2021 Volvo V90 Cross Country
| MSRP | $60,295 |
|---|---|
| Edmunds suggests you pay | $59,483 |
2021 Volvo V90 Cross Country Review
- Upscale and stylish interior
- Plenty of cargo capacity
- Front seats are very comfortable
- More off-road capability than in regular wagons
- Harsher ride than we expect from a luxury car
- Noisier cabin than competitors
- Slight refresh to exterior styling
- New wireless charging pad and rear USB-C ports are standard
- Upgrade to Bowers & Wilkins audio system
- Part of the second V90 generation introduced for 2017
It's fair to say that no other automaker has been so committed to wagons as Volvo. Whether you're thinking of the Volvo Duett in the early 1950s or the boxy 850 of the 1990s, there's probably something from Volvo's past that will seem familiar. The V90 Cross Country is the brand's biggest. It's just like the regular V90 wagon but has some SUV-like enhancements such as a raised suspension (good for 8.3 inches of ground clearance), standard all-wheel drive and more rugged-looking styling.
For 2021, the V90 Cross Country gets refreshed with updated styling and more tech. Those design tweaks include updated front and rear bumpers, a new taillight design and new wheels. As a whole, it remains the same lifted wagon that debuted a few years back alongside the standard V90 wagon and related S90 sedan. Inside, the two cars are identical, from the design of the dash to the spacious cargo area. And, as with every Volvo, the V90 Cross Country is fitted with some of the latest driver aids and safety features available today.
Volvo has had this class to itself for the past few years. Yes, there are other wagons, but no one made one that offered as much room or ground clearance as the V90 Cross Country. But within the past year, the Audi A6 Allroad has made its return, and Mercedes-Benz has introduced the E-Class All-Terrain. Both are aimed squarely at the V90 Cross Country. There's also the smaller Audi A4 Allroad, but that's closer in size and price to Volvo's own V60 Cross Country. Overall, we're fond of the V90 Cross Country and certainly recommend giving it a look.
Our verdict | |
The Volvo V90 Cross Country is a more rugged version of the regular V90 wagon. Thanks to an increased ride height and standard all-wheel drive, it can handle mild off-road driving while remaining comfortable on the street. The V90 Cross Country does lack some polish — it's louder and rougher-riding than what we expect of a luxury car — but overall this is a charming utility vehicle that doesn't look or feel like much else on the road. | |
How does the V90 Cross Country drive? | |
The V90 provides ample oomph for the daily commute along with predictable and confident stopping power. The engine and transmission react quickly when you hit the gas but also deliver strong power at low speeds. A soft ride makes for somewhat floaty handling, but you'd only notice if you're trying to set a lap record. The steering feels direct and accurate, and effort is adjustable depending on drive setting, but there isn't much feedback from the tires. A bit more ground clearance with all-wheel drive means the Cross Country fares better than a standard V90 on unpaved and slippery roads. This smooth-operating luxury wagon delivers the driving experience you'd expect. | |
How comfortable is the V90 Cross Country? | |
The feel of the interior matches the chic design, provided you tick the right options. The front seats offer excellent comfort, a wide range of adjustment, and even a massage feature. You'll want the latter since the V90 rides smoothly over most surfaces but you'll still feel road vibrations. Big bumps also jostle the interior and come with loud thunks that are disappointing for a luxury vehicle. At least wind, road and tire noise is kept relatively at bay. While we typically don't like touchscreen controls, the climate settings only need to be set once. The V90's powerful system always keeps the interior at the right temperature. Just set it and forget it. The seat ventilation makes some noise, but passengers will appreciate how well it works. | |
How’s the interior? | |
The unique interior design makes a good first impression, but the glossy black plastic quickly attracts smudges. Cabin controls (touchscreen, instrument panel, buttons/dials) are intuitive and easy to use. The lack of power operation for the tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel is disappointing for a car at this price, but a wide range of seat and steering wheel adjustments means no compromise between comfort and visibility. The Cross Country sits taller than a standard wagon, so passengers don't need to bend as much to get in. Taller rear-seat riders may still have to duck their head to clear the doorframe. The cabin is an elegant-looking and pleasing place to sit, with a strong sense of spaciousness. | |
How’s the tech? | |
The Cross Country's displays are clear and easy to read, and phone integration is as simple as plugging in a cable. The V90 Cross Country has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. These display your phone's apps on the lower half of the central display. Pleasingly, Volvo lets you operate some of your phone's apps (navigation, for example) while listening to FM or satellite radio. The optional Bowers & Wilkins stereo system is one of the finest we've sampled. The V90's voice recognition stumbles with natural language, but it works fine after you master its learning curve. No problems with Apple/Android voice assistants. A 4G LTE data connection and Wi-Fi hotspot offer on-the-go internet. Most advanced driver aids function well, but we had trouble with our test car's lane keeping assist and the automatic parking system. | |
