2024 Volvo V90 Expert Review
Reviewed by Duncan Brady
We love a wagon, and the V90 Cross Country has been one of our favorites since its introduction. Even though the more stylish standard V90 is no longer available (lacking the Cross Country's lift and body cladding), this entry is a still a charming alternative for those who aren't necessarily looking for an SUV. The 2024 Volvo V90 Cross Country competes with two other luxurious elevated wagons: the Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain and the Audi A6 Allroad.
What's New
Volvo only makes changes to the V90 Cross Country's paint offerings for 2024. Vapour Grey Metallic joins the palette of available paint options, although Black Stone and Thunder Grey Metallic are no longer available. The most recent significant changes were for 2022 when Volvo discontinued the non-Cross Country variant, added mild hybrid integration to the V90's standard powertrain, introduced Android-based infotainment, and improved the driver assist sensors.
What We Think
We've had a little crush on the V90 since we first saw it. The Volvo's lifted wagon form factor looks outstanding and retains carlike driving dynamics while providing more cargo capacity than the Volvo XC60. We like Volvo's B6 mild hybrid powertrain, which scoots the wagon along with ease, although the transmission occasionally feels sluggish.
As lovely as the Volvo's cabin feels, more noise filters through than we'd like. The ride can also be a bit stiff, especially on the Ultimate trim's 20-inch wheels.
Volvo's infotainment is impressive. The Android system does wonders lending modern tech to a vehicle that hasn't been fully redesigned since 2018 in the form of Google Assistant, Google Maps, and over-the-air update capability. The system's age comes through in the relatively small screen, though, and some options are a few too many menus deep. Volvo's aging wagon also feels new in keeping up with the latest driver assists and including them as standard.
Despite weaknesses worth considering, we just can't resist the V90 Cross Country's appeal. Please buy them so Volvo keeps building them and we don't have to live in a world with even fewer great wagons.
Performance and Efficiency
Volvo only offers one powerplant in its lifted wagon. All models get a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter I-4 with mild hybrid integration, and the engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic and AWD. Packing 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, the V90 can hit 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, according to our tests. Fuel economy is rated at 22/29 mpg city/highway.
Safety Ratings and Features
Volvo's reputation for safety is generally well earned, and the V90 is a strong example. The wagon scored a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, although it hasn't undergone the testing necessary to earn a 2023 award. Volvo makes active safety standard, too; emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are included on both trims.
Cargo Space and Interior Room: Wagon vs. SUV
We love the V90 Cross Country's wagon profile, but how does it compare in interior space to Volvo's SUVs? The wagon has a bit more cargo space than its XC60 cousin, although the SUV offers more rear legroom. Volvo's XC90 provides a whole additional row of seating, plus a lot more cargo volume.
Technology
Volvo fits the V90 Cross Country with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster display alongside a 9.0-inch portrait-oriented center infotainment touchscreen. The infotainment display runs Android software with integrated Google tools. Android Auto was a given, but thankfully, Volvo added Apple CarPlay capability. A 10-speaker audio setup is standard, but the Ultimate comes with a 14-speaker system and audiophiles can order 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio.
Is the V90 a Wagon or an SUV?
The V90 Cross Country exists in a funny middle ground between wagon and SUV. It's based on the now-discontinued V90 and the S90 sedan, but in Volvo tradition, the V90 has gotten the Cross Country treatment. Elevated suspension raises ground clearance to 8.3 inches, AWD is standard, and black plastic wheel arch cladding borrows styling cues from rugged-looking crossovers. Similar to the Subaru Outback, the V90 definitely has a station wagon profile, just a few extra inches off the ground.
Recommended Trim
If you can swing it, we recommend the V90 Cross Country Ultimate over the entry-level V90 Cross Country Plus. The price difference is around $5,500, but for that extra cash you get a head-up display, improved leather upholstery, ventilated and massaging front seats with more adjustability, a crystal gear selector knob, 20-inch wheels, and 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio. Sounds worth it to us.
