-spoke steering wheel looks fancy with leather and wood like finish. It is a multifunctional wheel with many controls on the spokes. The control knobs get chrome trims making the interior fresher. There is ample cargo space (93 cu-ft) when all the six seats are folded, and enough options to tie down cargo.

The interior features on the 2007 Volvo XC90 include, cruise control, driver information display, flat-folding front passenger seats, power adjustable drivers seat, rear seat ventilation outlets and dual zone electronic climate control.

Confident driving with smooth engine and stable handling

The masculine XC90 is smooth on the freeways and exceptionally stable on rough roads. The chassis design is on the lines of the cross country wagon, which is strong ensuring stability.

The automatic transmission has a manual-shift feature called Geartronic, this adds to the performance of the quick automatic transmission.

The suspension works well on the bumps and keeps them away from the passenger. The front wheel is equipped with MacPherson Strut suspension and the rear gets the independent suspension. Handling the XC90 at tight cornering is predictable and gives no surprises.

Gyrosensor ensures better safety

With most sophisticated safety features installed in the XC90, driving is more secured. The Volvo’s Roll Stability Control system employs a Gyrosensor, which anticipates the vehicles roll speed and angle, in case of a roll over the stability is activated over all the three rows. Side-impact airbags and Dynamic Stability and Traction Control are standard.

The XC90 was rated as a "Best Pick" in IIHS frontal-offset crash testing. It earned a perfect five stars in passenger and driver side impact and frontal driver protection.