2006 Volvo XC90 AWD V8

Sleet, slush, and snow—perfect weather. Perfect, that is, if you want to test-drive an SUV. For all the commercials about rock scrabbling, in the real world more SUVs are purchased to handle bad weather than backwoods trails. At least that's the case in the Snow Belt states. Here, when it comes to nature, it's more the commuting THROUGH rather than the communing WITH that people are concerned with, and they choose their vehicles accordingly.

Styling

All-wheel-drive wagons have been part of the Volvo lineup for several years, but SUVs are a relatively recent development for the Swedes. The XC90, Volvo's midsize SUV, is both the largest vehicle in the company's lineup, and the most powerful. Largest, yes, but Volvo happily stopped short of the beached-whale dimensions of many contemporary 'utes. While it fills out a tightly-striped parking lot space, the dimensions overall are tidy for a midsize SUV (the XC90 is about 2.5 inches wider and 2 inches shorter than Volvo's flagship S80 sedan). Drivers quickly get a feel for where the corners are.


Then there's the power part. For 2006, the XC90 is offered in two versions. The 2.5T ($35,640) is a 5-cylinder turbo variant. Mounted transversely (and compactly) under the hood of the other model is a 4.4-liter V8. When it was introduced in mid-2005, the XC90 V8 became the first Volvo to boast eight cylinders under the bonnet. The 32-valve V8 XC90 pumps out 311 horsepower (@5,850 rpm) and 325 lb.-ft. of torque (@3,900 rpm). So equipped, this Volvo hustles its way down the highway. Zero-to-60 times in the low 7-second range are possible; plenty quick enough to keep up with traffic, including other premium SUVs. The V8 is linked to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Off-the-line sprints are strong and there are enough gears to keep the rather high spinning V8 humming at most any speed. However, we did note that it's possible to catch the transmission pausing to collect its thoughts during quick transitions from brake to throttle. Alas, you pay for your power at the pump: EPA estimates the cost of a good time at 15 mpg city/21 highway.

Interior

All Wheel Drive with "Instant Traction" is standard on the V8 and available on the 5-cylinder model. Volvo's AWD is a computer-controlled Haldex system that requires no driver input. The system steps in to shift power fore or aft as needed to maximize traction. Volvo's system has an interesting wrinkle—"preloading" a valve with a torque load of 59 lb.-ft.—so that response time to wheel spin is decreased. AWD with Instant Traction joins a litany of acronyms; active and passive systems standard in safety-conscious Volvos: RSC (Roll Stability Control), DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control), and SIPS (Side Impact Protection System) with side airbags and inflatable side curtains for all three rows.


The aforementioned slushy mix that we encountered during our test-drive week confirmed that the XC90 tracks true. Rolling on all season tread, the XC90 refused to lose its composure over a variety of slick surfaces. As a car-based SUV, the XC90 feels more car than truck, especially on dry roads; stable if slightly elevated, smooth riding and (other than the muffled, mellifluous tones of its V8) quiet.