I’m not a car girl. But I am a mom who needs space, comfort, and something that doesn’t scream “I gave up.” Enter: the mom car with a major cool factor.
A car is essentially just a giant accessory (and yes, I want mine to look good). But I’m also here for the important stuff, like safety, comfort, a sunroof for those rare moments of peace, and enough space to haul around twins, a mom friend or two, and all the snacks, scooters, and emotional baggage…you know, the essentials.
When offered the chance to test drive a Volvo XC90 from Riley Volvo Cars Stamford for the weekend, I figured, why not try something new? Who can resist that brand-new car smell?
I picked up the Volvo on a Friday morning, right before a jam-packed weekend of errands, a beach day, and a basement clean-out (because apparently I hate rest). I figured it was the perfect time to put it to the test and see if this thing could keep up—and maybe earn a spot in our future driveway.
Not only is the car stunning, but the features are amazing.
The panoramic sunroof? Didn’t know how much I needed that until I had it. Total game changer. And the Harman Kardon sound system? Whether it’s mom jams or a full-blown Disney sing-along, everything sounds good. Plus, even with the third row up, there was still room in the back for all our beach gear, chairs, cooler, towels, and the 47 other things kids need for one afternoon. Volvo really thought of everything.
The technology was top-notch, and I felt at ease due to all the safety features.
The side-view camera was a game changer—made squeezing into tight parking spots and navigating drive-throughs way less stressful (and way less likely to involve curb rash). I also loved that I could instantly see who was buckled in without having to contort myself. Adding Apple CarPlay for hands-free texting made it feel like the car was essentially driving with me.
The kids loved the comfort of the back seat and all the fun features for them to experiment with.
One of my husband’s favorite features? The foot-activated power liftgate—because when your hands are full of Home Depot runs and questionable weekend project decisions, being able to kick the trunk open feels like a magic trick. And the automatic windshield wipers? Honestly, bless—one less thing to think about when driving through a downpour with kids arguing in the back.
Our weekend with the Volvo XC90 was really wonderful. I notice myself doing a double-take every time I see one pass by now. Perhaps because of that panoramic sunroof that I’m still dreaming of.
When it’s time to purchase our next vehicle, the Volvo XC90 is on our list. Everyone at Riley Volvo Cars Stamford was super friendly and accommodating. You can sense that it’s a family-run business, and I would happily recommend them to anyone looking for their next car.
