| As most vehicles age into their lifeline, the 2007 | | | | doesn't have the car-like characteristics of the |
| Volvo XC90 just gets better and better, really | | | | newer crossovers. SUVs got popular because of |
| more refined, and in its case the styling is | | | | the upright, high-performance, near-truck-like |
| enhanced with a new grille, bumpers and taillights. | | | | driving characteristics which you get with the |
| The car gets an all-new 3.2-liter in-line six-cylinder | | | | XC90. |
| engine that replaces the previous five cylinder, | | | | For someone looking for a high-end SUV, the |
| resulting in 235 horsepower, an increase of 27 hp, | | | | Volvo XC90 remains a great car. The center |
| and an identical 236 lb.-ft. of torque. Volvo is still | | | | console dominated by two large round dials for |
| offering the V8 option that develops 311 | | | | audio controls, the rest of the panel comprised of |
| horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque. The new | | | | easy-to-read flush black buttons. And you've got |
| 6-cylinder and the V8 both meet the stringent | | | | to love the little human graphic sitting in a seat |
| ULEV II emissions standards. | | | | that guide you on the climate control functions. |
| The new six-cylinder produces enough power so | | | | The dash and driver cockpit includes laptops and |
| that potential buyers don't have to automatically | | | | cellphones. |
| default to the V8 if they're looking to ensure they | | | | Steering wheel mounted controls are clean and |
| have enough power. It receives color-coordinated | | | | simple to understand without diving for the |
| side moldings and door handles while the V8 gains | | | | driver's manual. They include audio and cruise |
| aluminum roof rails and color-coordinated wheel | | | | control functions with flat black buttons on the |
| arch moldings. Both models sport new outside | | | | wheel's center padded area, and Volvo has put |
| mirrors with integrated turn signals that flash | | | | easy to use front and rear wipers on the right |
| three times with light pressure on the turn signal | | | | stalk, with light controls on the left stalk, both |
| stalk. | | | | mounted on the column. |
| An upgraded interior features a standard leather | | | | It comes with third row seating that's standard |
| gearshift for the cylinder. | | | | with the eight-cylinder engine and optional with the |
| Changes for the V8 include new watch-dial | | | | six. |
| instruments and optional Sovereign Hide Chestnut | | | | It has "active" Bi-Xenon headlights with beams |
| Brown leather upholstery. Selecting the Touring | | | | that swivel up to 15 degrees for enhanced |
| Package for the V8 adds new Sapeli wood inlays | | | | nighttime visibility [that cost $800]. A high-power |
| including the gearshift knob and steering wheel, | | | | Dynaudio sound system is offered on the V8. An |
| plus 18-inch "Camulus" alloy wheels to its already | | | | auxiliary input, MP3 capability and satellite radio |
| excellent Volvo parts. An auxiliary input, MP3 | | | | preparation is standard on both models. Available |
| capability and satellite radio preparation is standard | | | | on both models is Volvo's state-of-the-art digital |
| on both models. | | | | video Blind Spot Information System (BLIS). |
| Volvo maintains its benchmark status with the | | | | Adhering to Volvo's core value of safety, all XC90 |
| XC90 because as Volvo's most popular selling | | | | models are equipped with Roll Stability Control |
| vehicle in the U.S., it's done something other | | | | (RSC), Dynamic Stability and Traction Control |
| high-end brands haven't been able to do -- and | | | | (DSTC), Side impact Protection System (SIPS) |
| that is really reflect the brand's values and identity | | | | with side airbags and Inflatable Curtains for all |
| through design and performance. There's a couple | | | | three rows. |
| other high-end SUV makers that always leave | | | | The 2007 Volvo XC90 with the 3.2 liter |
| you with the impression all they've done is slap | | | | six-cylinder engine starts at $36,135, while the V8 |
| their badge on a truck because they wanted to | | | | begins at $46,425; both have a destination charge |
| give their customers the option to have a | | | | of $695. Some option packages to look out for |
| high-end SUV. For the moment these other | | | | are the climate package that includes heated |
| brands shall remain nameless. | | | | seats, for $675, as well as the navigation system |
| But the focus here is on the Volvo XC90 that | | | | that goes for $2,120. The all-wheel drive package |
| delivers a traditional SUV driving experience. It | | | | our tester had runs $1,850. |