Drove a T6 XC90 demo the other day on a mix of highway, 2-lane county. and primitive dirt roads. It had the 18" wheels with Michelin Pilots and 275 miles on the odometer.

It's really tall compared to my 2000 XC. Similar in size to a Grand Cherokee parked next to it but much sharper looking. Easy entry for a guy 6'-2". Don't care for how the running boards look although they might provide a place to kick dirt off your boots.

Handled nice but felt insulated compared to the XC. It sailed over the dirt, easily taking dips and rocks that punish the XC. First gear in the 4-speed is relatively high, though, so the car's steep terrain abilities are limited. Not sure I liked the geartronic transmission but I guess you get used to it. The MPG readout was frightening, generally around 14 or so and down to 0.1 when accelerating. The window sticker says 15/20, poorer that I expected. The dealer didn't get a 5-cylinder yet but let's hope it's more fuel efficient.

The inside is roomy for the driver but even at my height I couldn't see the front end. All the instruments and features--like real cup holders!--seem well designed except for the sun shade doesn't work well to the side because of the arched pillar. One odd thing is that the battery is in the rear under the floor, preseumeably for better weight distribution. The exterior is so clean that I couldn't find anywhere to tie off a canoe. Three potential trouble spots:

* The rear "skid plate" is a plastic cover--for looks only in a spot that *will* get bashed on backcountry roads. Very tacky.

* The spare is tucked under the rear like on pickup trucks where it is exposed to dirt and rocks--I hate this location but I guess they couldn't put it inside with the third row of seats. I couldn't tell if it was full-sized and the salesman didn't know.

* Cooling coils (air conditioning?) are sitting exposed between the front bumper and skid plate (a metal one up front) where winter road debris could damage them. It needs a screen or grill for protection.

I was told that an XC90 ordered now would arrive in March and that they are charging straight sticker price. An attractive car (truck?) but not perfect. Should sell well to soccer moms. Those of us who venture outside the city on unimproved roads will be disappointed that it doesn't make better use of all that clearance.