2006 Volvo XC90 Model Update

Family First

Volvo's XC90 pleases young and old alike with ample comfort, crisp handling and myriad safety features.

Underneath its unmistakable Volvo styling, the XC90 packs enough performance to please the average driver.

This midsize luxury SUV offers more nimble handling and a lower ride height than most truck-based models. It also offers an impressive all-wheel-drive system that’s capable of navigating Nordic ice and snow (even if it lacks low-range gearing for true off-road prowess).

The XC90, which is derived from the S80 sedan, originally came with the choice of either a five- or six-cylinder engine when it debuted for the 2003 model year. While it continues to offer a five-cylinder engine in its base form, the V6 has since been dropped in favor of a stronger V8-powered version. (And the top trim level is dubbed the V8, for its engine.)

Now the XC90 is able to boast fuel economy that’s better than many SUVs at one end of the model range, and pavement-burning horsepower at the other.

2006 Volvo XC90 Ocean Race Edition + enlarge image  |  view gallery >

A new Volvo Ocean Race special edition of the V8 model has been added for 2006 to commemorate Volvo's second sponsorship of the sailing event. This model tops the XC90 range and features Ocean Blue metallic paint with matching mirror caps and door handles, silver side and roof-rail moldings, taupe leather seats with custom stitching, special VOR floor mats, light wood inlays for dash and panel trim as well as a built-in child booster seat.

Among other changes for 2006, the base XC90 offers the V8 model’s upgraded Haldex “Instant Traction” AWD system as an option. The system pre-charges itself to instantaneously deliver 50 percent added power to the rear wheels as needed. By comparison, the previously available AWD configuration wouldn’t engage until it had sensed wheel slippage for at least one-seventh of a wheel rotation. In addition to contributing added grip on slick roads, the system kicks in automatically during a launch from a standing start for added speed and straight-line stability.

Also for 2006, the V8 adds a standard tire-pressure monitor, and a newly available Convenience Package includes rear-park assist, power-retractable mirrors, power childproof door locks and a cargo cover and net. Rear-park assist is also now a stand-alone option on the V8.

Optional 18-inch alloy wheels and 235/60R18 tires are newly available on both the base and V8 models. Lunar Gold replaces Ash Gold and Willow Green replaces Crystal Green on the base model's exterior color palette, while Lunar Gold and White Pearlescent paint are newly available on the V8 model's.

The base 2.5T model comes powered by a 208-hp 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine and is paired with a five-speed Geartronic automatic that allows manual gear selection. While this is far from being the quickest engine in its class, it does an adequate job of getting the XC90 up to speed. It achieves a fuel economy of 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway, which is better than a typical midsize SUV. However, it requires premium fuel, which undercuts the cost savings as an alternative to a slightly-lower-mpg model that runs on regular. Front-drive is standard on the 2.5T; AWD is optional.

The V8 sports a lustier, 4.4-liter V8 engine that packs a wallop with 311 hp. It drives all four wheels via a smoother-shifting, six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission. While this engine gains close to a 50 percent boost in power over the five-cylinder, it suffers about a 16 percent to 22 percent penalty in terms of fuel economy, which is estimated at 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway (again, with premium-grade fuel required).

As befits the brand, a full menu of safety features is standard. These include front, front-side and side-curtain airbags; four-wheel disc antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist; stability control to maintain directional stability during cornering; and traction control to minimize tire slippage while accelerating.

A Roll Stability Control system uses gyroscopic sensors to determine if the vehicle is about to roll over and automatically engages the stability and traction control systems to help the driver regain command.

To enhance what is already a smooth ride with crisp cornering abilities, an optional load-leveling suspension can help soak up bumps evenly under varying passenger and cargo weights.

Inside its roomy and handsomely trimmed cabin, the XC90 can seat up to seven passengers via a third-row seat that folds flat into the floor for added cargo-carrying flexibility. This extra seating is optional on the base model and comes standard on the V8.

In addition, the second-row seat split-folds and can be adjusted fore and aft to maximize either cargo space or passenger room.

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An integrated child booster seat is available, while the optional DVD entertainment system comes with two screens to double your passengers’ pleasure.

Consumer Reports rates the XC90 with much worse than average predicted reliability. The vehicle receives five out of five stars for drivers and four out of five stars for passengers on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's frontal crash test, and five out of five stars for front and rear occupants on the side-impact crash test. It scores four out of five stars on the rollover test.

Did You Know …

The XC90 is Volvo's first and only bona fide SUV. Volvo had previously offered and continues to sell the XC70, but that is really just a station wagon with a slightly higher ride height and SUV styling cues.

Volvo is part of Ford's Premiere Automotive Group, which explains why the XC90 also shares platforms with the Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego sedans and the Ford Freestyle SUV.