The Volvo XC90 is available in two variations: the base XC90 2.5T and the XC90 AWD T6.
The XC90 2.5T ($34,790) uses Volvo's proven inline five-cylinder turbocharged engine, here displacing 2.5 liters and delivering 208 horsepower and 236 foot-pounds of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive.
The T6 AWD ($40,965) is powered by the S80 luxury sedan's inline six-cylinder with twin turbos, pumped up to 2.9 liters for 268 horsepower and 280 foot-pounds, mated to a beefier but less efficient four-speed automatic.
The XC90's 2003 rollout prices have increased a significant $1,440 this year, and most option prices have increased slightly. Yet Volvo has kept the base price of the front-wheel-drive XC90 to a very reasonable level by limiting standard equipment, thus making the vehicle and its core strengths more affordable. Not that it's a stripper. The Roll Stability Control, intended to virtually eliminate the possibility of a rollover, is standard. Volvo sells safety, and all XC90s have full-length, curtain-style head-protection airbags (the first SUV so equipped, though others have followed). Other standard features include AM/FM/CD stereo, fog lights, power driver's seat with memory, dual zone climate control, tinted windows and a trip computer.
Electronically controlled all-wheel drive ($1,775) is optional on the XC90 2.5T. The popular Premium Package ($2,575) includes leather seating, a power front passenger seat, mirror memory, a moonroof and in-dash six CD changer.
The XC90 AWD T6 comes standard with all-wheel drive, as its name implies, and most of the equipment included in the base model's premium package. The T6 Premium Package ($1,300) adds 18-inch wheels, power retractable side mirrors and a premium 300-watt stereo.
The Versatility Package ($1,700) is what sets the XC90 apart from the average luxury SUV. It includes the third row of seats and its accessories, starting with separate controls for the rear air conditioning unit and audio systems, as well as a built-in second-row child booster seat. The grouped options include a Climate Package ($625) with heated front seats, headlight washers and rain-sensing wipers, and a Security Package ($675) with infrared-heated windshield and laminated side glass.
Stand-alone options include Xenon headlamps ($500), a vertical cargo net ($300) to keep gear or pets in the back (Volvo warns that a 60-pound dog flying forward at 30 mph weighs 2700 pounds), a reverse warning system ($400), 18-inch alloy wheels ($500), the integrated child booster cushion for the second-row seat ($150) and the Dolby 12-speaker sound system ($775). The optional navigation system ($1,995) is DVD based.