2007 Volvo XC90 Exterior Review [ 2008 ]
Volvo XC90 Exterior Review
Exterior - 7.3 (Good)
Reviewers are generally pleased with the exterior styling of the 2007 Volvo XC90, though most note that the design is neither cutting-edge nor particularly daring. Road and Track says the XC90 "has a rugged appearance but one that's not extreme."
Cars.com adds, "Volvos have traded angular creases for sensual curves ... The overall effect is that of a sharply dressed businessperson in a well-tailored suit." There are slight exterior differences to the Volvo XC90 depending on the three engines offered. All models of the four-door 2007 Volvo XC90 have roof rails and a front stainless skid plate, but colored body side moldings and door handles are not available with the 3.2 engine.
For 2007, the Volvo XC90 has outfitted its grille and bumper with more chrome, in addition to modifying the tail lamps for a "modern, elegant uniquely Scandinavian appearance," Autoblog's reviewer writes. The tailgate is the same, but reviewers highlight it for being easy to operate, making loading cargo into the XC90 easier than in some competitors. Cars.com says, "If you're loading something light into the back of the XC90 you might not need to drop the tailgate, but the rest of the time you'll need to open both gates. The good news is that the tiny tailgate lifts and closes easily, and the short liftgate is less likely to bonk you or someone else on the head when you raise or lower it." The Detroit News adds, "Loading is extremely easy with the lift gate that covers most of the back end, leaving a small tailgate that can also flip down. This means you don't have to lift heavy items over a large gate, but the gate keeps roly-poly cans and groceries from falling out the back."
While the San Francisco Chronicle likes the exterior of the XC90, it also thinks something's missing: running boards. "If you buy a car like this, I think we can safely assume that some of the regular passengers will be kids -- and my daughter, for one, has never struggled so hard to climb into a car. Running boards, at least under the backseat doors, would help quite a bit," its reviewer says.
