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

The 2021 Volvo V90 Cross Nation is an achingly really wagon, with a innovative all-wheel-generate system, a lot of floor clearance and cargo room for days. It also delivers decent gas economy and 1 of the most effective interiors in the luxury room. Why invest in one more SUV when you could have this instead?

The V90 Cross Nation is run by the T6 version of Volvo’s ubiquitous four-cylinder motor, bolted to an eight-velocity automated transmission. In this situation, the two.-liter I4 has both a supercharger and a turbocharger, and provides a balanced 316 horsepower and 295 pound-ft of torque. It is not the sweetest-sounding or smoothest motor around, but it is effective effectively and returns an EPA-estimated 20 miles for every gallon in the city, 30 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg blended — numbers that I discovered quick to accomplish, even with the supplemental aerodynamic drag of a roof box.

Acceleration in the Cross Nation is brisk, thanks to the lower-close torque afforded by the twin-billed motor, nevertheless it tends to run out of steam at greater revs. As with most Volvos, the motor lacks drama for superior or even worse, intended to just get you the place you want to go. The eight-velocity automated transmission in no way huts for gears and shifts at appropriate locations, so it also largely fades into the history.

The V90 Cross Nation is a luxury vehicle at its core and the way it drives reflects that. The optional ($one,two hundred) Four-C adaptive air suspension is great, isolating passengers from all but the gnarliest highway imperfections, but not so a great deal that the V90 feels disconnected from the highway. The steering is direct but not terribly communicative, and the brakes are great, exhibiting no discernible fade even on very long, quickly descents down mountain roadways. In general, the V90 Cross Nation isn’t really what I would connect with exciting to generate, but it would not want to be. It is damn comfortable and super quick to reside with — just like any great luxury vehicle must be.

The V90 is a minor previous, but it even now delivers initially-price protection tech. Volvo’s Town Basic safety suite of units is normal on each V90 Cross Nation, which consists of automated crisis braking, lane-hold assist, adaptive cruise command, a 360-degree camera and far more. These, blended with Volvo’s powerful chassis style, are ample to internet the brand name 9 IIHS protection awards.

Volvo unquestionably appreciates how to make a nice interior, and the V90 Cross Country’s cabin is stellar. Volvo’s seats have historically been some of the most effective in the business, offering great consolation even soon after several hours on the highway, and that is unquestionably real with the V90. These chairs are incredibly supportive and adjustable, and clad in delicate perforated leather-based. The seats in my tester are heated and cooled and offer you therapeutic massage operation, as effectively. In shorter, they are ace.

The relaxation of the interior is thoughtfully laid out, with all controls within just quick arrive at and basic to use. Volvo also warrants bonus points in this article for the special end on the various knobs and wheels, which is not only beautiful to look at, but feels nice underneath your fingers. The relaxation of the interior carries on along that line, with terrific interest to depth and minor bits of flair, generating it feel like a little something genuinely special as opposed to the usually staid cabins of German luxury automakers.

Volvo’s Sensus infotainment tech is acceptable, and beautiful, but this system that seemed so forward-imagining just a handful of years ago now feels rather dated. The nine-inch touchscreen delivers faster reaction periods than before and both Apple CarPlay and Android Vehicle are normal, but I can’t wait for Volvo to combine its new Android Automotive tech into its total lineup. This is the system you are going to come across in the new Polestar two, and it is terrific.

1 of the V90’s highlights is the Bowers & Wilkins premium stereo system. Normally, I’m reasonably indifferent to B&W units, but in this article, you get the choice to digitally modify the listening surroundings. It might look like a gimmick, but the Gothenburg Live performance Hall environment is truly amazing and provides a good deal to the listening expertise. For audiophiles like me, this is a huge earn.

Being a luxury vehicle, the V90 Cross Nation isn’t really low-cost. But as opposed to a good deal of in the same way equipped luxury SUVs — together with Volvo’s have XC90 — it is a minor less costly. The V90 Cross Nation starts at $56,690 together with $one,095 for desired destination, and my effectively-equipped exam car has a sticker selling price of $67,740. Offered the way the Cross Nation looks, feels and drives, that selling price is affordable.

This Volvo’s closest rivals are the Audi A6 Allroad and Mercedes-Benz E450 All-Terrain, and when the V90 holds its have, the Germans out-perform it in a handful of critical approaches. The V90 has a highest cargo capability of fifty three.nine cubic ft, when the Audi A6 Allroad and Mercedes-Benz E450 All-Terrain offer you about sixty four. The Volvo is also down on electric power as opposed to the two Germans, which use moderate-hybrid setups the Audi delivers 335 hp and 369 lb-ft, when the Mercedes brings 362 hp and 369 lb-ft. Audi and Mercedes offer you a great deal superior cabin tech, too.

Even so, the Volvo is just as nice to generate, each little bit as comfortable and arguably superior to look at. These rivals might be newer, but I would even now have the V90 around both. This wagon delivers every thing you’d talk to from a two-row SUV, help save for an elevated driving situation and maybe some towing functionality (the Cross Nation can even now pull 3,500 lbs ., on the other hand). It is comfortable, spacious, handsome and quick to reside with. SUV drivers don’t know what they are missing.