Not to be confused with an SUV or CUV, the new XC90 from Volvo has been tagged a "special purpose vehicle." Can anyone relate to an SPV?
At any rate, I had a "special purpose" of my own for this vehicle: Hauling what seemed like several tons of my daughter’s stuff to her sorority house at the University of Florida. Frankly, I would rather have moved a four-bedroom house.
Thirty-plus years ago I got all my stuff into one foot locker and a suitcase, plus my typewriter (remember those?). My son? Couple boxes of clothes, baseball equipment and fishing pole, laptop. End of story.
So we packed the XC90 with clothes, a TV, more clothes, end table and floor lamp and fan, more clothes. I mentioned clothes, right?
About 3.5 trips from her old apartment got the job done. I welcomed plenty of the flat space in the XC90 with the thrid row folded. A neat loading feature, a short station wagon-like lid that opens down while the hatch opens upward, prevents things from rolling out and means the smaller, lighter lid is easier to close.
Flipping down seats to get more even clothes in the back is a breeze. Seating, by the way, gets high marks for comfort -- firm support and the leather has the soft feel of high quality.
While leg room and head room in the first two rows is adequate, the third row is best left for little ones or short jaunts.
Upgrades inside include a leather gearshift knob and, in some V-8 models, new instruments, leather and Sapeli wood inlays that add a rich look.
What’s new for the XC90 isn’t really what’s inside, however, is what’s outside and what’s under the hood.
XC90 sports a new, sharper looking grille plus new bumpers and taillights. Atop V-8 models sit new aluminum roof rails. And all models get new side-view mirrors with integrated turn signals.
A common gripe on the previous XC90, which was introduced four years ago, was its sluggishness. Volvo addressed this issue, but whether it has been adequately resolved remains a matter of opinion.
For most drivers, of course, it is fine. A new 3.2-liter V-6 takes off from the stoplight with more than enough oomph. The midrange boost is lacking, though, and it takes more than nine seconds to get this hefty (4,786 pounds) XC90 to 60 mph.
The highway ride is quiet and comfortable, even with a full load. Steering is responsive and handling is impressive, with minimal body lean in turns.
My combined mileage was around 17 mpg.
While Volvo no longer holds a clear edge in the safety department, it is not about to let you down in an area that made it famous. All-wheel-drive is standard on V-8 models (optional on V-6) but all models get stability and traction control systems. Side-impact beams and side curtain air bags add security to all passengers.
A half-dozen options packages are available; Versatility ($2,250) offers third-row seating, Premium ($2,995) provides leather and a power moon roof. Convenience has rear-park assist, and Touring throws in the wood inlays for the gearshift knob and steering wheel. Plus, there are individual options like a nav system or blind-spot detection system.
So for luxury amenities, XC90 has you covered. Same for convenience, you're covered. But if you have a special purpose that involves a college coed’s furnishings, you’re on your own.
Base Price: $36,135
As tested: $45,200 (with Premium and Versatility packages)
