Used 2014 Volvo XC90

After receiving a major update last year, the 2014 Volvo XC90 continues to stack up well against newer competitors such as the Infiniti QX60 and Audi Q7. The XC90 offers a number of innovative features, such as a 2nd-row integrated child booster cushion. It also provides seating for seven, although like many 7-passenger SUVs its 3rd-row seat is rather cramped and eats up most of the usable cargo space. However, if safety is your top priority, it’s worth noting that the XC90 was awarded a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

We were pleasantly surprised by the 2014 Volvo XC90’s strong on-road driving characteristics. Stability is impressive for such a tall vehicle, an attribute we chalk up to the partnership between the XC90’s sophisticated Roll Stability Control (RSC) and the vehicle’s wide stance at the wheels. Given its eight inches of ground clearance, we expected more body roll in the curves, but the XC90 happily disagreed. It moves through turns with assuredness and delivers good feedback via the thick-rimmed steering wheel. A Haldex viscous-coupling all-wheel-drive (AWD) system splits the engine’s torque between the front and rear axles. When not in use, the majority of the engine’s power flows to the front wheels resulting in better fuel economy. When wheel slippage does occur, power is distributed to the wheels with the best traction. Once traction is regained, the system reverts back to its front-wheel-drive (FWD) mode.

The Volvo XC90’s interior layout strays from the typical form-over-function designs of its competitors. While it can be outfitted with warm wood and sumptuous leather, XC90 designers focused primarily on clever ergonomics and distinguishable controls. Supportive side bolstering, plush padding and creamy leather trim make for some of the most comfortable front seats in its class. Although the 3rd-row seat is best suited for children, it does feature a versatile 50/50-split fold-flat design for various seating and cargo configurations. The 2nd-row seat is fairly roomy and includes a sliding middle seat so parents can position a child closer to the front seats.

Noticeably less elegant than many of its competitors, the 2014 XC90 portrays a more reserved, traditional SUV design. Despite its tall stature, the XC90 offers easier ingress and egress than most 7-passenger SUVs. The XC90 shuns the massive wheel-and-tire combinations found on today’s popular luxury SUVs for the increased ride comfort and lower replacement cost of an 18-inch setup. Two cameras mounted underneath the outside mirrors provide blind-spot assistance while a reinforced roof design offers an added level of protection in the event of a rollover accident.

CENTER BOOSTER CUSHION
The 2nd-row middle seat features an integrated booster cushion that provides proper seatbelt and head-restraint protection for smaller children. If the booster seat is no longer necessary, simply fold and stow the cushion for a conventional 2nd-row seating configuration.

NIVOMAT SELF-LEVELING REAR SUSPENSION
To help mitigate rear suspension squat and instability due to heavy loads, the XC90 R-Design utilizes self-leveling rear shock absorbers. The result is improved aerodynamics, consistent tire wear, a proper headlight angle and increased vehicle control.

Among the 2014 XC90’s range of standard features is dual-zone automatic climate control with a 3rd-row control panel, power front seats, Bluetooth hands-free phone capability, rear sonar proximity sensors for parking assistance, leather seating surfaces, power moonroof, front and rear fog lights, illuminated remote keyless entry and dual heated power mirrors. The standard sound system features eight speakers, USB and auxiliary audio input ports for MP3/WMA players and HD Radio. The sporty R-Design adds a special grille and trim, sport front seats, the Nivomat self-leveling rear suspension and 19-inch wheels. Safety equipment includes anti-submarining seats to help prevent occupants from slipping out of their seatbelts during a collision.

The 2014 Volvo XC90 offers all-wheel drive for both the 3.2 and R-Design models. For a more simplified ordering process, the majority of available features for the XC90 are now grouped together within trims. The XC90 3.2 is offered in base, Premier Plus or Platinum trims, while the R-Design comes in base and Platinum trim. The Premier Plus trim includes bi-xenon headlights, upgraded leather-trimmed seating surfaces and interior wood inlays (now standard on R-Design). Platinum trims include a navigation system, rearview camera and a 650-watt, 12-speaker premium audio system.

With a 2 ½-ton curb weight and the standard 240-horsepower, 3.2-liter inline 6-cylinder engine, the XC90 can feel slightly underpowered. Luckily, this 6-cylinder powerplant does not require premium gasoline, which makes it a bit easier to top off the tank without breaking the bank. Additionally, both the 3.2 and R-Design models offer a 6-speed automatic transmission with a sequential shift mode as standard fare.

3.2-liter inline-6
240 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
236 lb-ft of torque @ 3,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/25 mpg (FWD), 16/23 mpg (AWD)