North Point Volvo

Introduction

Volvo's sedan-based wagons were its bread-and-butter for years, but as American tastes moved toward taller wagons with poorer fuel economy -- i.e., SUVs -- the Swedish automaker was forced to follow suit. Although the all-new XC60 will soon be joining Volvo's stable, the 2009 Volvo XC90 remains the company's flagship SUV. It boasts sporty eye-catching style, a luxurious interior, safety gadgets galore and an optional Yamaha-built V8 engine.

There's still a lot going for this premium midsize SUV. If you like the idea of avant-garde Swedish design inside your SUV, for example, or Volvo's innovative selection of safety features, the XC90 might just dissuade you from choosing a competitor instead. This year's XC90 has a few improvements, too, including the new R-Design models, which are decked out with numerous upgrades inside as well as sporty interior and exterior design cues.

Overall, the 2009 Volvo XC90 is a wholly competent vehicle, and it could serve as a nice alternative for someone tired of the usual choices.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2009 Volvo XC90 is a premium midsize crossover SUV that comes in two main trims: 3.2 and V8. The XC90 3.2 seats five and comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, power child safety locks for the rear doors, cloth upholstery, wood interior trim, an eight-way power driver seat with memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and an eight-speaker stereo with a CD/MP3 player and auxiliary audio jack. The XC90 V8 adds restyled 18-inch wheels, a sunroof, a third-row seat for seven-passenger capacity, a self-leveling rear suspension, leather upholstery, a six-CD changer, a power front passenger seat, an integrated child booster seat in the second row, a separate rear air-conditioner, upgraded instrumentation and a sunroof.

This year's new R-Design trim is offered for both the 3.2 and V8. The 3.2 R-Design adds 19-inch wheels, sportier suspension tuning and steering, leather upholstery and various sporty styling cues, as well as the sunroof, third-row seat, self-leveling rear suspension, integrated second-row child booster seat and six-CD changer from the V8 model. The V8 R-Design features 20-inch wheels and special dual exhaust tips along with the 3.2 R-Design's performance and aesthetic enhancements.

Most of the V8's standard features, including the third-row seat, can be added to the 3.2 model by selecting the premium and versatility packages. The Galateia 19-inch wheel package for the 3.2 tacks on (you guessed it) 19-inch wheels as well as speed-sensitive power steering and body-colored fender extensions. A convenience package adds a navigation system with real-time traffic updates, a blind-spot warning system, rear park assist, power-folding side mirrors and an interior air quality system. The climate package adds heated front seats, headlight washers and automatic wipers. The technology package throws in adaptive bi-xenon headlights, satellite radio, a premium audio system and rear-seat headphone jacks with audio controls. Finally, the V8-only executive package includes unique 19-inch wheels, special soft leather, massaging and ventilated front seats, leather door and console trim, wood inlays, a wood-trimmed steering wheel and heated front and rear seats. A dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system is offered as a stand-alone option.