Unsurpassed by any luxury brand with five Top Safety Pick awards, Volvo outdistanced Audi, Acura, Infiniti, BMW and Lexus.

"Safety has been a hallmark of Volvo since we were founded in 1927," said John Maloney, president and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America in a press release. "Our employees around the world take great pride in making, selling and servicing our cars. Still, it's very humbling to be recognized in such a manner."

The awards are based on safety evaluations conducted by IIHS in the areas of front, side, rollover and rear crash tests. These four categories are the most common types of crashes that occur.

All five Volvo models earned ratings of "Good" across the board in front offset, side impact, roof strength and rear crash protection. In addition, all five models are previous Top Safety Pick winners and offer electronic stability control as a standard feature.

The Volvo C30 was awarded the Top Safety Pick honor in the midsize moderately priced cars division while the S60 was honored among midsize luxury/near luxury cars. The S80 earned distinction in the large luxury cars category while the XC60 and XC90 were top picks in the midsize luxury SUV list.

Backed by a history of unmatched safety innovations, Volvo continues to set the industry standard for protecting passengers in the event of a crash. It's this overall commitment to safety that puts Volvo in a class all by itself.

In addition to the unmatched safety technology in the XC90, you can also bank on uncompromising luxury, every day versatility, ample power, agile handling and impressive fuel economy ? all qualities that have made the XC90 a top-selling vehicle. For 2012, Volvo deepens the allure of the XC90 with design enhancements, fresh features and new trim levels.

There is an attribute that places the XC90 in a company of one within this exclusive segment ? value. In fact, the XC90 earned a 2011 Best Overall Value of the Year (BOVY) award in the Premium Luxury Crossover/Wagon Class from Intellichoice. The leader in automotive data analysis, Intellichoice uses its annual BOVY awards to honor vehicles that deliver "the lowest total cost to own and operate over the first five years of ownership."

Volvo offers the XC90 in two models: The luxurious 3.2 (MSRP $38,400), and the performance-oriented R-Design (MSRP $41,200).

A perfectly balanced sport-utility, the XC90 comes with a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder making 240 hp and 236 lb/ft of torque. Smooth power delivery is assured thanks to advanced engine technology such as Continuously Variable Valve Timing and Cam Profile Shifting. An equally smooth six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission channels power to the front wheels as standard.

The available All-Wheel Drive system with Instant Traction inspires even greater confidence. Best of all, in either two- or four-wheel drive configurations, the seven-seat XC90 returns up to 23 mpg on the highway.

Volvo engineers tuned the fully independent suspension on the XC90 for responsive handling without sacrificing over-the-road comfort. They also used the latest in driver-aid technology to keep you engaged, yet composed behind the wheel ? no matter the road conditions. The Dynamic Stability and Traction Control System is standard, as is Roll Stability Control, which uses a variety of sensors to detect a pending rollover, then applies the brakes at one or more wheels and reduces engine torque to compensate.

In the XC90, legendary Volvo occupant protection begins with a full slate of active and passive restraints including dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, side-mounted "Inflatable Curtains" to protect the heads of outboard occupants, a Whiplash Protection system integrated in the front seats and head restraints for all passengers. The Side Impact Protection System employs steel struts and varying types and layers of steel in the body ? more flexible in outer layers, more rigid closer to the cabin ? to maximize crash force absorption. An Integrated Booster Cushion in the center of the second row combines with the ISOFIX/Latch child safety seat system, which provides an indicator light to confirm correct attachment to offer unmatched security for children. These are just a few of the safety features you can expect in the XC90. Backing up its claim to providing ultimate safety, the XC90 has earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating among midsize SUVs from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The secret to building award-winning vehicles decade after decade? The unwavering pursuit of innovation. Holding fast to that philosophy, this year, Volvo presents a string of exterior enhancements for the XC90. Daytime running lights mounted in the lower edge of the front bumper lead that list, which also includes color-coordinated lower door molding and redesigned taillights with dual light guides and LED brakelights. Silver roof rails are now standard on both XC90 models while the 3.2 gets new 18-inch Camulus alloy wheels in silver matte finish.

The interior of the XC90, with its supple leather surfaces and genuine wood veneers, boasts an understated elegance inspired by traditional Scandinavian design. Interior functionality gets its due as well with all passenger seats folding flat to create 85.1 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.

