Volvo XC90

Manufacturer
Volvo

Model
XC90

Segment/Specs
SUV

One of the best choices in the segment.

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Performance

Turbo 2.5 and Volvo's ubiquitous 5-cylinder D5 diesel are the best choices. Both are powerful and eager to rev. The V8 is, frankly, unnecessary.

Driving

Comfortable ride, with some control sacrificed.

Feel

Well refined in every respect.

Price

Running costs are generally high, especially the petrols, which have shocking fuel economy and emissions figures. List prices and residuals are good though.

Quality

Looks and feels nice inside and there shouldn't be any problems with reliability.

Safety

Five stars in Euro NCAP’s crash test due to six airbags, a strengthened roof and reactive front head restraints. ABS and stability control also standard.

Space

Third row may be a little cramped, but there's still space for seven. Middle bench slides; rear two benches splitfold and fold flat into the floor to create huge storage space.

Equipment

Climate control, cruise control, CD player, and alloys are standard on S-spec XC90s. SE and SE Lux trim add leather and CD multichanger. Executive trim adds sat-nav and a fridge. A fridge!

Alternatives

Land Rover Discovery, BMW X5, Audi Q7

Pros

Big, classy, safe, high residuals.

Cons

High running costs, so-so drive.

Volvo XC90

by Keith Burns (Lincoln) - 07/03/2007 14:24:27

This car is excellent value for money, economical (30-32 mpg) and extremely nice to drive. I have driven the BMW X5 and Merc ML320 (appalling sub 20 mpg), and the Volvo is not only cheaper, it is more comfortable and nicer to drive - roll on a 3.5 diesel to give it more ooomph, but it cruises all day at 90. My wife loves driving it so much, I hardly get a look in! I asked a dealer who sold only Range Rovers, Discoveries and XC90s which he liked best and said that if you do a lot of mileage, opt for the Volvo, if you enjoy posing go for the Range Rover and if you are a farmer, it's the Disco. He drove an XC90, so /I bought one. My local dealer is great too(Marshalls of Grantham). I called in at the Bedford Volvo dealership heading north when a headlamp bulb blew and they fixed it after closing time for £7. Brilliant service. Buy one - you will not be disappointed. I was recently offered £25K for my 04 D5 SE Geartronic after one year's motoring and I only paid £27.5K for it.