Is there a better crossover SUV than the XC90?
So what exactly is a crossover SUV? Good question. Appearance-wise, a crossover looks like an estate car on stilts, with components of 4x4s and SUVs bolted on like a very expensive, very elaborate Meccano set. One explanation is that ‘crossover’ is simply a clever marketing term for a vehicle that derives from a car platform while borrowing features from an SUV. In reality though, think of a crossover as a way to own a sporty-looking car while still keeping an element of practicality about proceedings.
So what’s best to go for should you decide to enter into this very confusing, world? The sort answer is that there are loads of good ones out there to swallow your cash and doff their cap to you like you’re doing them a favour. Want to spend loads of money? Go for a Porsche Cayenne. Want to be so comfortable that there’s a good chance of falling asleep at the wheel? You can’t go far wrong with a Lexus RX400h. But not a lot of people want those things so the best thing you could do is follow Jeremy Clarkson’s footsteps and get yourself a Volvo XC90.
The XC90 is billed as one of the sportiest Volvos available and the well-weighted and precise six-speed gearbox helps you get at the performance and level of interaction on offer. Obviously it’s fantastically built and immensely safe as you would expect from Volvo, but the Swedes have made this particular crossover SUV pretty darn pretty as well, adding to the car’s overall appeal.
The 2.4-litre petrol version is anything but sluggish as well, so you can add a bit of pace to those pretty looks to boot. So there we have it a crossover SUV that anything but all mouth and no punch.
About the author: Jeremy Allston is a writer and fan of the crossover SUV.
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