What an interesting day! I test drove a XC90 today and it did not live up to my expectations. That disappoints me in once sense but I am relieved as well.

I fell in love with the XC90 at last year’s Detroit car show based on what I saw on the outside and the glimpses of the interior. I felt it was an excellent blend of car/minivan/SUV.

Later in the year I put an XC90 on order but had to cancel the order and take a 2003 XC70 as Volvo kept delaying the delivery of the XC90. Since then, I’ve been worried that I would regret not waiting for the XC90 once I test-drove it. My worries are over.

The XC90 is still a nice vehicle but it falls well short of the XC70. My biggest complaint is the 2nd row seating which is very cramped when the front seat is adjusted for me. This is not a vehicle for four 6’ adults. There is far more leg room in the XC70.

As well I found the interior less appealing with an over styled and complicated stereo, large fake wood panels on the centre console, as well as cheesy metalic looking door handles, which cheapen the look. The interior has an overstated American look to it.

The ride is more like a SUV (I assume from the larger tires) and I noted the average fuel consumption displayed on the computer was much higher than my XC70.

I guess Volvo did me a favour by delaying deliveries so long. I love my new XC70.

It goes to show that you should never order a vehicle prior to a test drive.