zero2sixty

The Volvo XC90 has been awarded yet another accolade at the annual Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) Mudfest. Already a two-time defending SUV of the Year champion (2002 and 2003), the Volvo XC90 was named best Luxury SUV by the group at its recently held 2011 event.

Up against stiff competition from BMW (X3), Infiniti (QX56), Mercedes-Benz (R350 BlueTEC 4 MATIC), and Land Rover (Range Rover Sport), the XC90 3.2 AWD R-Design impressed the Mudfest jurors with its tremendous value, sporty good looks and seating for seven.

"It's great to see such a grizzled veteran of the Mudfest competition still considered relevant today," said Doug Speck, President and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America. "To go up against competitors, some of which weren't around when the XC90 went on sale in 2002, and still walk away with a category win illustrates why the XC90 remains one of our top sellers. I couldn't be happier."

This year, Mudfest was held at the DirtFish Rally School in Snoqualmie, Washington. Twenty six of the leading automotive journalists from the Northwest drove and evaluated 20 different 2011 SUVs and crossovers during the competition.


The Pacific Northwest is true SUV territory and remains one of the nation's top sales markets for the entire line of Volvo's XC vehicles. During the one-day event, the XC90 was tested vigorously both on- and off-road. Pavement tests allowed the jurors to once again experience Roll Stability Control, the world-first anti-rollover safety system introduced in the XC90. Today, such systems are mandated by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) for SUVs and similar vehicles. Off-road, the XC90 shined with its advanced Instant Traction all-wheel-drive system, which places power to the wheel with the most traction.

Locally, this award winning Volvo is available with a 3.2L petrol engine delivering 238hp and 320Nm of torque and a 2.4L D5 diesel variant with 185hp and 400Nm of torque. With safety without pretense, power delivered right through the wheel and premium comfort, the Volvo XC90 is the perfect fit for every modern family who wants nothing less than celebrating life.

|