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2004 Volvo XC90 2.5T AWD Road Test

High-End SUV, Low-End Power

I can think of no other sentence that succinctly describes the Volvo XC90, at least the one equipped with the Swedish brands low-pressure turbocharged, inline 2.5-liter, 5-cylinder engine, other than "high-end SUV, low-end power." What a great vehicle this would be if a well-refined, torquey V8 were to locate itself beneath the sculpted hood - but thats not likely to happen anytime soon despite its Ford Motor parentage.

The XC90 2.5T is a tremendously good, light-duty SUV in every other way than engine performance mind you. Dont get me wrong, Im not a high-octane power-freak, I just appreciate and expect strong highway and hill climbing performance from a vehicle in this Volvos lofty

The 2.5T version of the Volvo XC90 is tremendously good in every other way than engine performance. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

price range. With its optional all-wheel-drive, premium comfort and versatility, the luxury SUV makes a fine ski vehicle - on the way down the mountain at least. Going up, loaded with passengers and gear, the XC90 feels almost as slow as a chairlift.

Although many drivers may find the 208-horsepower 2.5T suitable for their needs, it would be wise

The 2.5T gets about town well enough, but youd want to think twice about trying to pass a logging truck on the way up to the ski hill with your family and all their gear onboard. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

to spend some time with it before plunging into the financial deep-end. The 2.5T gets about town well enough, however, and is not unpleasant when servicing basic transportation needs. Still, the prospect of passing a slow moving logging truck in a heavily laden example is not one I would entertain unless out on the Prairie flats where visibility and low traffic volumes

The turbocharged five-cylinder 2.5T powerplant runs out of breath well before reaching redline. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

equate to miles of passing opportunity - of course one is unlikely to encounter logging trucks in the Prairies making that last point somewhat moot.

When the 2.5T is pushed, it takes an undue period of time to snap to attention and start delivering. When it finally does deliver some decent power, the effort is short-lived. The turbocharged five-cylinder powerplant runs out of breath well before reaching redline. This is somewhat unusual for a turbocharged,

The AWD system on the XC90 does an excellent job of maximizing traction and road-holding. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

4-valve per-cylinder engine equipped with constant variable valve timing. Although rated at a considerable 236 foot-pounds of torque, the wheezy performance of the 2.5 may relate to its admirable Ultra Low Emission II designation. At any rate, prospective purchasers should drive both the 2.5T and T6 versions to avoid possible performance anxiety, or worse buyers remorse.

The XC90 T6 utilizes a turbocharged, inline 6-cylinder powerbroker, capable of producing a respectable 268-horsepower and 280 foot-pounds of torque.

The XC90 is based off Volvos flagship S80 sedan, so expect it to be geared more towards comfort and performance instead of extreme off-roading and heavy towing. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

Of course, a commensurate boost in fuel consumption should be anticipated.

I dont like starting-off the review of a truly fine automobile with a negative theme, so on to the more positive aspects of the XC90. What power is deliverable goes primarily to the front wheels through a driver adaptive, 5-speed automatic transmission featuring a manual mode termed "Geartronic." This unit shifts smartly and smoothly and exhibits a desire to make the best of the 2.5T engine.

The optional all-wheel-drive system,

The car-based platform of Volvos SUV results in one terrific family oriented ride. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

front-wheel drive is standard, does an excellent job of maximizing traction and road-holding by directing torque to the wheel or wheels with the greatest grip - whether the combination is front to rear, or side to side. Volvo has also incorporated a low-speed traction control system, called TRACS, into the AWD apparatus.

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