Volvo starts by giving the V90 slick styling with curves. Goodbye box on wheels! It’s one of the best-looking wagons that I’ve ever seen. The Volvo V90 Cross Country B6 helps defeat the boring wagon stigma by giving it more ground clearance so that it looks a bit more like an SUV.
The Volvo V90 Cross Country drives like a car instead of a top-heavy SUV. The steering is tight and direct. It dispatches most bumps and is a comfortable cruiser.
A new turbocharged and E-charged engine provides plenty of pep — pumping out 295hp. The electric supercharger gives the instant power and the turbocharger adds a bigger-engine feel. AWD keeps the Volvo confident in all situations and the added lift helps with light off-roading.
This Volvo excels with a high quality, luxurious interior. Rich leather and wood trim are welcoming and the comfortable seats are good for all-day driving. The wagon is very spacious, so it swallows cargo. Since this isn’t a true SUV, you can easily load heavy items without lifting as high.
Cost: $55,200; as tested $68,440
MPG: 22 mpg city; 29 mpg highway, I managed 25 mpg in 201 miles of mixed driving.
Options: $1,700 Advanced package; $2,800 Lounge package; $750 climate package; $695 metallic paint; $4,000 Bowers and Wilkins premium sound; $200 power operated tailgate; $1,200 four corner adaptive air suspension; $800 20-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels; $1,095 destination charge.
Safety: Blind spot information with steer assist; cross traffic alert with auto brake; collision avoidance by city safety; low & high speed collision mitigation detects vehicles/pedestrian/cyclist/large animals; road sign information; runoff road protection & runoff road mitigation; lane departure warning/lane keeping aid; oncoming mitigation by braking; driver alert control; park assist pilot; pilot assist driver assistance system with adaptive cruise control; 360 surround view camera.
Things to know: The Volvo V90 Cross Country helps blur the line between wagon and SUV with a spacious, luxury cabin and added ride height. The boxy stigma is gone with the swoopy lines of this handsome ride.
Pros:
- Very useful wagon layout with plenty of space
- AWD and raised body allows for some light off-roading ability
- Comfortable seats ready for all-day drives
- Price quickly balloons when you choose pricey option package
- Can take some time to learn the infotainment system
