PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
Unfortunately, at speeds above 50 mph the engine struggles to motivate the XC90's 4786-pounds and all-wheel drive system.
Car and Driver
smooth 6-cylinder engine provides adequate acceleration from a stop and for passing and merging
Consumer Guide
The overhead cam is almost too refined, with a V-8 message that's more comfortable than a roomful of Swedish furniture.
Truck Trend
handling is competent but not particularly sporty
Edmunds
the whiz-bang V-8 is so much fun and so satisfying that you're to be pardoned if you rationalize away the gaffes quicker than a dealer can say, "Sign here."
USA Today
Power in the 2010 Volvo XC90 comes from a 240-horsepower, 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine or a 311-horsepower 4.4-liter V-8, with a six-speed automatic. Six-cylinder models come with either front- or all-wheel drive, while all V-8 models have AWD. Both of these powertrains are shared with the S80 sedan; the base engine is smooth and rather eager, though it won't deliver if you really want to move fast with a full load. On the other hand, the V-8 has a rumbling, sonorous personality that's unexpected in a Volvo; it's a bit faster but more of a gas-guzzler. One of the major trump cards of the XC90, though, is its towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.
But even with the V-8, the XC90 feels very quick, though it still doesn't feel overtly sporty. It's mostly a matter of the steering, which is responsive but not engaging; in either of the model, the body stays in check, even in quick maneuvers.
Conclusion
For a family vehicle, the 2011 Volvo XC90 performs exactly as you'd hope; look elsewhere if you want edgy performance, though.
