The 2010 XC90 is an SUV and it is the flagship vehicle for Volvo. The 2010 models have only had a few small changes to their design. The XC90 is offered with either a 3.2 Liter inline six churning out 311 hp or it comes with the 4.4 Liter V-8. The XC90 has a single gearbox: the six speed automatic tranny. The SUV has an AWD option when the consumer gets the 3.2 variant, and AWD is a standard with all V-8 engine options.
This SUV is a seven seater, three row vehicle. It has a nice list of features and plenty of safety specs too: a tradition from Volvo. It has a subpar fuel economy though and only gets 15 miles per gallon combined. It uses regular unleaded fuel, so at least it runs on the lowest priced gas. The 3.2 variant only offers 18 mpg combined in the all wheel and front wheel drive variants.
The XC90 is a conservative option. If you want a vehicle with greater styling, you can choose the R Design in the 3.2 variants.
The Range
Bodystyle: 4-door SUV
Engines: 3.2L I-6, 4.4L V-8
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Models: 3.2, 3.2 R-Design, V8 AWD
What's New
All three XC90 variants now feature seven seats, a power moonroof, climate control for third row passengers, and numerous leather surfaces, while a child booster seat is integrated into the second row. Offered on all XC90s is a new Multimedia package that combines a premium sound system, navigation with real-time traffic information plus satellite radio. The V8 receives wood inlays, heated headlight washers and front seats, all as new standard features.
Exterior
The XC90 is a very conservative design compared to Volvo's recent spurt of flamboyance. Compared to, say, the new XC60, the XC90 is noticeably blocky. However, for some that visually translates into an impression of substance and toughness.
Interior
The XC90's interior is delightfully luxurious-looking. Composed of flowing lines and rich-looking details, it's also well-executed from an ergonomic perspective, with elegant, easy-to-use controls and excellent seats, although the addition of the third row has impacted second-row room. Speaking of seating, the V8's Executive package includes massage and ventilation-equipped front seats along and heated rear seats.
Performance & Handling
The XC90 drives just as you'd expect from its appearance -- heavy-feeling but comfortable. The six cylinder-equipped 3.2 accelerates to 60 mph in about 8.7 seconds -- swift enough for normal, around-town driving. The V8 accomplishes the same speed in approximately 6.7 seconds. Overall, the slightly remote feeling we've observed in some Volvos (save the R-Design editions) is perfectly appropriate here.
Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rewarded the XC90 with ‘Good' ratings for front, side, rear and rollover tests. Meanwhile, the NHTSA gives the XC90 five stars for front driver and passenger as well as side driver and rear passenger protection, with four stars for roll-over protection.
EPA Fuel Economy
3.2 and 3.2 R-Design: 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway (FWD); 15 mpg city/ 21 mpg (AWD)
V8: 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Substantial feel
- Room for seven
- Powerful V8 version
- Beautiful, luxurious interior
You Won't Like
- Disappointing mileage
- Dated-looking exterior
Sum Up
Seven seats make it a special Volvo
If You Like This Vehicle
- Audi Q7
- Lincoln MKT
- Volkswagen Touareg