the xc90 is the one of (if not) the safest suvs out there. only thing is if someone is entrapped in a wreck, it is a pain to get them out (hardened frame is much harder to cut through). plus the curtain airbags are inflated by a 5-inch or so gas-filled cylinder with up to 1,000 lbs. of pressure. if something cuts through it (extrication tool), it will explode like a grenade. i just had a class discussing these vehicles. i always look at the safety issues first. volvos are great and safe (collisions) unless you're stuck in one (then, they are still pretty safe, just takes longer and more effort to get you out), but hopefully no one has to be in that situation.

http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A9ibyGWTL0...AGES/pg12b.jpg