Volvo XC90 History
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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 $37,700 starting price significantly undercuts those of its closest rivals, the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz ML-Class.
The XC90 is Volvo’s first true SUV but it shares its platform with the S80 sedan, a design that affords it with car-like dynamics. 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 has been 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.
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 is no longer available with the V-8, which means only six-cylinder XC90 buyers can pick this option.
Volvo hasn’t announced any scheduled updates for the XC90 nor released any details about a successor. However, a new model is expected to be introduced for the 2012 model year and may be the vessel for Volvo’s first hybrid vehicle.
The Volvo XC90 is produced at Volvo's Torslanda plant in Sweden and curiously, its V-8 engine is actually sourced from Yamaha.
