X

Photos: 2007 Volvo XC90

Volvo's SUV is a practical car with lots of surprises. Its base stereo system sounds extremely good and allows fine-tuning, while its smallish engine delivers strong acceleration. It's nothing fancy, but it works well.

CNET Reviews staff
32027760-2-440-0.jpg
1 of 20 CNET Networks
Volvo's SUV comes with two engine choices: a six-cylinder or a V-8. Our test car came with the six-cylinder engine and optional all-wheel-drive. All-wheel-drive is standard with the V-8.
32027760-2-440-FT.jpg
2 of 20 CNET Networks
Volvo's distinctive, boxy shape has been toned down with a few curves over the last decade, though it still retains the Volvo style.
32027760-2-440-SD.jpg
3 of 20 CNET Networks
From wagon to SUV, the Volvo look doesn't change much. The XC90 looks like its wagon sibling, all pumped up.
32027760-2-440-DASH.jpg
4 of 20 CNET Networks
The dashboard in the XC90 is well designed, but not flashy. Our test car came equipped with an in-dash six-disc changer, but no navigation.
32027760-2-440-DT1.jpg
5 of 20 CNET Networks
An auxiliary audio input is standard in the XC90, mounted between the cup holders on the center console.
32027760-2-440-DT2.jpg
6 of 20 CNET Networks
Two five-band equalizers--one for the front and one for the rear--are one of the surprises on this stereo. Few other cars allow this degree of audio fine-tuning.
32027760-2-440-DT3.jpg
7 of 20 CNET Networks
Our XC90 came optioned with adaptive bi-xenon headlights, which turn a few degrees when the wheel turns, helping light up corners.
32027760-2-440-SS1.jpg
8 of 20 CNET Networks
Volvo goes a little crazy with taillights, running them from the roof down to midway on the lift gate on both sides.
32027760-2-440-SS2.jpg
9 of 20 CNET Networks
Cargo area is ample in the XC90, accessible through the clamshell lift gate. Third-row seats are also folded flat in the floor.
32027760-2-440-SS3.jpg
10 of 20 CNET Networks
With its leather seating, the interior of the XC90 feels luxurious but not overwrought.
32027760-2-440-SS4.jpg
11 of 20 CNET Networks
Access to the third-row seats is made easier because the middle row can slide forward.
32027760-2-440-SS6.jpg
12 of 20 CNET Networks
The black plastic controls on the center stack are not quite as nice-looking as the silver controls on the Volvo C70.
32027760-2-440-SS7.jpg
13 of 20 CNET Networks
The center fill speaker occupies the center of the dash. If navigation were present, the screen would pop up from the middle of the speaker.
32027760-2-440-SS8.jpg
14 of 20 CNET Networks
The in-dash, six-disc changer works very well and sounds excellent. The controls are relatively simple, but the keypad is a little unnecessary, as it controls only radio presets.
32027760-2-440-SS9.jpg
15 of 20 CNET Networks
We like the rotary selection scheme for audio sources.
32027760-2-440-SS10.jpg
16 of 20 CNET Networks
This stereo handles MP3 CDs, although it isn't easy to navigate them. The random function allows for some fine-tuning.
32027760-2-440-SS11.jpg
17 of 20 CNET Networks
We found the steering a little light on the XC90; not surprising, as this car is meant to be maneuvered around parking lots instead of pushed through fast corners.
32027760-2-440-SS12.jpg
18 of 20 CNET Networks
The six-speed automatic transmission works well in this car. It also has a Winter mode, which changes the transmission logic to deal with snowy weather.
32027760-2-440-SS13.jpg
19 of 20 CNET Networks
The instrument cluster reflects the refined interior style with its simple but elegant design.
32027760-2-440-SS14.jpg
20 of 20 CNET Networks
The transversely mounted 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine moves this car very well, considering its relatively small displacement.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos