2005 Volvo XC90 Trims and Specs

Despite claims that the 208-horsepower engine was not enough for the 2.5T, a great number of its drivers found themselves grinning widely. They loved the ride, the style, and the confident feeling they got from knowing how many safety features had their back.

Base-model Volvos are never basic, especially in this, the company's only SUV offering. The list includes air bags, ABS, stability control, traction control, multi-zone climate control, daytime running lights, power-adjustable heated exterior mirrors (now with water-repellent glass), automatic transmission with manual shift function, trip computer, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and fog lights.

User satisfaction runs from wildly happy to bitterly disappointed, but those disappointments are few - plus this is all anecdotal. This trim achieved decent fuel economy, in the high teens around town and low 20s on the highway.

Frequent groaning that the 208-horsepower engine did not provide sufficient power for the 2.5T resulted in the addition of a V8 trim for this year, but countless buyers are perfectly happy with those 5-cylinders. Some simply don't feel the need for their driving purposes, or they're much more concerned with economy at purchase time and for the car's lifetime of fill-ups.

And anyway, this is a Volvo we're talking about. The seats are as comfortable or more so than in any other European SUV, and it's a great-looking package overall. It also holds the road, thanks to the AWD as well as the standard-equipment traction and stability control. Moreover, the 5-speed automatic transmission can be shifted manually for even more control in hairy situations.

Aside from the all-wheel drive, this is more or less a base-model - but is never actually basic by definition. Standard features include air bags, ABS, stability control, traction control, multi-zone climate control, daytime running lights, power-adjustable heated exterior mirrors (now with water-repellent glass), automatic transmission with manual shift function, trip computer, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and fog lights.

Users were mostly satisfied, although a small number experienced vexing problems. Many drivers of the 2.5T AWD trim claimed that their fuel economy, in the high teens around town and low 20s on the highway, was better than advertised when they kept a keen eye on regular maintenance.

The V6 trim was the perfect option for those who felt the 2.5T was too weak yet they didn't want to pay for the V8. Fuel economy (15 city/20 highway) is clearly better with the 2.5T, but it's not an issue with the V8, which actually gets marginally better highway mileage than the smaller V6 simply because it is a newer, more efficient design.

The turbo provides an appreciated boost when needed, although some drivers complain about a slight lag. Everyone loved the AWD, especially those in snowy environs. This is not a true off-road vehicle, although it has its capabilities. For times when the driver wants increased control he can opt to shift the 4-speed automatic manually.

With its full slate of safety features, the XC90 T6 is no different from any other Volvo. You may be as safe as if you were riding in a tank, although it definitely has a car's ride and handling. Standard equipment includes a sunroof, leather seats, air bags, ABS, stability control, traction control, multi-zone climate control, daytime running lights, power-adjustable heated exterior mirrors (now with water-repellent glass), a trip computer, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and fog lights. The backseat will accommodate adults comfortably, but the optional third seat is best for children.

Look at what's happened since Ford acquired Volvo in 2001. The first-ever Volvo SUV, the XC90, was released for the 2003 model year. And then in 2005 there was another first: a Volvo (the XC90 again, of course) with a V8!

What's more, this was the only gasoline-powered V8 that year that earned official Ultra-Low Emissions status. So take that, all you anti-SUV folks! Sure, the gas mileage is still not quite where Greenpeace wants it to be, at 16 city and 20 highway, but it could be worse. The 6-speed automatic transmission can be shifted manually when the driver seeks either more control or more fun.

Since Ford lacked a V8 engine that the XC90 could accommodate transversely (to preserve both its size and safety factor in a frontal crash), Yamaha developed one expressly for this SUV. Delivering 311 horsepower, it put an end to the two-year buzz that the XC90 was underpowered.

Externally there are small clues to help distinguish the V8 from the 5- and 6-cylinder XC90s. Look for dual exhaust tailpipes and a small V8 logo on the car; inside you may notice the slightly upgraded trim. Leather comes standard on this trim, as do both climate control and audio controls for the rear seat.

Occupant safety is always the top concern with every Volvo. Standard features on the XC90 V8 include air bags, ABS, stability control, traction control, and a passenger safety cage with an ultra-strong boron roof. Comforts and conveniences come in the form of multi-zone climate control, daytime running lights, power-adjustable heated exterior mirrors (now with water-repellent glass), automatic transmission with manual shift function, trip computer, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and fog lights. Whereas the third-row seat is an option on the lower-priced trims, it comes standard on this one.