2004 Volvo XC90 Review

Specifications

High-End SUV, Low-End Power

I can think of no other sentence that succinctly describes the Volvo XC90, at least the one equipped with the Swedish brands low-pressure turbocharged, inline 2.5-liter, 5-cylinder engine, other than “high-end SUV, low-end power.” What a great vehicle this would be if a well-refined, torquey V8 were to locate itself beneath the sculpted hood - but thats not likely to happen anytime soon despite its Ford Motor parentage.

The XC90 2.5T is a tremendously good, light-duty SUV in every other way than engine performance mind you. Dont get me wrong, Im not a high-octane power-freak, I just appreciate and expect strong highway and hill climbing performance from a vehicle in this Volvos lofty price range. With its optional all-wheel-drive, premium comfort and versatility, the luxury SUV makes a fine ski vehicle - on the way down the mountain at least. Going up, loaded with passengers and gear, the XC90 feels almost as slow as a chairlift.

Although many drivers may find the 208-horsepower 2.5T suitable for their needs, it would be wise to spend some time with it before plunging into the financial deep-end. The 2.5T gets about town well enough, however, and is not unpleasant when servicing basic transportation needs. Still, the prospect of passing a slow moving logging truck in a heavily laden example is not one I would entertain unless out on the Prairie flats where visibility and low traffic volumes equate to miles of passing opportunity - of course one is unlikely to encounter logging trucks in the Prairies making that last point somewhat moot.

When the 2.5T is pushed, it takes an undue period of time to snap to attention and start delivering. When it finally does deliver some decent power, the effort is short-lived. The turbocharged five-cylinder powerplant runs out of breath well before reaching redline. This is somewhat unusual for a turbocharged, 4-valve per-cylinder engine equipped with constant variable valve timing. Although rated at a considerable 236 foot-pounds of torque, the wheezy performance of the 2.5 may relate to its admirable Ultra Low Emission II designation. At any rate, prospective purchasers should drive both the 2.5T and T6 versions to avoid possible performance anxiety, or worse buyers remorse.

The XC90 T6 utilizes a turbocharged, inline 6-cylinder powerbroker, capable of producing a respectable 268-horsepower and 280 foot-pounds of torque. Of course, a commensurate boost in fuel consumption should be anticipated.

I dont like starting-off the review of a truly fine automobile with a negative theme, so on to the more positive aspects of the XC90. What power is deliverable goes primarily to the front wheels through a driver adaptive, 5-speed automatic transmission featuring a manual mode termed “Geartronic.” This unit shifts smartly and smoothly and exhibits a desire to make the best of the 2.5T engine.

The optional all-wheel-drive system, front-wheel drive is standard, does an excellent job of maximizing traction and road-holding by directing torque to the wheel or wheels with the greatest grip - whether the combination is front to rear, or side to side. Volvo has also incorporated a low-speed traction control system, called TRACS, into the AWD apparatus.

When towing a trailer or carrying heavy loads, the AWD system redirects the bulk of available torque to the rear wheels, greatly reducing the possibility of front wheel spin. The system also disconnects power from the rear wheels the moment the brakes are applied, ensuring that maximum steering control is maintained.

The XC90 is based on architecture derived from Volvos flagship S80 sedan. Basing an SUV on a car platform has many advantages, balanced of course by a series of disadvantages. Just which set of attributes best suits a purchaser depends entirely upon the intended use of the vehicle. In the case of the XC90, the use best suited does not include serious off-roading or heavy towing. It is not equipped with a low-range set of gears, nor do any of the engine choices produce the levels of torque required to undertake heavy-duty towing, albeit lighter trailering fare should be easily handled by the T6.

On the plus side of the XC90 spreadsheet, its car-based platform imparts an outstanding degree of ride compliance, comfort and day-to-day drivability. When combined with the XC90s appealing design, discreet luxury, superior build quality and tremendous functionality it results in one terrific, family oriented ride. Road and wind noises are both heavily muted and when not performing demanding acceleration tasks, engine noise and vibration is barely detectable. These attributes are often under-appreciated, until a long trip is embarked upon - irritating noises can be highly fatiguing, just ask a parent.

The exterior design theme of the XC90 accurately adheres to the current Volvo design trend. There is no mistaking it for anything other than a Volvo. If you have admired the ongoing evolution of the brands sedan and wagon designs, as I have, you will undoubtedly find the XC90 fresh, distinctive and decidedly Swedish. The vehicle is very well proportioned, rather angular with broad shoulders - and no, Im not looking in the mirror!

But with that last thought it isnt too big either. Even factoring in its third-row seat capability, the XC90 is far from being the largest of SUV choking the roads today. In fact its only slightly less than an inch longer than a Honda Pilot and almost identical in height, although the Pilot is two inches wider. The XC90s transversely mounted, inline 5-cylinder engine maximizes interior space while minimizing its pavement footprint. Due to its extra width, the Pilot treats its passengers to slightly more hip and shoulder room, however the XC90 claims a fraction more headroom. And if anyone is keeping score, the Pilot wins the legroom competition as well, but only by 0.39th of an inch.

The XC90 makes extraordinarily good use of its “inner-space,” and I dont mean in a spiritual way - thats up to its owners. For my money, the XC90 has the most attractive and best-designed interior of any SUV - hands down. From its superlative dash to the flat folding third-row seat, the interior of the XC90 is uniquely Volvo. I recently championed the interior of the Swedish brands S80. The SUVs interior strongly resembles that of the luxury sedan, and is as good in every way. To me though, the XC90 wins for being so highly functional and perfectly laid-out.

