There’s something appealing about the long-running 2020 Volvo XC90. It’s muscular, handsome, and the Volvo badge conveys safety and trust. I’m driving the XC90 T6 R-Design version, which means there’s beautiful Nappa leather, 20” wheels, and mesh aluminum inlays throughout the cabin.

Equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, the XC90 was surprisingly keen to move, the 316 horses and 8-speed automatic maxing out the supercharged turbo powerplant. The huge 12” vertical infotainment screen and Bowers & Wilkins sound system add to the ambiance. Large windows and a tall ride provide excellent visibility without compromising ingress and egress and a host of available safety equipment befits Volvo’s reputation.

However, good looks can’t hide the jarringly robotic in-cabin voice assistant and a variety of awkward controls, including the lack of an intuitive phone spot and the center-console ignition knob, which I never quite got. But once it’s started, the XC90 is nimble especially in Dynamic mode, one of four driving styles offered via a roller, again cumbersomely placed in the center console.

Seating and cargo offer flexibility and the roomy, square cabin affords occupants terrific leg and shoulder room. Overall, the XC90 is a great family car, well worth a look.