For 2012, the Volvo XC90 loses its V8 engine and gets a reshuffled lineup of trim levels, with Bluetooth streaming audio now standard on all models. The 3.2 R-Design also gets adaptive xenon headlights.

Even though Volvo's newer five-passenger XC60 midsize crossover has stolen some of its thunder, the seven-seat 2012 Volvo XC90 remains a solid alternative for folks who need more room for passengers, cargo or both. Like all Volvos, the XC90 offers sophisticated good looks, a comfortable interior and an extensive array of advanced safety features. Buyers can also choose between the cushy ride provided by the standard suspension or the confident handling that comes with the R-Design model's firmer sport-tuned hardware.

On the downside, the XC90 is a dinosaur by car standards, since it debuted way back in 2003. It's aged pretty well, but the competition has gotten much stronger. In particular, the XC90 doesn't offer as much space for people and cargo as the non-luxury-branded (but still plenty luxurious)  just to name two. It also lacks many of the advanced safety features available on its newer Volvo siblings, not to mention soldiering on with an older and generally obtuse electronics interface. Then there's the issue of power. Last year's available V8 engine has been dropped, and this leaves the underwhelming 3.2-liter six-cylinder as the only motivation for this large family crossover. Its fuel economy isn't impressive, either.