We much preferred Volvo's highly competent all wheel drive station wagons to the XC 90, but they don't offer the versatility of this big machine. One thing they do have in common is Volvo's significant safety features. The XC90 offers two-stage dual front airbags, side impact protection, whiplash protection front, curtain side airbags for everyone and a baby seat attachment system. Most importantly for any tipsy SUV, is a state of the art roll over protection system, seatbelts with pretensioners, and an integrated sliding child booster seat.
The most interesting statistic given to us by Volvo was that the XC has a lower center of gravity than the V70 wagon, which is difficult to believe noting the 9.2 inches of ground clearance with the 18-inch tires. I can tell you this, give my choice of driving on mountain highways I would take the wagon.
Working college male's view: The sound system with its Dolby 5.1 Pro Logic II surround stereo was above average, but the radio reception, although good, sometimes attracted a shadow signal that was very distracting.
This is a large vehicle, even though it doesn't look it. Unfortunately, this model as has become the custom lately, has a third row of seats. Why not just get a mini-van? Anyway, you can probably tell I was assigned to struggling into the third row seats. There is virtually no legroom, although the second row seats scoot forward to make entry a tad easier. Third-row seatbelts have pretensioners, which go with the safety theme of this Volvo. There is also a much needed rear crumple zone, which is a must for any family vehicle.