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