XC90 for a family of 7?

norbtx · Nov 26, 2016

hfwilkesjr said:
Minivans are also extremely rare in AWD, most do not have the safety features, the driving dynamics or the refinement of the XC90. I'm sure a test drive will be more informative than a generic ideal vehicle for given parameters. For me, the XC90 was the only way to go and it's been 15 months of smooth sailing.

If we all made our decision based on parameters, we'd be in a world of Toyota Prius and Ford Transits.

Again, safety isn't a concern for minivans, why do people have this misconception? Minivans are designed for families so the manufacturers are keenly aware that safety is a high priority for shoppers. Sure they aren't as luxurious (and not as expensive either) or maybe not as "sporty" but they aren't ill handling either (lower center of gravity, car based handling), that's part of its safety. Nothing wrong with choosing an SUV over a minivan but don't spread untruths about it to justify your choice.

hfwilkesjr · Nov 26, 2016

norbtx said:
Again, safety isn't a concern for minivans, why do people have this misconception? Minivans are designed for families so the manufacturers are keenly aware that safety is a high priority for shoppers. Sure they aren't as luxurious (and not as expensive either) or maybe not as "sporty" but they aren't ill handling either (lower center of gravity, car based handling), that's part of its safety. Nothing wrong with choosing an SUV over a minivan but don't spread untruths about it to justify your choice.

Untruths? Show me a minivan that has the safety features of the XC90. Have you looked at the crash test results of most minivans and compared them to the XC90? And most SUVs are crossovers that are based on car platforms, the XC90 feels like the European vehicle that it is. It may not be a BMW as far as handling goes but it splits the difference well and a far better drive than most minivans. Hopefully Volvo will expand its lineup someday to include a minivan but until then, an XC90 it is. It boils down to personal preference and if they no longer want their minivan, then maybe the there's a reason why that could be as simple as wanting a change. If their looking at the XC90, and they came to an XC90 forum for perspectives then that's what they should get, perspectives on the XC90.

dealcatcher · Nov 26, 2016

Great timing you have. Last night I packed the car with 7 individuals, including myself and I can tell you first hand that I would never never want to do that on a daily basis. The biggest problem is what others here have said, which is the third row access. You'll either have to remove the booster or fold down the center seat each time you load passengers in the third row. We tried both and it was a royal pain in the arse! The seats in the XC90 are so heavy and hard to move or fold. They're not as easy as some other cars. I really wish they had power folding seats. Second biggest issue is you're not going to be able to fit a double stroller with the third row up. For your needs, get a minivan and don't look back. This is coming from a guy that said he would never get one. After last night's debacle, I'd get one in a heartbeat.

osama_momen · Nov 26, 2016

It's difficult to fit a large stroller with the 3rd row up. You'd need to figure out that arrangement and for that a visit to the dealer is in order. I think your best bet is a Suburban. If you decide to make some compromises, it's an awesome car.

norbtx · Nov 26, 2016

hfwilkesjr said:
Untruths? Show me a minivan that has the safety features of the XC90. Have you looked at the crash test results of most minivans and compared them to the XC90? And most SUVs are crossovers that are based on car platforms, the XC90 feels like the European vehicle that it is. It may not be a BMW as far as handling goes but it splits the difference well and a far better drive than most minivans. Hopefully Volvo will expand its lineup someday to include a minivan but until then, an XC90 it is. It boils down to personal preference and if they no longer want their minivan, then maybe the there's a reason why that could be as simple as wanting a change. If their looking at the XC90, and they came to an XC90 forum for perspectives then that's what they should get, perspectives on the XC90.

Have you actually checked out crash test results for minivans? Its evident that you did not and are just going by perception. The new Pacifica has the same TopPick Plus rating as the XC90. lol. The Odyssey is also a TopPick but doesn't have auto braking yet so its not a +, but will get it next model year.

http://m.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/chrysler/pacifica-minivan/2017
http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/volvo/xc90-4-door-suv/2016

There it is for you to look at.

