The V6 engine manages to do it's job, coupled to a 6 speed engine with a short shift in the first gear to guarantee a better take off from a full stop, but some reviewers felt that this engine just didn't cut it and Car and Driver commented that "at speeds above 50 mph the engine struggles to motivate the XC90's 4786-pounds and all-wheel drive system." That's not the only problem with the smaller standard engine. Consumer Guide commented that "some testers complained of slow downshifts with the 3.2." These may seem like small and finicky complaints, but the overall driving experience depends on having an engine that will step out with plenty of horsepower. The V6 in the Volvo XC90 only puts out 235 horsepower, as compared to the 311 horsepower generated by the larger V8 option.
For 2010 there have been a few changes to the Volvo XC90. The five-passenger seating has been discontinued and is now offered as a seven-passenger only. The trims lines have been changed slightly as well, with three available models and an available R-Design package.
Volvo XC90 is known for it's safety
Volvo XC90 is known for it's safety