EDMUNDS.COM 2004 VOLVO XC90
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Easy to drive and easy on the eyes, Volvo''s first foray into the SUV arena has everything it needs to compete in this highly competitive category.
Pros
Safe as a bank vault, plush ride, feels smaller than it is, high-quality interior materials, ample cargo room.
Cons
Turbocharged T6 engine not well suited to SUV duty, third-row seating takes up too much second-row space.
What''s New for 2004
Changes are minimal for the XC90''s second year on the market. All models get wheel and tire upgrades -- 2.5Ts will wear 225/70R17 rubber and T6s will wear 235/65R17 rubber, but both get the same 17-inch "Neptune" wheels. Ice White is a new exterior color choice. Stand-alone options now include a wood steering wheel, aluminum dash inlays and a leather shift knob.
Overview
Introduction:
Safety is so ingrained into Volvo''s image that it could offer a detachable sidecar made of cardboard for its vehicles and most customers probably wouldn''t think twice about hopping in. This unassailable reputation for passenger protection is just one of the many reasons Volvo is confident that its XC90 sport-utility can conquer the fiercely contested realm of the premium midsize SUV. For the uninitiated, this upscale class includes some of the best-selling sport-utilities on the market, namely the Lexus RX 330, Acura MDX and BMW X5. These luxuriously appointed utility vehicles achieved their immense popularity in part because they''re built on car-based platforms in place of more rudimentary truck-based hardware. The obvious result is more carlike ride and handling without giving up the elevated driving position and rugged image buyers are after. Like its competition, the XC90 is a car-based SUV designed to offer all the comforts of a luxury sedan in a package that''s versatile enough to accommodate an active family. There''s seating for up to seven, loads of cargo room and a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system designed to keep the XC headed in the right direction no matter how deep the snowdrifts get. Like other Volvos, the XC90 has an extensive list of protective measures to cocoon you and your family from harm. Most prominently, there is Roll Stability Control (RSC) that activates the DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) to help prevent rollovers. And just in case there is a rollover, the roof of the XC90 is composed of Boron steel, which Volvo notes is four times stronger than conventional steel. To further safeguard the little ones, the XC90 is the first vehicle with three-point belts with pre-tensioners for all seven positions. Furthermore, the side curtain airbags extend all the way to the rear, rather than just covering the first two rows. There''s no doubt that the XC90 is one of, if not, the safest SUVs available anywhere, but you probably already figured on that. Our experience has shown that it''s also one of the easiest to drive and sharply dressed midsize sport-utes. Easy to get in, easy to maneuver, smooth on the highway or about town -- the XC is hard not to like. While we''re a bit disappointed with its less than overwhelming power and somewhat tight second-row seating, only the most discerning buyers are likely to be let down by these deficiencies.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The XC90 comes in two models, 2.5T and T6. The 2.5T comes with a power driver seat with memory, cloth upholstery, dual-zone climate control and a CD player. A premium package adds leather upholstery, a moonroof, a power passenger seat, an in-dash CD changer and an auto-dimming mirror. If you opt for the T6 trim, all of the above are included, but its premium package will also get you a Dolby Pro Logic II Surround system with 12 speakers, 18-inch wheels, a wood steering wheel and power retractable side mirrors. A versatility package adds the third-row seat with a rear air conditioner, a self-leveling rear suspension, rear stereo controls and a center booster seat for the second row. Individual options include a DVD-based navigation system, bi-HID headlamps, parking sensors and a DVD entertainment system.
Powertrains and Performance:
Buyers get to choose between two engines. 2.5T models come with a turbocharged 208 horsepower, 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder mated to a five-speed automanual transmission. This engine serves the XC90 fine around town, but once on the highway, you may wish for more power. T6 models get a twin-turbo 2.9-liter inline six that makes 268 horsepower and is paired with a four-speed automanual. With fewer gear ratios and natural turbo lag, acceleration is soft off the line in the T6, but it comes into its own at higher speeds. You can choose either front- or all-wheel drive (AWD) on 2.5Ts, while T6s come standard with AWD. Maximum tow capacity is 5,000 pounds.
Safety:
The XC90''s Roll Stability Control system uses a gyro-sensor to calculate its roll speed and angle; if it''s determined that a rollover is imminent, the stability control system is activated. In the event the vehicle does roll over, an inflatable curtain covers all three rows deploys. The XC90 is equipped with a bumper crossmember that''s lower than that found on most SUVs -- it sits at the height of the impact beam in a car. In the event of a collision, this crossmember strikes the oncoming car''s protective structure, activating its crumple zone to give the cars'' occupants maximum protection. The Volvo earned a "Good" rating (the highest) and "Best Pick" status in IIHS frontal offset crash testing.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The XC90''s interior places its emphasis on versatility. You can order it as a five- or seven-seater; in both variants, the second row (and third row if equipped) folds down to create a flat floor. The middle seat in the second row can be equipped with an integrated child booster cushion; in seven-seaters, the child seat slides forward, allowing for contact between parents and tykes. Cargo capacity tops out at 92 cubic feet.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The XC90 rides on the same underpinnings as most of Volvo''s sedans. Appropriately, ride quality is soft and comfortable. It lacks the silky, fluid quality of the Lexus RX 330 and the quasi-sport sedan demeanor of a BMW X5, but like the Acura MDX, it offers an appealing compromise of comfort and handling that will satisfy most drivers.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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