The sport utility's firm, supportive, power-adjustable leather seats are among the finest in the category too. In fact Volvo claims, "the seats themselves are orthopedically designed and amongst the most comfortable in the world." The premium seating comfort extends as far back as the third-row buckets. Although constrictive, the third-row in the XC90 provides comfort superior to third-rows in most competitors.

"The seats themselves are orthopedically designed and amongst the most comfortable in the world." (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Better yet, build quality within Volvo's SUV is exemplary. All fittings convey a sense of substance and quality - nothing feels as if it's about to break-off in the hand, as is often the case in less substantive interiors. Volvo has always been a leader in family friendly automotive features. In the XC90, an optional built-in booster seat pops forward from between the two second-row buckets. Not only does this design properly position the shoulder belt over the child's shoulder - which is critical in preventing serious neck injuries in the event of a crash - it also positions the child closer to those in the front seats. Such positioning reduces the need to contort when passing back snacks in an effort to satiate a howling offspring.

The overall fit and finish inside the XC90 is exemplary, everything has a solid well-made feel to it. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

For the howling parents on-board, the XC90 provides adult satiation in the way of a smooth, relaxing ride and excellent visibility. A distinct advantage of an SUV over an all-wheel-drive wagon is the elevated ride height. Occupants aboard the nicely sized XC90 are rewarded with a commanding view, regardless of which window their eyes connect with. Seeing over the regular traffic on the road is a major benefit, which allows a driver to exercise greater incident-anticipation by scanning the road well ahead the surrounding vehicles.