The bounty of highline standard amenities carried over from last year includes electronic climate control, power adjustable front seats, a power glass moonroof with slide/tilt positions, an eight-speaker High Performance audio system with HD Radio^™, a USB port and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. This year, Bluetooth^® with streaming audio also joins the host of standards.

The 2012 model year brings with it a new trim level strategy as well. The Premier Plus Package gathers such popular options as Active Dual Xenon Headlights (standard on R-Design), a digital compass and a Classic Walnut Wood Gearshift Knob (3.2 model only). The Platinum Package collects all the items from Premier Plus and adds a Rear Park Assist Camera, a 12-speaker Premium Dolby^® Pro Logic II^® Surround Sound System and GPS-based Navigation with Real Time Traffic, voice recognition and touchscreen control.

Premium standalone options include a Blind-Spot Information System, a Dual-Screen Rear-Seat Entertainment System and a wood steering wheel.

The XC90 R-Design assembles such model-specific features as a sport-tuned chassis with firmer shocks and stiffer stabilizer bars, Servotronic speed-sensitive power steering, Cratus 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels and chrome-finish tailpipes. Interior exclusives include special R-Design Aluminum Inlays, a Sport leather steering wheel, leather upholstery and blue-faced instruments.

Only one premium midsize SUV offers European luxury, cutting-edge safety, rugged utility and class-leading value: The new 2012 XC90 from Volvo. To experience the SUV for all seasons firsthand, schedule a test drive today.

Volvo XC90 Wins Awards for Safety, Value
Crossover has perfect crash test ratings and low ownership costs.

The powerful Volvo XC90 crossover utility vehicle continues to collect awards for being one of the safest vehicles and best values on the road today.

The XC90 was named a 2011 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the "Midsize Luxury SUV" category. The vehicle received four perfect "Good" ratings, the top rating available, in front, side, roof strength and rear crash protection. The XC90 has received perfect ratings dating all the way back to 2003.

Keeping with the trend of consistency, the XC90 was also selected as a "Best Bet" for 2011 by The Car Book for the fourth consecutive year. Placing the greatest emphasis on crash-test performance, The Car Book and the Center for Auto Safety determine a "Best Bet" based on several factors including safety features, fuel economy, rollover, front and side crash tests, maintenance and repair costs, warranties, insurance costs and complaints.

Rounding out its safety awards, the 2011 XC90 was ranked number one on the "10 Least Expensive Cars to Insure" list by 4AutoInsuranceQuote.org.

The XC90 features the Volvo Safe + Secure Coverage Plan, which offers five years/60,000 miles of new car warranty, five years/60,000 miles of complimentary factory scheduled maintenance, five years/60,000 miles of wear and tear coverage and five years/unlimited miles of Volvo On-Call Roadside Assistance.

Beating out models such as the BMW X3, Infiniti QX56, Mercedes-Benz R350 and Land Rover Range Rover Sport, the XC90 was named "Best Luxury SUV" by the Northwest Automotive Press Association at the annual Mudfest rally in Snoqualmie, Washington. Twenty-six of the leading auto journalists from the Northwest drove and evaluated twenty 2011 SUVs and crossovers to determine the award winners.

Boasting best-in-class insurance costs and repair, maintenance and fuel costs significantly below average, the XC90 was tabbed the "Best Value in America" for 2011 by Vincentric in the "Crossover Mid-Size Premium" category. The XC90 vaulted to the top spot in 2011 after finishing third in 2010.

Maintaining the lowest cost of ownership, the XC90 was also named a 2011 "Best Overall Value" by IntelliChoice in the "Premium Luxury Crossover/Wagon" class. The Best Overall Value of the Year awards (BOVY) are based on the lowest total cost to own and operate a vehicle over the first five years of ownership. The XC90 was selected from nearly 1,800 domestic and imported 2011 model-year vehicles.

Vehicle Preview: The 2013 Volvo XC90
The world's safest full-size utility vehicle gets a makeover.

Since its introduction in 2002, the Volvo XC90 upscale sport utility has earned more than 100 awards around the world including "SUV of the Year." From the start, automotive reviewers praised the XC90 for resolving the complaints many buyers had with the truck-like qualities of early seven-seat SUVs. The XC90 successfully matched the roominess and ruggedness of its full-size competitors while delivering the elegance, comfort, road manners and signature safety of a premium Volvo sedan. The Volvo XC90 takes all those winning virtues to the next level for 2013 thanks to a comprehensive renovation both inside and out.

