Volvo XC90 (2002-) Review

Comfort and Equipment

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There are now five spec levels for the XC90, as well as a huge list of options that can be bought individually or as part of a pack. Even the entry-level S spec, available only with the D5 engine, is pretty good: it includes 17" alloy wheels, front foglights, climate control and a sound system that seems relatively modest in the context of the rest of the XC90 range but which would look swanky by almost anybody else's standards. Parking sensors are standard on the rear, optional at the front.

The SE gains an electric driver's seat with position memory, a better audio system with a six-CD changer, 18" alloys, automatic wipers and autodimming rear-view mirror. As well as the dynamic changes described in the Driving section, the new SE Sport has 19" alloys, double chromed exhaust tailpipes, bigger wheel arch extensions and satin rather than chrome for the exterior details. The dials are different, and the roof rails are deleted to give a less off-roady look (but they're available as a no-cost option). Also new is the SE Lux level, which includes different 18" alloys, bi-xenon headlights with washers, electric seats for driver and passenger, and plush floor mats.

Executive spec includes cornering bi-xenons, different 19" wheels, a very fancy 12-speaker sound system with surround sound and a whole load of stuff you really don't need but would probably quite like to have, from headphone sockets for the rear passengers to Nubuck-trimmed floor mats.

The XC90 is available only as a seven-seater. The front five are big and comfortable, although some drivers complain of a lack of side support. The two rearmost seats, which are big enough for children and small adults, can be folded separately into the boot floor. The middle seat in the centre row has an integrated child booster cushion and slides forward to make it closer to the parents in the front, who can also remove the armrest between them.