The aging XC90 got a light cosmetic freshening for 2013, but it is outdated and outclassed. Its best features include a flexible interior, seven-passenger seating, and impressive safety gear. The 240-hp, 3.2-liter six-cylinder is underpowered, and fuel economy of 17 mpg overall is not impressive. The ride is stiff and unsettled, and handling lacks agility, although it is ultimately secure. The cabin is quiet, but the backup camera is very slow to rise out of the dashboard, and by the time it shows an image you may be finished reversing. The radio controls are convoluted and folding the third-row seat is more of a chore than it should be. Reliability has been below average.
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Volvo Blog Content
Study reveals which car crash avoidance technology can be a proven lifesaver
Many new cars boast technology to help drivers avoid a crash, and now a new study finds that one system is a standout in preventing fender benders and injuries on the road. Forward-collision avoidance systems with autonomous braking are making...
2013 Honda Civic aces tough IIHS crash test
After some mixed results from early models tested in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) new small overlap crash test, the latest batch of vehicles earn top scores. The Volvo XC60 and two- and four-door versions of the Honda...
Consumer Reports names the best and worst cars by brand
While car brand reputation can be a strong influence on purchase decisions, such perceptions can be misleading. The reality is, every brand offers models that perform across a spectrum, with some are clearly better than others. As we see in...
2014 Volvo S60 and XC60 promise refinements and more safety gear
Volvo has removed the virtual cover from its 2014 S60 sedan and XC60 SUV, revealing numerous interior and exterior updates. Volvo refers to this midlife freshening as the most extensive in its company history, although it is well within the...
Who owns which car brands?
The auto industry has a very confusing family tree. The past few years have seen partnerships, sales, separations, bankruptcies, and entire divisions killed off, making it difficult to keep up with who owns which car brands. As automakers slim down...
