2012 Volvo XC90 Crossover SUV Review & Ratings

The XC90 middle sized luxury crossover SUV has been produced by Volvo since 2002, based on their P2 platform, shared with the Series One Volvo S80 sedan. The XC90 received its last major update way back in 2007 when both the front and rear ends were re-designed, taking in Volvo's now familiar wedge shaped front as well as having an almost total interior revamp.

A comfortable seven seater four door, the 2012 Volvo XC90 has earned itself a rightful share of the glowing hot compact luxury crossover niche, where its combination of sleek lines, functionability and traditional Volvo solid and safe image has attracted mostly favorable reviews.

The 2012 Volvo XC90 premium crossover SUV comes with a 3.2 liter transversely mounted inline 6 cylinder engine that generates 240 horsepower and 236 pound per feet of torque paired with a six speed automatic transmission including manual shift control. The XC90 comes with standard front wheel drive, with those preferring all wheel drive can take up the option. Even fully loaded the XC90 provides a quiet, relaxing and secure ride, thanks to its four wheel independent suspension.

As far as providing driver convenience and passenger comfort, the Volvo XC90 is more than adequate. Sitting a proud 75 inches wide, 189 inches long, 70 inches high and standing just 8.3 inches of the ground, the XC90 will perform, equally well both on and off the road and has even been fitted with lower body protection as well as front and rear skid plates for when the going gets really rough.

The 2012 Volvo XC90 Crossover SUV provides more than enough cabin space even for the tallest back seat passengers, including those in the third row whose comfort is assured thanks to a 50/50 split rear seat bench formation. Second row passengers are slightly better taken care of with a 40/20/40 formation with the mid seat either foldable or containing an integral booster seat that readily slides frontward to allow easy parent contact .

Cargo carrying can be a challenge for the Volvo XC90 starting at just less than 9 cubic foot with seven passenger's board. However it can reach as high as 93 cubic feet of cargo carrying capacity with all the seats folded. Loading and unloading the XC90 is also a very simple operation, thanks to its exceptionally wide opening tailgate and flat floor. And if the Volvo XC90's maximum payload of around 1,250 pounds is not enough, the Crossover can also tow another 3,970 pounds.