The 2013 Volvo XC90 benefits from the most significant refurbishment since the model's debut with Volvo designers incorporating 322 unique changes to the vehicle. Of course, the XC90 will continue to provide the same stellar advantages it always has in terms of capability, luxury, all-weather performance and superior value. Here's a detailed look at some of the highlights among the new changes, as well as an overall profile of the premium seven-seat SUV from Volvo.

Volvo offers the new 2013 XC90 in two versions: The value-laden 3.2 model and the enthusiast-oriented R-Design.

In either guise, the XC90 features a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder making 240 hp and 236 lb/ft of torque. The engine's variable geometry intake system ensures instantaneous power delivery when you dip into the throttle and strong acceleration through the rev band. Long recognized as a steward of the environment among premium automakers, Volvo also equips the XC90 with fast-response emission control technology, helping it meet stringent Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II (ULEV II) emissions standards.

Power flows to the front wheels through a standard six-speed "Geartronic" automatic transmission, which offers a Winter Mode and the option of shifting gears for yourself. All-Wheel Drive with Instant Traction is available for drivers looking for even stronger grip and enhanced handling in all conditions.

No one questions the commitment to safety demonstrated in every vehicle Volvo makes. The XC90 is no exception to the rule, offering a wide spectrum of passive and active safety systems. Inside, occupants are protected by such advances as a Boron Steel Reinforced Passenger Compartment, a Rollover Protection System and a ring of lifesaving airbags.

On the road, cutting-edge driver-aid technology protects you and your passengers at speed. Dynamic Stability and Traction Control leads a list that also boasts Roll Stability Control and four-wheel anti-lock ventilated disc brakes with Emergency Brake Assistance and Electronic Brake Distribution. Underscoring the carmaker's dedication to keeping its customers safe, for the past four years in a row, the XC90 has earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Along with unmatched safety, the XC90 also keeps you and your family happy over the long haul with a fore-and-aft sliding, 40/20/40-split second-row seat, as well as 85.1 cubic feet of maximum cargo room.

Leading the list of new features for 2013 is an array of exterior refinements, starting with LED daytime running lights, a redesigned silver front-bumper bar and LED brakelights and light guides. Enhancing the already sleek lines of the XC90 are body-colored-coordinated doorsill moldings, wheel arches and front and rear bumpers. Chrome adorns the side-mirror caps while the roof rails are now silver with matching silver footers. The 3.2 model also gets new THALIA 18-inch aluminum wheels.

Inside, new Sanded Silver inlays join the broad mix of standard amenities, along with instrument and audio-display lighting done in white, a three-spoke sport leather steering wheel and a leather strap on the rear tailgate.

Befitting its status as an SUV for driving enthusiasts, the R-Design features distinct updates that emphasize its sporty nature. These include a new high-gloss black-mesh grille, matte-chrome mirror caps and side-window frames and IXION 19-inch diamond-cut aluminum wheels.

For 2013, the Premium Plus trim level on the 3.2 model gains Sovereign Hide Soft Leather trim, Red Wood inlays and a Red Wood gearshift knob. The package also includes a HomeLink^® integrated garage door opener, a digital compass mounted in the rearview mirror and Active Dual Xenon Headlights (standard on the R-Design).

The Platinum trim level continues to offer all the same features as Premium Plus, along with a 650-watt Volvo Premium Audio System with Dolby^® Pro Logic^® II Surround-Sound, a navigation system with Map Care, Real-Time Traffic and Voice Control and a Rear Park Assist Camera.

Rain Sensor Windshield Wipers join the list of standard features on both models, as do headlamp washers. New additions to the standalone options list include a Red Wood steering wheel (on 3.2 models equipped with the Premium Plus or Platinum Trim Packages) and 18-inch SITULA aluminum alloy wheels (available on the base 3.2 only).

Yet one more value advantage: Service intervals are increased from 7,500 miles to 10,000 miles for 2013, and the XC90 now uses full synthetic motor oil, which offers superior engine protection.

Following a thorough evaluation of the XC90, editors at Popular Science magazine announced, "From the boron-reinforced roof, to the technology monitoring occupants, to the anti-rollover system, the XC90 actually has managed to swing the technology pendulum in favor of SUVs as compared to conventional sedans. It does this with an elegant, long-lasting design and a highly functional interior package. In short, it does almost anything you would want a vehicle to do?" Come write your own glowing review by contacting us to schedule a test drive of the new 2013 Volvo XC90 full-size premium crossover.