Volvo XC90

Angular Front Exterior View - 2010 Volvo XC90 FWD 4-door I6

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Shopping for a 2012 Volvo XC90? MSRP: $38,400 - $44,300

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The Volvo XC90 is a mid-size luxury SUV that was first introduced for the 2003 model year, and despite its age the vehicle remains the Swedish automaker’s most popular model, both in the U.S. and around the globe. This is understandable given the XC90 was voted the North American Truck of the Year in its first year of sale, and that its price has significantly undercut those of its closest rivals, the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz ML-Class.

The XC90 is Volvo’s first true utility vehicle, but it shares its platform with the S80 sedan, and it handles more like a sedan than an SUV. This is one of the XC90’s key strengths, which has seen it become a popular vehicle among city dwellers and rural folk alike. Its styling has remained relatively unchanged since launch, though a mild facelift was introduced on the 2007 model. 

Capable of carrying up to seven, the 2010 Volvo XC90 remains an ideal alternative to truck-like SUVs and boring minivans. Its second-row seats can be adjusted to maximize cargo space or passenger room, and along with the front row, it's spacious and comfortable. Unfortunately, the third row, which was made standard for the 2010 model year, is cramped and best suited for small children.

Only two engine options are offered in the U.S., both with standard all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. They include a 235 horsepower 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine or a 311 horsepower 4.4-liter V-8, the latter of which affords the XC90 with up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity. The V-8 has a fuel economy of 13 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway, while the six-cylinder gets by with 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway--improving to as high as 16/23 mpg in recent model years.

For the 2009 model year, Volvo added the R-Design option on the XC90, which gave the SUV some sportier touches such as 19 inch alloy wheels, a new grille and split dual exhaust pipes. For 2010, however, the R-Design trim was no longer available with the V-8. Again, in 2011, Volvo increased the XC90's standard equipment, adding Bluetooth, Sirius satellite radio, and new watch-dial instrumentation.

Then for 2012, the XC90's sound system gained both Bluetooth audio streaming and Pandora playlists. The 2012 Volvo XC90 also got new Premier Plus and Platinum trims that added a few new features, and tech options were repackaged. Also, the rather thirsty V-8 engine, which had been sourced by Yamaha, was discontinued. The 2013 model year brought a few further feature changes, plus new LED running lamps, LED taillamps, and a somewhat new front-end look, along with various trim and color changes inside.

Angular Rear Exterior View - 2010 Volvo XC90 FWD 4-door I6

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