2011 Volvo XC90 Review

Volvo XC90

For 2011, the output of the Volvo XC90's standard six-cylinder engine has increased slightly to 240 horsepower, and the crossover gains more standard features, including Bluetooth and Sirius Satellite Radio.

The Volvo XC90 seats five people in two rows, and a standard third-row seat bumps total seating capacity to seven, but it's a tight squeeze in back. (Volvo recommends the third row for occupants 5 feet, 3 inches or shorter.) Passenger volume comes in at 101 cubic feet. The rear seats fold down, as does the front passenger seat. With all seats stowed, maximum cargo volume measures 85.1 cubic feet.

The Volvo XC90 is an affordable family hauler with great seating and excellent crash test scores. Most reviewers say there are more luxurious interiors in the luxury midsize SUV class, as well as SUVs that drive better than the Volvo XC90 does. It’s an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety “Top Safety Pick,” comes with excellent standard safety features, as well as standard seating for seven and has plenty of cargo space.

There are few changes for 2011 on the Volvo XC90. The 2011 Volvo XC90 comes in several trims -- the base 3.2, 3.2 R-Design and V8 AWD. V8 trims are all-wheel drive only.

Volvo's XC90 was the Swedish automaker's first-ever SUV offering. The inline-six cylinder model offers 240 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 236 pound-feet of torque at 3,200 rpm.

In addition to an immensely strong body structure, the Volvo XC90 has a number of other safety features, including Volvo's WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System), SIPS (Side Impact Protection System) and IC (Inflatable Curtain) airbag. All seven seats are equipped with three-point inertia-reel seat belts, belt pre-tensionless and head restraints.

Volvo also developed various information systems designed to help the driver while on the move. One such system is IDIS (Intelligent Driver Information System), which can delay incoming phone calls in complex traffic situations that require the driver's undivided attention. Active bi-xenon headlamps are offered with the Volvo XC90, providing increased visibility on dark, windy roads.