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2009 Volvo XC90 Review

June 22, 2009

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

overall design is getting a bit stale
Edmunds

V-8 version comes standard with 18-inch wheels for '08
Car and Driver

bigger, taller version of the popular XC70 wagon
Kelley Blue Book

new interior and exterior trim changes (V8 models)
J.D. Power

The 2009 Volvo XC90 is aging well, but a refresh should come soon.

Motor Trend notes that in 2007, the SUV got “a new grille, bumpers, and taillights,” but retains the XC90’s "stealth image." Road & Track says "to further accentuate the sporty nature and to create a sleeker appearance, the car is not fitted with roof rails, although these are still available as an option." Available since 2005, the XC90 still looks fresh and well proportioned. Kelley Blue Book contends "the XC90 looks like a bigger, taller version of the popular XC70 wagon” and points out that "all the familiar Volvo styling cues are present, including the raised-V hood bulge and the elongated taillights running the length of the D-pillars." Cars.com says the XC90 has the "smoother, friendlier look that's been present since the early 2000s" in the latest Volvos. Edmunds has a rare complaint for the XC90, remarking that its "overall design is getting a bit stale."

Car and Driver compliments the “first rate” cabin design. Cars.com states, "the dashboard and instrument panel dome employ slanted, angular themes, as does a three-spoke steering wheel with audio and cruise controls.” Kelley Blue Book also notes that "tending towards understated, the interior is tastefully appointed and very user-friendly." Inside, the interior is well laid out and dressed in conservative-looking but expensive-feeling trim.

Conclusion

The basic shape of the 2009 Volvo XC90 is aging well—inside and out.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:overall design is getting a bit staleEdmundsV-8 version comes standard with 18-inch wheels for '08Car and Driverbigger, taller version of the popular XC70 wagonKelley Blue Booknew interior and exterior trim changes (V8 models)J.D. Power The 2009 Volvo XC90 is aging well, but a refresh should come soon. Motor Trend notes that in 2007, the SUV got “a new grille, bumpers, and taillights,” but retains the XC90’s "stealth image." Road & Track says "to further accentuate the sporty nature and to create a sleeker appearance, the car is not fitted with roof rails, although these are still available as an option." Available since 2005, the XC90 still looks fresh and well proportioned. Kelley Blue Book contends "the XC90 looks like a bigger, taller version of the popular XC70 wagon” and points out that "all the familiar Volvo styling cues are present, including the raised-V hood bulge and the elongated taillights running the length of the D-pillars." Cars.com says the XC90 has the "smoother, friendlier look that's been present since the early 2000s" in the latest Volvos. Edmunds has a rare complaint for the XC90, remarking that its "overall design is getting a bit stale." Car and Driver compliments the “first rate” cabin design. Cars.com states, "the dashboard and instrument panel dome employ slanted, angular themes, as does a three-spoke steering wheel with audio and cruise controls.” Kelley Blue Book also notes that "tending towards understated, the interior is tastefully appointed and very user-friendly." Inside, the interior is well laid out and dressed in conservative-looking but expensive-feeling trim. ConclusionThe basic shape of the 2009 Volvo XC90 is aging well—inside and out. 2009 VOLVO XC90 STYLING | [7 out of 10] Edmunds: "overall design is getting a bit stale" Car and Driver: "V-8 version comes standard with 18-inch wheels for '08" Kelley Blue Book: "bigger, taller version of the popular XC70 wagon" J.D. Power: "new interior and exterior trim changes (V8 ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2009 Volvo XC90 has excellent competition in its class, with several decidedly more stylish rivals. The BMW X5 offers a small third-row seat and excellent dynamics, but a confusing interior. The VW and the Mercedes-Benz M-Class offer just two rows of seating; the Benz also comes in a high-powered V-8 version. The Acura MDX has Honda's enviably smooth engine and transmission, along with a relatively new shape, while the Volkswagen Touareg has great off-road capability.

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See the Volvo XC90 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003

Comments (2 total)

  1. By Dr. Debbie #1, Posted: 8/3/2009

    Horrible headrest! I cannot get comfortable in the Volvo XC-90...the headrest jutts out too far and forces my head forward and chin down...I can't drive this way. It seems very unnatural to me.

  2. By kris #2, Posted: 8/24/2009

    Loved my xc90 until i ad kids. Back seat not deep enough for cae seats. I need to move seats so far forward, can't stand riding in the SUV!!! DON'T RECOMMEND BUYING THIS SUV!!!!!!!!

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