In terms of fuel economy, Volvo claims the XC90 will manage 11.8 l/100 km in the city and 9.5 on the highway, although in my experience it’ll be tough matching the city number. My test car was showing a 15.2 l/100km long-term average after a series of corporate demonstration drives, and I was seeing very similar numbers during my first couple of days around town. A trip to the suburbs and back netted 13.9 l/100 km, and my best result was 10.5 on a relaxed drive along a highway with a 90 km/h limit. The XC90 is equipped with an auto start/stop system to conserve fuel when waiting at traffic lights, and while some have complained about this being a little rough in its engagement and disengagement, I found it to be an improvement over most other manufacturer’s systems because it’s much more willing to shut down the engine again if you creep forward just a few feet after stopping.

All in all, I was hugely impressed with the Volvo XC90. With a base price of $60,700 for the T6 Momentum, and my Inscription test car starting at $66,800, the XC90 represents excellent value when compared against its direct competitors. Yes, there are cheaper rivals (think Acura MDX and Infiniti QX70) but the Volvo XC90 trumps them in terms of style, technology and equipment. And there are more expensive rivals (think BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GL Class), but the XC90 matches or beats them, too, leaving perhaps the Audi Q7 as the closest cross-shopping competitor. If you’re in the market for a big seven-passenger luxury crossover, it means you’ll definitely want to give the XC90 a look.

Warranty:
4 years/80,000 km; 4 years/80,000 km powertrain; 12 years/unlimited distance corrosion perforation; 4 years/unlimited distance roadside assistance

Competitors:
Acura MDX
Audi Q7
BMW X5
Cadillac SRX
Infiniti QX70
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Lexus RX
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Porsche Cayenne

Pricing: 2016 Volvo XC90 Inscription T6 Drive-E
Base Price (XC90): $60,700
Base Price (XC90 Inscription): $66,800
Options: Vision Package (auto-dimming mirrors, retractable rear-view mirrors, blind-spot information system, cross traffic alert, visual park assist) — $1,800, Climate Package with head-up display (head-up display, heated outboard rear seats, heated steering wheel, heated washer nozzles) — $2,300, Convenience Package (front and rear park assist, park assist pilot, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, Homelink, grocery bag holder, 12 volt outlet in cargo compartment) — $2,200, Bowers and Wilkins Premium Sound — $3,250, Metallic Paint – $800
A/C Tax: $100
Freight and PDI: $1,815
Price as Tested: $79,065

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