The 2010 Volvo XC90 gets a standard third-row seat and sees its model lineup trimmed to three, as the R-Design trim is no longer available with the V8. With the arrival of its excellent XC60 compact crossover for 2010, Volvo is doing its best to maintain interest in the aging XC90. In particular, the company is emphasizing the XC90's exclusive third-row seat, which enlarges passenger capacity to seven versus the XC60's five. That weight also contributes to the XC90's unimpressive fuel economy, which ranges from 18 combined mpg in front-wheel-drive inline-6 trim to 15 mpg for the all-wheel-drive V8.
Don't get us wrong: The 2010 Volvo XC90 is certainly a nice luxury crossover. The seven-passenger 2010 Volvo XC90 is a premium midsize crossover SUV that comes in three trim levels: 3.2, 3.2 R-Design and V8. The XC90 V8 loses the R-Design accoutrements but gains exclusive 18-inch wheels, the V8 engine, all-wheel drive, color-keyed fenders and body-side moldings, heated front seats, headlamp washers, rain-sensing wipers, a special air filtration system and unique interior wood inlays.
The 2010 Volvo XC90 3.2 and 3.2 R-Design come with a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine rated for 235 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. XC90 3.2 models come standard with front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive (AWD) is available as an option. The AWD system is standard on the XC90 V8.
Safety
Standard safety features on the 2010 Volvo XC90 include antilock brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and anti-whiplash front seats. The optional blind spot warning system monitors vehicles entering the XC90's blind spots, alerting the driver via indicator lights.
Interior Design and Special Features
The 2010 Volvo XC90's base 3.2-liter inline-6 struggles noisily to get the vehicle up to speed.
The Volvo XC90 is big on safety, comfort and functionality. The 2010 XC90 seats seven passengers, and leather seating, power glass sunroof, rear park assist and third-row climate control are standard equipment.
The XC90 V8 generates 311 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, with standard all-wheel drive and speed-sensitive power steering.
For 2010, the XC90 V8 model offers an Executive Package, with special soft leather seating surfaces, massage and ventilation for the front seats, heated seats all around, and some unique appearance items. The XC90 was launched as a 2003 model and Volvo freshened its appearance for 2007. Volvo's reputation for safety engineering is deserved. The XC90 offers the full array of active and passive safety features, including a Roll Stability Control system designed to keep the Volvo XC90 from rolling over, and a rollover protection system intended to shield occupants in the extremely unlikely event that a rollover actually occurs.