It's not easy getting around in today's crowded world. Though we occupy the same physical space as our parents once did, we seem to be sharing it with far more people. Trips that used to take only a few minutes can now eat up as much as an hour of our day and bumper-to-bumper traffic is as commonplace as the unavailability of a convenient parking space. In this new world, the family station wagon just doesn't cut it anymore; you need something that is big on the inside, small on the outside and strong enough to protect your family in the event of an accident. You need a Volvo XC90.

This year there are only two models offered: the front-wheel-drive XC90 and the all-wheel-drive XC90 T6. Base XC90's are powered by a five-cylinder turbocharged engine that makes 208 horsepower and is coupled to a five-speed adaptive automatic that features the Geartronic manual shift control system; all-wheel drive is optional on the base XC90. The sportier T6 gets a big boost in horsepower from its twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine, which is rated at 268 horsepower. Both engines are well suited to the vehicles they're assigned, though some might find the base model's acceleration is only about average for this class. The more powerful T6 feels much more lively, even with the added weight of the Haldex all-wheel-drive equipment onboard.

The XC90 distances itself from the SUV field with its nimble handling and manageable size. Unlike some full-size SUVs, you'll find that the XC90 poses no dilemma when it comes time to parallel park; you won't find much grief when exercising U-turns or squeezing into Jenny Craig-sized parking spaces either. The XC90's additional vertical proportions make for exceptional headroom as well as providing an expansive view of the road. Because the XC90's construction is that of a single unitized shell (as opposed to a ladder frame) it will not suffer the usual rattles and body flex that plague so many truck-based SUVs over time. This same architecture provides the perfect base from which to attach a sophisticated independent rear suspension, a major contributing factor to the XC90's excellent handling abilities.

The XC90's impressive on-road performance is achieved via a combination of unique safety and stability devices. Though its wide stance clearly helps to provide a smooth, stable ride, the addition of Volvo's Roll Stability Control (RSC) system is the primary reason the XC90 can avoid accidents and perform emergency maneuvers like a low-slung sedan. RSC is comprised of a complex array of computer sensors that monitor any number of vehicle parameters. For example, should you encounter a situation in which a rollover is imminent, the RSC intervenes by activating the traction control; this in turn induces an understeer situation that allows the vehicle to come back to the driver's control.

Though the XC90 is blessed with over 8-inches of ground clearance, you'll hardly feel it as you round corners and zip through twisting turns. All-wheel-drive models are kept glued to the road via a Haldex viscous-coupling system that splits the engine's power between the front and rear axles. Under ordinary driving conditions, 95% of the power is run through the front wheels; but should they begin to slip, the Haldex system immediately routes power to the rear wheels until traction at the front has been regained. The system works invisibly, requiring no input from the driver.

Volvo's SUV is more than just a means of transport, it is a family-friendly environment designed to pamper and protect the people you love. In addition to its stability features, the XC90 is loaded with crash protection features such as front-side-impact airbags, a head-curtain airbag that runs the length of the passenger compartment and a strengthened steel roof that resists collapsing in the event of a rollover. You'll also find subtle touches such as the rear-seat sliding-center section that allows a child restrained in a safety seat to be moved closer to the front-seat passenger.

Inside the XC90, you'll find seating for five and the option of a forward-facing third-row seat that allows two more persons to climb onboard. The interior is roomy for four, a bit tight with five and for seven persons to fit onboard, the two in the third-row seat would be most comfortable if they were not adults. The driver and passenger relax in a comfortable pair of bucket seats that feature built-in whiplash protection. Though some may find the choice of interior colors somewhat stark, the XC90's instrument panel is well designed and easy to view with all controls within easy reach and clearly labeled.