Driving Impressions

Driving Impressions  - 2004 Volvo XC90 Review - Reviews - Volvo XC90

The gentle but capable XC90 is solid and refined and handles more like a taut European sedan. It reacts masterfully on twisting roads and functions with precise control.

Expect a smooth and solid ride as the base suspension irons out pavement imperfections. The T6’s suspension is significantly stiffer and adds body motion on undulating surfaces.

The XC90’s acceleration is smooth and easy. The base engine performs with reasonable vigor, but the T6’s twin-turbo six-cylinder is noticeably stronger. Automatic-transmission shifts are smooth in both, but the T6’s four-speed changes gears more crisply. Other than a light growl on acceleration, the XC90 is quiet.

The seats are firm but not at all uncomfortable. The second-row seats have good legroom and foot space, but the center position is painful and the third row is for children.

    See also:

    Temperature control
    The temperatures on the driver and passenger sides can be set separately. When the vehicle is started, the most recent setting is resumed. NOTE Heating or cooling cannot be speeded up by ...

    Introduction
    Information display and controls 1 READ–press to acknowledge/confirm/erase a message) 2 Thumb wheel (used to scroll among the trip computer menus) 3 RESET–resets certain functions To scroll thro ...

    Grocery bag holder
    Grocery bag holder under the floor of the trunk The grocery bag holder holds shopping bags in place. 1. Open the hatch in the floor of the trunk. 2. Secure the shopping bags with the strap. ...