But even without the $2,500 option, a fully equipped XC90 nears the $70K mark at about $69,000. Yeaowch! That's a lot of coin for a Volvo. But comparing SUVs to SUVs it's not that far off its premium rivals. The XC90's equal luxury and quality levels, additional seating and cargo room, superior safety features and arguably better than average styling, make it such a worthwhile investment that the roads in my home town are full of them.

The Volvo XC90 is a well-rounded player in the SUV market, and if my money was on the line it would be near the top of my shopping list. (Photo: Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

Personally it would be high on my shopping list if my money were on the line. It's a well rounded player, not necessarily excelling in any one particular area but doing most everything well enough that it balances out near the top of the pack.

Specifications:

• Price Range (MSRP): $54,995 - $69,000 (not including $2,500 DVD player)
• Body Type: 5-door SUV
• Layout: front engine, AWD
• Base Engine: 208 hp, 236 lb-ft torque, 2.5-L, I-5, low-pressure turbo
• Opt Engine: 268 hp, 280 lb-ft torque, 2.9-L, I-6, twin turbo
• Transmission: 4-spd auto (opt 5-spd auto) Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS and EBD
• Seating Cap: 7
• Cargo Cap (seats folded): 2404 L (85 cu ft)
• Ground Clearance: 218 - 226 mm (8.6 - 8.9 in)
• Towing Capacity: 2,250 kg (4,960 lbs)
• Curb Weight: 2,046 - 2,095 kg (4,511 - 4,619 lbs)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 13.3 / 9.1 L/100 km
• Warranty (mo/km): 4-year/80,000 comprehensive
• Competitors: Acura MDX, BMW X5, Cadillac Escalade, GMC Envoy XL, Infiniti QX4, Lexus LX 470, Lincoln Aviator, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Oldsmobile Bravada, VW Touareg
• Web Site: www.volvocanada.com