The 2011 Volvo XC90 remains an old faithful in the carmaker’s lineup, promising a safe and comfortable ride, the same thing it and its Swedish siblings have been doing for years and years. Volvo brought the XC90 out in 2003, its design hasn’t changed a whole lot since, and it continues to deliver for those interested in a seven-seat, family-friendly SUV. It may not be the most sporty midsize sports utility out there as far as hugging the road and high performance go, but the Volvo XC90’s V8 offering in particular can pack a bit of a punch, and its roominess, comfortable seats and, of course, those Volvo-wide safety marks it regularly hits are tough to beat.
Volvo presents the 2011 XC90 in three trims, the 3.2, 3.2 R-Design, and V8. The 3.2 trims come with a 3.2-liter six-cylinder that bumps up 5 hp to 240 in 2011 and provides 236 lb-ft of torque. The 4.4-liter V8 delivers 311 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Both engines team with a six-speed auto-manual transmission.
The 3.2 is offered with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) and gets 16 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway. The V8 comes with AWD and is rated at 14/21.
The 2011 Volvo XC90 seats five in its front two rows, and things get a bit dicey when it comes to accommodating seven travelers. The last in had better be kids or small adults, because the third row gets a little cramped, both sitting back there and getting in. Cargo capacity, with the back seats stowed, is 85.1 cubic feet.
Volvo packs the XC90 with standard features, including a power front passenger seat, third-row air conditioning, a power moonroof, a high-performance audio system, Bluetooth hands-free system, and a USB and iPod interface. All trims come with a rear parking assist system, and the V8 gets a rear-view camera. Heated front seats, a blind-spot information system, and a dual-screen DVD entertainment system for the back seats are among the options available for all trims.
Some reviewers favor the V8, because they feel the hefty 2011 Volvo XC90 needs the extra power to get it around smoothly. They also note that others in the XC90’s high-end class may offer a more luxurious interior while pointing out that they are apt to be pricier, too. Others suggest prospective buyers check out the 2011 Volvo XC60, which they feel matches up very well against its big brother, the XC90.
Safety features, as always, tend to be a Volvo ace in the hole. The 2011 Volvo XC90, as expected, scores very well in crash and safety tests. It features roll stability control, which is designed to stop a rollover by cutting torque and applying individual brakes. Other safety items include standard electronic stability and traction control, antilock brakes with brake assist, and front, front-seat side impact, and side curtain airbags.
Why is it taking a good 5 minutes for my AC to start to cool? It eventually cools and runs good. All my other XC90's are cool right off the get go. Is it a Freon issue? Condenser issue? Thank you!!!!!
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones · Single third row air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Third row side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): three 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Bumper detail: rear underguard · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Skid plate(s): front · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Xenon · Rear fog lights: auto-off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Roof rails: silver
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat: built-in · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Third row headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Type: 50-50 split bench · Upholstery: leather
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: multi-spoke
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones · Single third row air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Third row side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 650 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): three 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Bumper detail: rear underguard · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: split liftgate · Skid plate(s): front · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Rear fog lights: auto-off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rails: silver
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat: built-in · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front, rear and third row · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Third row headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Type: 50-50 split bench · Upholstery: leather
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: multi-spoke
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones · Single third row air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): three 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Driven Wheels: all wheel drive
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Bumper detail: rear underguard · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Skid plate(s): front · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon · Rear fog lights: auto-off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Roof rails: silver
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat: built-in · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Third row headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Type: 50-50 split bench · Upholstery: leather
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: multi-spoke
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones · Single third row air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Third row side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): three 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Driven Wheels: all wheel drive
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Bumper detail: front underguard · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: split liftgate · Skid plate(s): front · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Rear fog lights: auto-off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt · Roof rails: silver
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat: built-in · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Third row headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Type: 50-50 split bench · Upholstery: leather
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: multi-spoke
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones · Single third row air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Third row side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Center console trim: leather · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): three 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Bumper detail: rear underguard · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Front bumper color: gray · Mirror color: chrome · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: gray · Rear trunk/liftgate: split liftgate · Skid plate(s): front · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Rear fog lights: auto-off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Roof rails: silver
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat: built-in · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front and rear · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Third row headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Type: 50-50 split bench · Upholstery: leather
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: multi-spoke
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer