Shopping for a luxury SUV is fun. There are some wonderful models to check out, including the 2017 Volvo XC90, an attractive vehicle with some cool technology. 

• Performance: turbocharged 2.0-liter, four cylinder, 250 horsepower; 2.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged four-cylinder, 316 horsepower; 2.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged hybrid, 400 horsepower
• Mileage estimate: 22-26 mpg; 20-25 mpg; 24-27 mpg
• Price estimate: $52,230 to $72,800
• Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles; drivetrain: 4 years/50,000 miles; roadside assistance:4 years/unlimited; corrosion: 12 years/unlimited 

There are plenty of reasons to be enamored with the 2017 Volvo XC90, a luxury crossover sport utility vehicle. First off, it’s a very attractive SUV and the white color on the test model made it even more appealing. It has a bold yet sophisticated look that would make any owner proud to have it parked in their driveway for neighbors to admire.

For technological geeks, there’s lots to love, and it starts with merely turning on and off the engine, which is initiated from a knob near the center console. The large center console in the elegantly stylish cabin features a touchscreen that uses infrared technology that reportedly improves response time. 

The XC90 has three rows, and seats seven people comfortably. Like all Volvos, this one has an exorbitant amount of safety features that add considerable value and result in peace of mind. Among the features are frontal collision detection with automatic braking (the brakes are applied if the driver attempts to turn in front of an oncoming car). There’s also energy-absorbing seat cushions and self-tightening seatbelts if the SUV suddenly careens off the road.

The engines are also a bit novel. The XC90 has an innovative supercharged and turbocharged engine—there are no V6 or V8 options. Take your pick—all three Volvo engines are performance laden and get sufficient gas mileage for an SUV.

The standard engine (T5) is a turbo 2.0-liter, four cylinder that produces 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It goes 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds. There’s also a (T6) 2.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged four cylinder that generates 316 horsepower, 295 pound-feet of torque, and can travel 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds.

The quickest of the group is the XC90 plug-in hybrid (T8), that’s also a 2.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged model with 443 pound-feet of torque, and is aided by an 87-horsepower electric motor. The combined horsepower is 400 and the hybrid reportedly goes 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds. From a standard 120-volt wall outlet, charging takes seven hours. The electric range is a mere 14 miles.

A knock against the XC90 is the overall acceleration is less than some of its leading rivals like the Acura MDX, BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Although the Volvo SUV performs well on most surfaces, it doesn’t provide a smooth ride on bumpy roads.

An impressive blend of textures—wood, metal, leather and carbon-fiber accents—gives the XC90 interior a sophisticated look. Both front seat and second row occupants provide a healthy amount of room and comfort. And even the third row won’t feel too cramped for most adults. Cargo space is 15.8 cubic feet behind the third row and when the two rows are folded the capacity increases to 85.7 cubic feet. Some of the technology can be difficult to initially master.

The 2017 Volvo XC90 deserves a look when shopping for a luxury SUV. It has lots of sophistication, the usual tremendous amount safety considerations, is attractive, and has an abundance of modern technology.

Article by Jeffrey Weidel // Photo courtesy of Volvo