2018 Volvo XC90

The 2018 Volvo XC90 exudes class and sophistication, which is a big part of its appeal. This upscale midsize SUV will seat up to seven in comfort, but Volvo offers the second row as a pair of luxurious captain's chairs in place of a three-seater bench seat on its top trim, the Excellence. All trims come generously equipped, even the entry-level Momentum. Add competent handling, and the Volvo XC90 certainly has appeal. But it's not without some shortcomings, chiefly around the powertrains. The base turbocharged 250-hp four-cylinder engine, dubbed the T5, feels a bit overwhelmed by the XC90's weight. The T6 above it adds a supercharger to up output to 316 hp, which works a bit more forcefully. Above that there's a 400-hp plug-in hybrid option, which Volvo calls the T8 Twin Engine, but you pay a lot for its added performance and the ability to make short trips on battery power alone.

Accept that it isn't the quickest SUV and you'll enjoy the 2018 XC90, particularly if you go for a Momentum model, which comes with plenty of standard features and the smallest alloy wheels, which benefit the ride quality. The lineup goes from there to a sportier R-Design, a plusher Inscription, and above that the Excellence, which brings super-luxury levels of equipment to the XC90. Stick with the Momentum with the T6 engine, though, and you'll have a fine all-rounder at an attractive price.