Brutus99 · Nov 26, 2016

norbtx said:
Have you actually checked out crash test results for minivans? Its evident that you did not and are just going by perception. The new Pacifica has the same TopPick Plus rating as the XC90. lol. The Odyssey is also a TopPick but doesn't have auto braking yet so its not a +, but will get it next model year.

There it is for you to look at.

What about those who don't have the newest minivan like the Pacifica that just barely came out? I bet they also think "it's a family car so should be safe" :facepalm: I sure wouldn't want to be in one of those when there's an accident!!! It's about time they start improving the safety on minivans, better late than never!

Take a look at this video

norbtx · Nov 26, 2016

Brutus99 said:
What about those who don't have the newest minivan like the Pacifica that just barely came out? I bet they also think "it's a family car so should be safe" :facepalm: I sure wouldn't want to be in one of those when there's an accident!!! It's about time they start improving the safety on minivans, better late than never!

Take a look at this video

Yea you wouldn't want to be in the OP's Odyssey that has registered 0 crash fatalities. lol. Just be honest is all I'm saying, if you want an SUV because its perceived image is cooler than a minivan, then just say so, no need to disparage it to justify your decision. BTW the OP's Odyssey has been a top SafetyPick as long as the XC90 has been too.

hfwilkesjr · Nov 27, 2016

norbtx said:
Have you actually checked out crash test results for minivans? Its evident that you did not and are just going by perception. The new Pacifica has the same TopPick Plus rating as the XC90. lol. The Odyssey is also a TopPick but doesn't have auto braking yet so its not a +, but will get it next model year.

http://m.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/chrysler/pacifica-minivan/2017
http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/volvo/xc90-4-door-suv/2016

There it is for you to look at.

My first sentence had to do with safety features like Volvo's run off the road protection which is a first for the industry. My second sentence had to do with crash tests where I specifically use the word most because I'm fully aware of the Pacifica's achievement. But you chose to use the only minivan that just came out as your example of the segment?....even you admit that it's the only one that received a top safety pick plus. And if you would have read my suggestion to the OP, I suggested that exact minivan for that exact reason. You on the other hand are acting as if they're all equal to the XC90 and they clearly are not. The Pacifica is a contender due to its safety features and crash test results but without AWD, it still falls short for many potential buyers. We have a difference of opinion, that doesn't mean that I am being untruthful.

skyblue · Nov 27, 2016

Wow. Thank you all for your replies! I do love my minivan for its convenience! Was really hoping you'd all say the safety of the XC90 beats the convenience of the Odyssey, but I guess we'll be a one Volvo family (my husband's car) instead of two. Maybe I'll upgrade my Odyssey to the newer model instead, hoping newer safety feature have come out since my 2011 model. Thank you all for your help!!

norbtx · Nov 27, 2016

hfwilkesjr said:
My first sentence had to do with safety features like Volvo's run off the road protection which is a first for the industry. My second sentence had to do with crash tests where I specifically use the word most because I'm fully aware of the Pacifica's achievement. But you chose to use the only minivan that just came out as your example of the segment?....even you admit that it's the only one that received a top safety pick plus. And if you would have read my suggestion to the OP, I suggested that exact minivan for that exact reason. You on the other hand are acting as if they're all equal to the XC90 and they clearly are not. The Pacifica is a contender due to its safety features and crash test results but without AWD, it still falls short for many potential buyers. We have a difference of opinion, that doesn't mean that I am being untruthful.

So you want to compare old minivan models to the latest Volvo XC90? I pointed out the the OP's Odyssey is rated just as well as the old XC90. The next model coming out in Spring will probably have the same rating as the current XC90. So with your logic the old XC90 being rated the same as the old Odyssey is just as unsafe?

destinationwarmth · Nov 27, 2016

norbtx said:
So you want to compare old minivan models to the latest Volvo XC90? I pointed out the the OP's Odyssey is rated just as well as the old XC90. The next model coming out in Spring will probably have the same rating as the current XC90. So with your logic the old XC90 being rated the same as the old Odyssey is just as unsafe?

