I had the opportunity to really test the drive during a quick stint in the country with the in-laws. The road that led to the small town where we were headed was deserted and combined twisties, elevation changes and long straights. I must say that the family usually does not approve of some of my driving habits, however as we motored 
through the countryside, not one person said a peep. I believe it is because they had no idea as to how fast we were travelling (we were late...). All this to say that the XC90's suspension is so smooth and refined that even an accidented road could not disturb the ambiance inside the truck. I was impressed with the amount of control that the chassis displayed as well as its civilised behaviour.
Safety is a subject that can not be overlooked when describing the XC90. In its beginning, it was the first SUV made available with standard roll stability control. The list of standard features is exhaustive and consists of six air bags, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution and assist and the complete assortment of traction, roll and stability control. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the truck 5 out of 5 (a perfect result) for the driver and 4 out of 5 stars (a good result) for the passenger in frontal impacts. Also, it received 5 out of 5 stars for the front and rear passengers in lateral impacts. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has rated it a "Best Pick" and puts it on top of 9 SUVs in its category.
Volvo has the image of being a good and conscientious builder. I would almost ven
ture to say that people who dislike SUVs would almost judge owners of XC90s as having had to purchase the vehicle because of the aura of the truck and the company. It is after all the or one of the greenest SUVs on the planet.
I would never consider myself a fan of SUVs, however if I had to make a decision and purchase one, the XC90 would be #1 on my list.
Competitors:
BMW X5
Cadillac SRX
Acura MDX
Lexus RX 330
through the countryside, not one person said a peep. I believe it is because they had no idea as to how fast we were travelling (we were late...). All this to say that the XC90's suspension is so smooth and refined that even an accidented road could not disturb the ambiance inside the truck. I was impressed with the amount of control that the chassis displayed as well as its civilised behaviour. Safety is a subject that can not be overlooked when describing the XC90. In its beginning, it was the first SUV made available with standard roll stability control. The list of standard features is exhaustive and consists of six air bags, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution and assist and the complete assortment of traction, roll and stability control. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the truck 5 out of 5 (a perfect result) for the driver and 4 out of 5 stars (a good result) for the passenger in frontal impacts. Also, it received 5 out of 5 stars for the front and rear passengers in lateral impacts. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has rated it a "Best Pick" and puts it on top of 9 SUVs in its category.
Volvo has the image of being a good and conscientious builder. I would almost ven
ture to say that people who dislike SUVs would almost judge owners of XC90s as having had to purchase the vehicle because of the aura of the truck and the company. It is after all the or one of the greenest SUVs on the planet. I would never consider myself a fan of SUVs, however if I had to make a decision and purchase one, the XC90 would be #1 on my list.
Competitors:
BMW X5
Cadillac SRX
Acura MDX
Lexus RX 330
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