How’s the storage? | |
The V90's cargo space rivals what you'll find in most similar-size SUVs. The rear seats fold electrically, and a host of other clever options enhance its utility, such as a grocery bag holder and a steel guard that protects passengers from sliding cargo. Child seats are easy to install beyond a little squeeze to reach the seatback anchors. Optional two-height rear booster seats are also a novel idea. Interior storage is, curiously, only adequate. An optional retractable tow hitch allows the V90 Cross Country to tow a 1,650-pound unbraked trailer or a 3,500-pound braked trailer. You'll need to install a trailer brake controller separately. | |
How’s the fuel economy? | |
EPA-estimated fuel economy for the V90 Cross Country T6 is a bit higher than that of a typical midsize luxury SUV. Our test car neared 25 mpg on our highway-heavy 115-mile test loop and averaged 20 mpg overall. | |
Is the V90 Cross Country a good value? | |
The V90 justifies its pricing through graceful design, safety features, warranty coverage and ownership perks. Alas, our test car made a strong initial impression of quality but showed premature interior wear in key areas. Our test car rang in at nearly $15,000 more than the base model, admittedly with several desirable, but nonessential, options. Standard basic and powertrain warranties and initial complimentary services offer peace of mind but are on par with what other luxury carmakers offer. | |
Wildcard | |
There's no denying it: The V90 just looks cool. The interior design is distinct from other luxury cars, right down to the tiny flag of Sweden stitched into the seats. You won't find a ton of driving thrills here, but there's decent power and performance. And there's something pleasant about rolling along in comfort behind the wheel of a stylish, high-end station wagon. | |
Which V90 Cross Country does Edmunds recommend?
Volvo V90 Cross Country models
The 2021 Volvo V90 Cross Country is only available in a single trim level: T6. It's powered by a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 316 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission are standard.
2021 Volvo V90 Cross Country pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $54,900
- MPG & Fuel
- 20 City / 30 Hwy / 24 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.9 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: all wheel drive
- Transmission: 8-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 316 hp @ 5700 rpm
- Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 2200 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 195.2 in. / Height: 60.7 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: 80.8 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 74.0 in.
- Curb Weight: 4213 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 33.9 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite V90 Cross Country safety features:
- Oncoming Lane Mitigation
- Sees the road ahead, and if an oncoming car has crossed the center marking, the system warns the driver and can apply the brakes.
- Rear Collision Warning
- Warns you if an approaching car may cause a rear-end collision. It will flash the lights, tension the seat belts and apply the brakes.
- Blind-Spot Information Assist
- Alerts the driver about vehicles in his or her blind spots. Also includes alerts when backing out of a parking space.
Volvo V90 Cross Country vs. the competition
2021 Volvo V90 Cross Country
2020 Audi A6 Allroad
Volvo V90 Cross Country vs. Audi A6 Allroad
The Audi A6 Allroad made its return last year. Like Volvo's Cross Country designation, Audi's Allroad models split the difference between traditional wagons and SUVs. (The smaller A4 Allroad is also sold in the U.S.) We really like the A6 Allroad's handsome, quiet interior and smooth engines. That said, it's significantly more expensive than the Volvo.
Volvo V90 Cross Country vs. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Like the V90 Cross Country and Audi A6 Allroad, the new Mercedes-Benz E 450 All-Terrain is a lifted wagon that offers an alternative to SUVs. It's based on the excellent E-Class wagon and features some stellar in-car tech and driver aids. We like the powertrain and comfortable interior but, as with the Audi, it's significantly more expensive than the Volvo.
Volvo V90 Cross Country vs. Volvo V60 Cross Country
The V60 Cross Country is basically a smaller version of the V90 Cross Country. It's less expensive, but it offers roughly the same features as its larger sibling. It's not quite as powerful or as spacious as the V90 Cross Country, but it's well worth a look if you don't need the extra passenger or cargo space.
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FAQ
Is the Volvo V90 Cross Country a good car?
What's new in the 2021 Volvo V90 Cross Country?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Volvo V90 Cross Country:
- Slight refresh to exterior styling
- New wireless charging pad and rear USB-C ports are standard
- Upgrade to Bowers & Wilkins audio system
- Part of the second V90 generation introduced for 2017
Is the Volvo V90 Cross Country reliable?
Is the 2021 Volvo V90 Cross Country a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 Volvo V90 Cross Country?
The least-expensive 2021 Volvo V90 Cross Country is the 2021 Volvo V90 Cross Country T6 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $54,900.
Other versions include:
- T6 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) which starts at $54,900