2026 Volvo V90 Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
As luxury station wagons become increasingly rare, the Volvo V90 remains a standout choice for those tired of the SUV status quo. Available only in the Cross Country trim, this elevated, ruggedly styled wagon combines distinctive design with a strong array of advanced safety features.
The V90’s luxury wagon competition includes the Mercedes-Benz E450 4Matic All-Terrain and Audi A6 Allroad.
What’s New
Volvo again makes small updates to keep the V90 competitive for 2026:
- Standard 19-inch alloy wheels; 20-inch wheels no longer standard
- The Plus equipment level is discontinued—all V90s are now standard with Ultra level equipment
What We Think
Although wagons are a very small slice of the new vehicle market, the Volvo V90 Cross Country stands out as a stylish and practical alternative to SUVs, offering ample space, a smooth ride, and carlike handling.
The mild hybrid powertrain delivers solid performance, though the transmission can feel less than refined. Inside, the cabin is upscale and well built, though not as quiet as we’d like—a flaw Volvo aims to partly address with smaller standard wheels for a more comfortable ride.
Despite being around since 2017, the V90 still feels fresh and competitive. It may not match the Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain in tech or cabin polish, but it remains a compelling option for wagon enthusiasts.
Top-Ranked Competitors:
MotorTrend Tested
All V90 Cross Countrys feature a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder mild hybrid engine that directs 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system. MotorTrend testing determined the V90 can sprint to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds.
By comparison, the Mercedes-Benz E450 All-Terrain gets a bigger inline-six engine that makes considerably more output—375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. This wagon dashed to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds in MotorTrend testing.
MPGs and Range
Even with a 48-volt mild hybrid boost, the V90’s complex powertrain isn’t especially efficient. Fuel economy of 22/29 mpg city/highway enables 398 miles of total range.
Even with a bigger engine, the E450 gets better fuel economy. The Mercedes wagon returns 22/31 mpg and can travel up to 435 miles on a full tank.
Safety Features
- Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving technology
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane keeping
- Traffic sign recognition
- Driver focus monitoring
- Automatic emergency braking
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Front legroom and maximum cargo capacity (with the second row stowed) compare favorably to the E-Class All-Terrain wagon. The Mercedes is a little over 3 inches wider than the Volvo, though, and comes with advantages in rear legroom and standard cargo space.
Legroom (front/rear)
- 2026 Volvo V90: 42.2/35.9 inches
- 2025 Mercedes-Benz E450 4Matic All-Terrain: 41.5/36.1 inches
Cargo Space (seats up/down)
- 2026 Volvo V90: 19.8/69.0 cubic feet
- 2025 Mercedes-Benz E450 4Matic All-Terrain: 33.1/64.6 cubic feet
Technology
Infotainment
Standard features include a 12.3-inch driver display and 9.0-inch vertically oriented central touchscreen with an Android-based infotainment system that runs Google Maps, the Google Play store, and Google Assistant. The system is also Apple CarPlay compatible. A wireless phone charger and four USB-C ports are included, as well.
Sound System
Since the Ultra model is the only version left of the V90, all wagons now come with a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins upgrade remains optional.
Available Upgrades
Although the V90 Ultra is the last grade standing, there are still a few noteworthy optional add-ons, like massaging front seats and air suspension. Heated rear seats and steering wheel, headlight washers, a digital rearview mirror, and Polestar Engineered Optimization for the powertrain are also available.
Value
Standard Features
The former top model is now the only model, meaning every V90 is generously equipped. Interior space is competitive, and this year Volvo makes a move in favor of ride comfort by going with smaller standard wheels.