The sport utilitys firm, supportive, power-adjustable leather seats are among the finest in the category too. In fact Volvo claims, “the seats themselves are orthopedically designed and amongst the most comfortable in the world.” The premium seating comfort extends as far back as the third-row buckets. Although constrictive, the third-row in the XC90 provides comfort superior to third-rows in most competitors.

Better yet, build quality within Volvos SUV is exemplary. All fittings convey a sense of substance and quality - nothing feels as if its about to break-off in the hand, as is often the case in less substantive interiors. Volvo has always been a leader in family friendly automotive features. In the XC90, an optional built-in booster seat pops forward from between the two second-row buckets. Not only does this design properly position the shoulder belt over the childs shoulder - which is critical in preventing serious neck injuries in the event of a crash - it also positions the child closer to those in the front seats. Such positioning reduces the need to contort when passing back snacks in an effort to satiate a howling offspring.

For the howling parents on-board, the XC90 provides adult satiation in the way of a smooth, relaxing ride and excellent visibility. A distinct advantage of an SUV over an all-wheel-drive wagon is the elevated ride height. Occupants aboard the nicely sized XC90 are rewarded with a commanding view, regardless of which window their eyes connect with. Seeing over the regular traffic on the road is a major benefit, which allows a driver to exercise greater incident-anticipation by scanning the road well ahead the surrounding vehicles.

In the event of a collision, vehicles with elevated ride heights impose significant danger to occupants of low riding vehicles. Perhaps its based on altruism, good acumen, or just possibly trying to save the lives of its many car buyers, but Volvo has taken care to equip the XC90 with crash compatibility hardware. By directing the point of impact to a front sub-frame below the bumper area of the XC90, smaller vehicles tangling with it will sustain less occupant compartment damage - resulting in a diminished likelihood of occupant injury.

Increased ride-height also permits greater wheel travel in the suspension settings. In the XC90, a four-wheel independent coil spring setup transmits an exceptionally smooth, well-controlled ride that closely rivals the S80. The XC90s rigid body structure ensures that nothing rattles or reverberates unpleasantly when road disintegration is encountered, which may be quite often given the SUV status of the XC90.

A compliant ride often comes at the cost of taut handling, especially when the vehicle in question has an elevated ride height and a not-so-svelte curb weight of 4,501 pounds. That doesnt mean that the Volvo is particularly weighty for what it is - heck the VW Touareg weighs in at a hefty 5,300 pounds. But even with its moderate-for-an-SUV curb weight, the XC90 is no sports car. Tight, hard turns will provoke tolerable front-end plow and body lean, however cruising through the rhythmic curves of a mountain highway is a pleasure. Here the XC90 feels sure-footed and predictable. It goes where pointed and emerges where intended, provided speeds are kept within reason. Some body-sway accompanies such maneuvers, but not unduly so.

If cornering speeds do border on the sublime, the XC90s Roll Stability Control system will maintain all occupants immortality. This system utilizes a gyroscopic sensor that monitors the vehicles angle. If it senses that the vehicle is approaching a critical roll angle, it will engage the Dynamic Stability Traction Control system. At this point power is reduced and sufficient braking is applied to one or more wheels in order to re-establish vehicular decorum.

If inertia and gravity have combined forces to defeat Volvos electronic control systems and a crash is inevitable, the XC90 holds a few more cards up its safety sleeve. All models are equipped with inflatable side-curtain airbags, which deploy to help protect the heads that are about to abruptly meet steel and glass. Additionally, Volvos Roll Over Protection System features pre-tensioning seatbelts, located at all seven seating positions.

Of course the number-one method of disaster avoidance - well perhaps number two after common sense - is the judicious application of a strong and reliable set of brakes. Once again the Volvo is a standout. The XC90 features very powerful, fade-resistant 4-wheel ventilated, antilock equipped disc brakes. Ensuring that maximum braking force is properly distributed to each of the four wheels in an emergency are Electronic Brake Assistance and Electronic Brake Distribution systems. Stopping an SUV has never been a more certain or controlled event.

The XC90 is a premium, well-appointed SUV with several option packages and few stand-alone options to choose from. Absent any options the XC90 is generously equipped, including a myriad of power assists, a great sounding audio system with in-dash CD, plus steering-wheel mounted audio controls. Its driver information center is augmented by dual-zone climate control with rear vents and rear audio plugs-ins for private listening. A navigation/DVD unit is optional.

A Premium Package provides the XC90 with an auto-dim rearview mirror, HomeLink, 8-way power passenger seat and wood trim. A Versatility Package will add 3rd row seats, 3rd row audio and HVAC controls, a Nivomat Self Leveling Rear Suspension and more. Additional packages are available.

When it comes right down to it, Im quite the Volvo fan. Ive always applauded the brands commitment to safety and family values. The XC90 is predicated upon these laudable priorities. Sometimes, horsepower and straight-line performance has to give way to sense and sensibility, such is the case with the 2.5T. This is a drum-tight, solid, safe transport, despite its lackluster highway passing performance, that shouldnt be overlooked by those in the family vehicle market. It delivers superior ride comfort and security.