Along with the platform comes a healthy dose of S80 inspired luxury equipment and all-new safety features including a Roll-Over Protection System (ROPS) that incorporates something Volvo calls Roll Stability Control (RSC), an intelligent resolution to vehicle rollovers - responsible for 25% of traffic fatalities in the U.S. and probably a similar amount in Canada. The system uses Volvo's Dynamic Stability Traction Control to offset the SUV's inherently top-heavy nature - the bane of all sport utilities and light trucks. Also, its Inflatable Curtain (IC) airbag system protects outside occupants in all three rows of seats in case the ROPS system fails or you get broadsided by an oncoming vehicle. In Volvo tradition, the XC90 is engineered with energy absorbing crumple zones protecting driver and passengers. Going a step beyond, it incorporates a Safety Strut to catch the front bumper of smaller, lower cars that might be struck by the large SUV - thoughtful.
But there's more to the XC90 than just safety, luxury and performance. Try convenience. All three rows fold completely flat for long loads or impromptu sleepovers. Its unique 70/30 split tailgate is easy to lift while offering a handy seat to kick back and enjoy a rest stop viewpoint.
With beautiful scenery in mind, the XC90 is arguably the most attractive SUV available, period. Its refined elegance is unique even among premium brands. The Volvo incorporates truck-like styling cues, with a taller, wider version of its traditional crested egg-crate grille immediately apparent. Big, strong shoulders extend rearward to its forward canted C-pillars, capped by V70 style taillights. But that said it's as refined and civilized looking as sport utilities come.