2016 VOLVO XC90

PRICE/AS TESTED: $61,300/$73,100 ADD-ONS: Destination and delivery $1,815 TYPE: Three-row large SUV PROPULSION: Front-engine, allwheel drive CARGO: 368 L behind third row; 2,427 L behind front row ENGINE: 2.0-litre turbocharged and supercharged I4 (plug-in hybrid available) TRANSMISSION: Eight-speed automatic POWER/TORQUE: 320 hp @ 5,700 RPM; 295 lb-ft. @ 2,200 to 5,400 RPM FUEL CONSUMPTION (L/100 km, premium req.): 11.5 city, 9.5 hwy. BRAKES: Front: ventilated discs, single piston caliper, 345 mm diameter; Rear: ventilated discs, single piston caliper, 320 mm diameter TIRES: 19-inch to 21-inch available STANDARD FEATURES: 9.3-inch infotainment system with navigation and voice control, four-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, collision mitigation system with cyclist and pedestrian detection ACCESSIBILITY: Third row is roomier than many but still tricky to get to, an extended hip support cushion can easily get in the driver’s way, otherwise excellent COMPETITION: Acura MDX (starts at $52,990; 3.5-litre V4 (290 hp); BMW X5 (starts at $66,300; four engine options (300 to 445 hp)) WHAT’S BEST: Refreshing simplicity in an increasingly complicated world WHAT’S WORST: No easy-up feature for the third-row seats MOST INTERESTING: The T6 Drive-E engine is both supercharged and turbocharged, offering great performance and fuel economy LOOKS: Airy, refined, and stately INTERIOR: As Zen-inducing as a yoga studio, particularly with the Nappa leather and open-pore wood in Inscription trim PERFORMANCE: As enjoyable a 2.0 L I4 as you’ll find — plenty of accessible torque without the exorbitant fuel bill to match; transmission is quick and punchy but not intrusive TECHNOLOGY: Impressive safety features come standard such as collision mitigation with cyclist and pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, park assist camera RATING: It’s cleaning up in this year’s awards for good reason. If I had the money to buy this car, I would have one by now. WEBSITE: volvocars.com/en-ca