Newb here. We're looking to get the wife a new car. For business purposes, the car needs to be over 6k GVWR (for tax deduction), which the XC90 qualifies.

I've never owned a Volvo but always liked the look. My wife really likes the GMC Acadia, but I have a really (really) hard time justifying spending $40k+ on a domestic car.

Growing up, my parents always had American made cars... I can go on and on about how much I loathe domestics, but I'll spare you.

That being said, the Acadia looks really nice. But I'm definitely trying to sell her on the Volvo. She also likes the look over the Acadia, but she's concerned with the majority of average to sub par reviews of the XC90.

Is it that the XC90 is not a good car or is it that Volvo is held to a higher standard than a GMC???

Right now she has a 2006 Honda Pilot, but you'd swear you're in a beat up Ford Explorer.

Also- for a family of 4 (with 2 kids under 4 yo), how does the R-Design feel compared to the standard model?

I'm pricing out the Premium package- gotta have navi... wondering if the R-Design is a better choice.

Thanks for any feedback!!!!

 

Hi, and welcome. Well, I don't know what mixed reviews you have read (the XC90 had a bad year in 2004-2005 with the T6 model that came with a GM transmission), but the XC90 is an awesome vehicle. Between that an an Acadia, there is no comparison, and your pessimism of domestic cars is warranted.

I have an older XC90, but the style between that and the 2014 is very similar with some adjustments over the years. For comfort, the XC90 is excellent. For safety and features it is fantastic. They have not adjusted the design of the car in like 11 years, so the 2014 XC90 has been tried and tested.

The only thing you will notice is that the maintenance of the Volvo will be more expensive than a domestic, but that's almost a given. I know a number of Volvo owners who have their cars over 320,000 - 350,000 kilometers and still running strong. I have seen a number of Volvos that are 10+ years old that have zero rust on the body - hard to say that about too many domestics. I mean, again, look at the one year that the XC90 had noticeable issues - it was the year that Volvo decided to use a GM transmission... (like, huh????)

Mine doesn't have built in navigation but it is a 7 seater and has a great sound system. I have no complaints. My Dad has a similar year Pontiac Montana and if you put that beside my Volvo, you'd swear that my Volvo was 10 years newer, even though they are the same age...and his Pontiac has had nothing but problems which stated in year 4 (conveniently right after his warranty expired).

Personally between an XC90 and GMC, I would take the XC90 in a heartbeat. Even between the Pilot and the XC90, I would take the XC90. It is comfortable, spacious, had great features, a fantastic sound system, and all the creature comforts that a young family can ask for.

 

@thegazelle- Can you call my wife?

Thanks!!! :-)