2021 Volvo V90 Cross Country review: Who needs an SUV?

The 2021 Volvo V90 Cross Nation is an achingly quite wagon, with a subtle all-wheel-generate system, loads of floor clearance and cargo house for days. It also offers respectable gas financial state and a single of the most effective interiors in the luxury house. Why get another SUV when you could have this alternatively?

The V90 Cross Nation is driven by the T6 version of Volvo’s ubiquitous 4-cylinder engine, bolted to an 8-speed automatic transmission. In this situation, the 2.-liter I4 has the two a supercharger and a turbocharger, and produces a healthier 316 horsepower and 295 pound-ft of torque. It truly is not the sweetest-sounding or smoothest engine all around, but it is effective properly and returns an EPA-estimated 20 miles for every gallon in the town, 30 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg mixed — quantities that I identified effortless to achieve, even with the additional aerodynamic drag of a roof box.

Acceleration in the Cross Nation is brisk, thanks to the low-finish torque afforded by the twin-charged engine, even though it tends to run out of steam at greater revs. As with most Volvos, the engine lacks drama for improved or even worse, intended to just get you where you need to go. The 8-speed automatic transmission in no way huts for gears and shifts at appropriate places, so it also mainly fades into the track record.

The V90 Cross Nation is a luxury car or truck at its core and the way it drives demonstrates that. The optional ($one,two hundred) 4-C adaptive air suspension is great, isolating travellers from all but the gnarliest road imperfections, but not so a lot that the V90 feels disconnected from the road. The steering is direct but not terribly communicative, and the brakes are great, exhibiting no discernible fade even on long, quick descents down mountain streets. General, the V90 Cross Nation is not what I might phone fascinating to generate, but it would not need to be. It truly is damn relaxed and super effortless to are living with — just like any superior luxury car or truck should be.

The V90 is a minor old, but it nevertheless offers initially-price safety tech. Volvo’s Metropolis Basic safety suite of techniques is regular on just about every V90 Cross Nation, which includes automatic emergency braking, lane-continue to keep guide, adaptive cruise command, a 360-diploma digital camera and more. These, mixed with Volvo’s sturdy chassis structure, are adequate to internet the brand name 9 IIHS safety awards.

Volvo unquestionably appreciates how to make a great inside, and the V90 Cross Country’s cabin is stellar. Volvo’s seats have traditionally been some of the most effective in the small business, featuring great consolation even immediately after hours on the road, and that’s unquestionably real with the V90. These chairs are very supportive and adjustable, and clad in soft perforated leather. The seats in my tester are heated and cooled and provide massage performance, as properly. In small, they’re ace.

The relaxation of the inside is thoughtfully laid out, with all controls within effortless get to and uncomplicated to use. Volvo also warrants reward points below for the exceptional complete on the several knobs and wheels, which is not only appealing to glimpse at, but feels great beneath your fingers. The relaxation of the inside proceeds alongside that line, with terrific interest to depth and minor bits of aptitude, producing it truly feel like something genuinely specific when compared to the normally staid cabins of German luxury automakers.

Volvo’s Sensus infotainment tech is appropriate, and appealing, but this system that appeared so ahead-pondering just a handful of a long time back now feels somewhat dated. The nine-inch touchscreen offers more quickly reaction occasions than right before and the two Apple CarPlay and Android Car are regular, but I won’t be able to hold out for Volvo to combine its new Android Automotive tech into its entire lineup. This is the system you may obtain in the new Polestar 2, and it’s terrific.

One of the V90’s highlights is the Bowers & Wilkins premium stereo system. Normally, I’m fairly indifferent to B&W techniques, but below, you get the possibility to digitally modify the listening atmosphere. It may possibly feel like a gimmick, but the Gothenburg Live performance Hall environment is truly superb and adds a lot to the listening practical experience. For audiophiles like me, this is a big acquire.

Being a luxury car or truck, the V90 Cross Nation is not affordable. But when compared to a lot of equally geared up luxury SUVs — which includes Volvo’s very own XC90 — it’s a minor fewer highly-priced. The V90 Cross Nation commences at $fifty six,690 which includes $one,095 for spot, and my properly-geared up exam vehicle has a sticker cost of $sixty seven,740. Supplied the way the Cross Nation seems, feels and drives, that cost is reasonable.

This Volvo’s closest rivals are the Audi A6 Allroad and Mercedes-Benz E450 All-Terrain, and though the V90 retains its very own, the Germans out-complete it in a handful of crucial means. The V90 has a maximum cargo ability of 53.nine cubic ft, though the Audi A6 Allroad and Mercedes-Benz E450 All-Terrain provide about 64. The Volvo is also down on power when compared to the two Germans, which use moderate-hybrid setups the Audi offers 335 hp and 369 lb-ft, though the Mercedes delivers 362 hp and 369 lb-ft. Audi and Mercedes provide a lot improved cabin tech, way too.

Even so, the Volvo is just as great to generate, just about every little bit as relaxed and arguably improved to glimpse at. These rivals may possibly be newer, but I might nevertheless have the V90 in excess of the two. This wagon offers every little thing you would talk to from a two-row SUV, help you save for an elevated driving placement and perhaps some towing ability (the Cross Nation can nevertheless pull three,500 lbs ., however). It truly is relaxed, roomy, handsome and effortless to are living with. SUV drivers never know what they’re lacking.