The 2003 year sees the arrival of a mid-size SUV for Volvo.
Since many SUV characteristics are in keeping with Volvo's
mission and brand identity already, it is not surprising
that the 2003 Volvo XC90 is such a credible offering in
this competitive segment.
The XC90 has all of Volvo's usual build quality, rugged
durability, high performance levels and safety, all elements
prioritized by SUV designers in general. Setting it apart
though, is its 93.2 cubic feet of cargo carrying versatility
and its choice of two unusually small and fuel-efficient
engines.
Available Models
The XC90 comes in a XC90 AWD version with a 5-cylinder engine
while the XC90 AWD T6 comes with a more powerful inline
V6. Several major equipment packages and an assortment of
stand-alone options allow customers to personalize and enhance
a model for themselves.
Interior Features
The XC90 has a lot to boast about on the inside. Apart from
the usual high level of interior comfort and content, it
has tremendous cargo and passenger carrying versatility.
No fewer than 64 different configurations can be made with
the existing seat systems. On top of 93.2 cubic feet of
cargo space with the seats folded down, the XC90 can take
things 9.5 feet in length. A Versatility Package offers
optional forward facing third row seats, increases seating
capacity to seven. The 40/20/40 second-row bench seat can
be adjusted back and forth, resulting in flexible room for
the third-row passengers and, when not in use, the third
row folds flat below the cargo floor and does not need to
be removed and stored to free up that area.
Comforts items include separate controls for the rear air
conditioning unit and the 350-Watt Alpine audio system.
It also has automatic climate control throughout, cruise
control, powered seats and much more.
Exterior Features
The XC90 has a distinctive exterior for a Volvo, one that
is unique as their first SUV but nevertheless one that still
echoes the classic Volvo styling. Roof rails and integrated
fog lights grace both models.
Performance
The XC90 offers a choice of the 5-cylinder 2.5 engine with
all-wheel drive (AWD) or the 2.9-liter AWD T6. The first
is a turbocharged and intercooled powerplant that generates
208 hp at 5000 rpm and 236 lb-ft of torque at as low as
1500, making it excellent for towing tasks that require
lots of power at low speeds. It gets 18/24 mpg (city/hwy)
with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
The AWD T6 adds power beyond expectations for the small
increase in displacement. It puts out 268 hp at 5200 rpm
and 280 lb-ft of torque at 1800. It gets 15/20 mpg from
a 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety and Security
The list of safety features that Volvo routinely includes
in all models they produce is long and representative of
the leading edge in safety technology. The XC90 has extensive
passive equipment with two-stage dual front airbags, side
impact protection (SIPS), whiplash protection (WHIPS), front-
and second-row curtain side airbags and the ISO-fix baby
seat attachment system.
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2003
Volvo XC90 - Specs
Roll
Over Protection System (ROPS)
