2007 Volvo XC90 3.2 7-Seat Road Test

(Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com)

The 2nd-row seats are comfortable, and space is sufficient for three adults. Standard in 7-passenger models (and optional in 5-seat XC90s) is an integrated booster seat for children three years and older. I wouldn't use it on a daily basis, as it doesn't offer the full support that a proper child seat does, but it's handy when you have the occasional extra kid along for the ride. As for the 3rd-row seat, space is rather tight and climbing back there is a challenge; it should be reserved for children.

The optional DynAudio sound system is phenomenal. It convincingly punches tunes through its 12 speakers, and you can actually feel your pant leg ripple as the sound is channeled through the speakers in the doors. If you're an audiophile, it's an option you shouldn't overlook.

Safety concerns have been addressed with a great deal of features that are standard on every XC90: front airbags, seat-mounted side airbags, side-curtain airbags, whiplash protection, side-impact protection, stability and traction control systems as well as roll stability control. In fact, this Volvo has just been crowned a 2007 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, and that's no surprise.

(Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com)

This Volvo XC90 3.2 7-Seat has a base price of $56,895. It also includes the $1,750 Convenience Package (rear park assist, power-folding mirrors, Homelink, auto-dimming rear view mirror, cargo cover and power rear door child locks), the $2,900 Luxury Package (18-inch wheels, interior wood inlays, power passenger seat, speed-sensitive steering and the active headlights) and the $2,000 DynAudio sound system, for a jaw-dropping total of $63,545.

How does it measure up to the competition? The Audi Q7 3.6 Quattro Premium with options costs $65,900; it's more powerful than the XC90 I'm driving, but also much heavier, so the power-to-weight ratio is only slightly better. The Q7 has less cargo space and consumes more fuel. For this price, though, you get a power tailgate, which the Volvo doesn't have.

(Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com)

For $61,900, you can the get the all-new MDX with the Elite Package, which offers 65 more horses than the Volvo and should consume a little less gas on the highway, and is about as spacious inside. It comes with a navigation system, a DVD entertainment system in the back seat, and a power liftgate. It's a more contemporary-looking SUV, as it lacks the elegance and presence of the XC90.

Finally, the Mercedes-Benz ML350 is also more powerful than the XC90 3.2, and loaded with similar features including an upgraded sound system, adaptive bi-xenon headlights and rear park assist, it costs $62,675.

In short, the 2007 XC90 3.2 is a strong competitor that offers elegance and safety in a crowded market. It may be less powerful than its 6-cylinder competition, and the options list quickly raises the total price, but its strong qualities more than offset its small and rare shortcomings. This Volvo has no problem providing its owner with the prestige and all-weather capability that he or she is looking for.

(Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com)

What I like:
Pleasant powertrain
Elegant styling, inside and out
Killer sound system

What I don't like:
Fuel consumption
Access to 3rd-row seat
Price climbs rapidly with options