Test Drive: 2004 Volvo XC90 2.5T

Although the XC90 sits high and rides on all-season, all-terrain rubber, the vehicle handled cornering duties with aplomb. While not able to corner flat like more sport-minded SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne or even the BMW X5, the XC90 exhibited only minor body roll during high-speed cornering, and I am sure a move to more street-worthy tires would put it closer to the BMW in regards to road-holding.

The inline 2.5-litre, 5-cylinder engine fitted to my test unit is the standard choice for the model, which is unfortunate, as even with the light-pressure turbo it was unable to propel the XC90’s considerable mass (2,046 kgs.) up long climbs or into the passing lane without inciting drama. You become accustomed to what a vehicle can do over time and as such, your comfort level hinges on the car’s capabilities. All is fine when the XC90 is performing everyday duties as a people and light cargo hauler around town, but load the vehicle with a full contingent of passengers and their chattel and the XC90 becomes quite sluggish. Punch the gas pedal to execute a pass and you will feel your heart rate increase and nervous perspiration begin to irrigate your forehead, as internal concerns about completing the manoeuver (before meeting oncoming traffic) will have you wishing that you had ponied up the extra $12,000 (+ taxes) to get the XC90 T6 and its 268-horsepower and 280-lb.-ft. of torque.

Click image to enlarge

Long, steep climbs are the XC90’s nemesis, as its tachometer starts its climb as the turbo spools and whines but you wait nervously for the 236-lb.-ft. of torque to take charge and pull the car up the grade.

This is the same engine found in the S80 sedan line-up, a car (S80 AWD) I recently took on a hilly trip to the Okanagon valley in central B.C. I came away from my weekend adventure more-than-impressed by the smooth power and delivery and refinement of this power plant. However, you can’t compare apples and oranges, and these two vehicles are very different animals. The extra weight of the XC90 just was too much for the engine to overcome when expediency or periods of extreme engine load came into play.

I have yet to get behind the wheel of the more potent XC90 T6, but from its specs can assume that it may have just what the doctor ordered – enough power.

Volvo is one of the few auto manufacturers to embrace the station wagon design, as the company has offered them almost since day one while most of their competitors, both foreign and domestic, only produce them sporadically. This trend began in the 1980s and is largely due to the emergence of the more-roomy minivan and trendy sport-utility vehicles. With several station wagon models already in the fleet it made sense for the new XC90 to borrow many of their styling cues and innovations.

The XC90 comes standard with three rows of seats giving it the ability to transport seven passengers in a pinch, five very comfortably. Designers set each row of seats a little higher than the next, ensuring that all occupants will enjoy great visibility. The seats themselves feature a comprehensive system of ergonomic support and comfort, in all seating positions, something some rivals tend to overlook.

It is a simple operation to fold the backs of the second row, tri-split bench as well as to hide away the twin, third-row buckets, creating a near flat cargo area with full carpeting and a number of tie-down options. The front passenger seat also possesses the ability to fold forward, allowing the driver to carry longer items safely within the vehicle.

Click image to enlarge

A new innovation is what Volvo engineers deem the world’s first Roll Stability Control system (RSC). A gyroscopic sensor continuously monitors roll angle and rate, assessing the risk of rollover. If necessary, the system activates Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) to automatically stabilize the vehicle, reducing the likelihood of a rollover. DTSC will reduce power and apply sufficient braking where needed, helping the driver maintain control.

If a rollover does occur, the Rollover Protection System (ROPS) activates a split second before the rollover actually occurs, greatly reducing the chance of serious injury. ROPS consists of a safety cage, a reinforced roof, inflatable safety curtains (for all three rows of seats) and seat belt pretensioners. Hopefully other manufacturers will adopt this technology as well.

The Volvo XC90 is currently the only SUV on the market that offers inflatable safety curtains for all three rows of seats. In the event of a side impact or rollover, the curtains extend the entire length of the interior, protecting all occupants from flying glass and debris, as well as giving excellent head protection.

One of the major knocks against the proliferation of SUVs on our roads is the sad fact that when they are involved in an accident with smaller cars, they tend to ride up on them as their elevated ride heights have lead to bumper placement that does not jive well with that of compact passenger cars, or their door beams as well. As a result, many SUV verses car impacts are far more serious than should be. Volvo engineers have outfitted the XC90 with a lower cross-member than found on similar vehicles specifically designed to better protect the occupants in the OTHER vehicle by triggering the safety systems of smaller cars as early in an impact as possible.

Another unique innovation finds its way into the XC90 – the sliding child booster seat. By attaching this optional feature to the middle seat of the second row, you can situate your child closer to the front seats when needed, allowing you to keep a better eye on them as well as tend to their needs.

The XC90 is not a small vehicle, so engineers chose to fit big, vented disc brakes at all four corners. These seemed to resist fade quite well over the course of my test period, and with the help of an advanced, multi-channel four-wheel anti-lock system brought the XC90 down from speed with relative ease. In the event of a panic stop situation Volvo’s Emergency Brake Assistance steps in, automatically applying full braking pressure promoting a shorter stop.

Much of the interior is derived from the flagship S80 sedan (most prominently the gauge cluster, HVAC controls and window switches) and everything falls readily to hand and eye. All the luxury goodies one expects in a car of this level are present, including power windows and mirrors, remote locks, dual-zone climate control and a power moon roof.

Click image to enlarge

The design of the ultra-supportive leather seats in my test model were up to Volvo’s usual, excellent standards, and were both supportive and comfortable at the same time. Driver and front passenger units were power adjustable (the latter an option on the 2.5T), while rear seats offered better comfort than those in most competitors and were constructed with the same attention to detail as the front ones.

Second row passengers benefit from plentiful legroom and the vehicle’s tall roofline gives the XC90 an airy feel. Windows go all the way down for those hot days, but separate A/C controls and loads of well-placed vents in the rear seating areas will keep temperature in check. The third row features individual buckets that fold flat for when hauling cargo rather than people is on the schedule. When deployed, they offer the user true 7-passenger seating.

Click image to enlarge

They can be accessed from either side by sliding the rear seats forward and lifting the third-row seat backs into place. A nylon loop becomes visible immediately under the front face of the seatback which when pulled, slides the seat cushion into place via support rails. This is a very clever design to say the least.

For buyers planning to use the XC for long trips, you may want to consider ordering the optional air-conditioner for occupants of the third row seating area. It comes with its own speed and temperature controls.

The 2004 Volvo XC90 possesses all the polish, style, and goodies one expects in a luxury vehicle while offering safety and emissions standards superior to those of almost any other SUV on the road. Add to this a tasteful design, wonderful interior layout, and genuine load-carrying versatility and the XC90 begins to look like a value. The only question you will have to ask yourself is whether opting for the more powerful T6 model is better suited for your family’s needs, albeit at the cost of increased fuel consumption and a larger monthly payment.