NOT COOL, BUT EFFICIENT; Volvo's XC90 carefully leads us from winter into spring.(News)

Byline: JOE KOVACH

Our yearlong Volvo XC90 test SUV started its third quarter doing its duties diligently if not excitingly. The XC90 isn't nimble enough for our curvy-road lovers; it isn't quick enough for those who are heavier of foot; and its looks, inside and out, simply aren't cool enough for our younger staffers.

The third quarter included the tail end of winter. The midsize sport/ute impressed an adventurous editor who took it on a family ski weekend to Northern Michigan. "I think it handled more cargo than the Durango I drove on my last trip north,'' he said. "Hard to believe, I know, but it was the same load, same kids and same gear, give or take a box of skates.'' Most of us liked the tasteful, flexible and commodious interior, but we find its seven-passenger-seating claim overly optimistic, as the third row of seats is cramped. It is usable by youngsters, maybe, but too tight for adults.

The outdoorsman also appreciated the vehicle's ride and driver comfort on the highway. "The thing just cruises along smoothly and sedately, as though it knows it's a Volvo and it's supposed to act safe.'' But he still yearned for more power, as does a cadre of other editors, wishing we ordered the 268-hp, 280-lb-ft twin-turbo inline six instead of the 208-hp, 236-lb-ft turbo inline five.

Though it didn't meet the demands of some of us, its fans appreciated its agility in snow (though the computerized driver aids do not lend to sporty driving in the dry) and durability. One wrote, "With 19,000 miles now on the clock, this thing remains pretty tight and relatively noise-free.'' Another followed that up, saying, "This is a pretty nice ute and an ...