Same ratings doesn't equal same safety. Although it may look like splitting hairs, the old-gen XC90 was the only car of these years to nail a "Good" at the small frontal overlap test. Other cars either failed the test, or weren't tested properly. Also, Hondas (among other brands) had a history of front seat collapsing into the rear seats passengers in case of rear impact.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/nhtsa-r...uirements-for-car-crash-tests-inadequate-for-testing-fatalities-from-car-seats/
So a child died because the seat of the Odyssey broke. That's something that the NHTSA or the IIHS still doesn't test for. Volvo is advertising that they do test this things. Is it true ? Maybe, maybe not. But it's not because two cars have the same IIHS "Good" rating that they are the same in case of an accident.
After reading the CBS article, I would feel safer in a 2010 XC90 than a 2010 Odyssey. Maybe I would say the same in 2030, comparing a 2017 XC90 and a new-gen 2018 Odyssey.

Kighter · Nov 28, 2016

I just traded a 2014 Odyssey Elite for a 2017 XC90 a month ago. And we just got home from our first trip in the Volvo.

2 adults, 3 young kids, all forward facing.

It is no contest how much more convenient the Odyssey is compared to the Volvo. Yes we can all fit, but ingress/egress and cargo capacity is significantly tougher in the Volvo.

You trade the convenience for performance, luxury, safety, and efficiency. As most of the miles would be my solo commute, it's a fair trade. But on school runs and long trips, I did miss the van when loading people and stuff. The kids missed the entertainment system too.

kevdiggity40 · Nov 28, 2016

Kighter said:
I just traded a 2014 Odyssey Elite for a 2017 XC90 a month ago. And we just got home from our first trip in the Volvo.

2 adults, 3 young kids, all forward facing.

It is no contest how much more convenient the Odyssey is compared to the Volvo. Yes we can all fit, but ingress/egress and cargo capacity is significantly tougher in the Volvo.

You trade the convenience for performance, luxury, safety, and efficiency. As most of the miles would be my solo commute, it's a fair trade. But on school runs and long trips, I did miss the van when loading people and stuff. The kids missed the entertainment system too.

Same here. I was going to wait a 1-2 years on the new XC90 but my lust got the best of me and I went for a test drive. As you mentioned, on performance, luxury, safety, the XC90 wins hands down. I took all 4 kids (8, 6, 4, 1 1/2) and car seats/boosters for the test drive. The older kids loved the 3rd row seats but complained about the tight leg room and "closed in feeling" on just a 30-45 minute test drive. The first question was "Where is the dvd/movie screen?". Oops. Getting into the 3rd row was also more of a chore and I immediately noticed the lack of cup holders, USB/2 prong outlet stations you get with a van. The cargo area is better than the previous generation but if you're hauling strollers and sports gear or carpooling for sports teams, forget it. I know that my van isn't on par with an XC90 but I also don't feel it is unsafe. Until Volvo makes a van or large SUV, there is no other practical choice. The hybrid Chrysler Pacifica is currently high on my list.

destinationwarmth · Nov 28, 2016

I'm still dreaming about a Volvo AWD minivan...
Pacifica looks like a good, safe car. Not as much as the XC90, but what you lose in safety/active protection/driveability (is that a word ?), you gain in cargo and easy of use. Like a trade-off.

ig_mb · Nov 29, 2016

norbtx said:
Again, safety isn't a concern for minivans, why do people have this misconception?

May be because it is a fact supported by hard evidence.

Go over www.iihs.org and compare the ratings of the XC90 2016 vs the Honda Odissey 2016 or the Pacifica 2016.

XC90 for a family of 7?

norbtx

hfwilkesjr

dealcatcher

osama_momen

norbtx

Brutus99

norbtx

hfwilkesjr

skyblue

norbtx

destinationwarmth

Kighter

kevdiggity40

destinationwarmth

ig_mb

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities