The Volvo V90 Cross Country is a slightly more rugged version of the recently discontinued V90 wagon. Thanks to an increased ride height and standard all-wheel drive, it can handle mild off-road driving yet remain comfortable on the street. The V90 Cross Country does lack some polish — it's louder and rougher-riding than we expect a luxury car to be — but overall this is a charming utility vehicle that doesn't look or feel like much else on the road.
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.
Nick Yekikian has worked in the automotive industry since 2019. He has written close to a thousand car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 200 vehicles over the course of his career. Nick is the Senior News Editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Automobile Magazine and Super Street. When Nick isn't zipping around town in his latest used-car find, he's probably making digital art in Photoshop or playing disc golf with friends.
Pros
Upscale and stylish interior
Plenty of cargo capacity
Front seats are very comfortable
Offers more off-road capability than a regular wagon
Cons
Harsher ride than we expect in a luxury car
Noisier cabin than competitors
What's new
No significant changes
Part of the second V90 generation introduced for 2017
Overview
While most manufacturers have abandoned the station wagon, Volvo continues to believe in the practical and sensible body style. The 2024 V90 Cross Country is a midsize five-passenger wagon with a slightly lifted ride height for better ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive, and some black plastic cladding on the fenders to give it a slightly more rugged SUV-like look. Volvo has also imbued the V90 Cross Country with sophisticated Scandinavian style. From the understated exterior to the sleek, modern interior, the V90 Cross Country provides a refreshing yet classic alternative to the horde of crossovers and SUVs currently on the market.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Volvo V90 Cross Country B6 Plus 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Turbocharging, supercharging and hybridization. Today, most manufacturers might choose one, or possibly two, of these options for their powertrain. With the V90 Cross Country, Volvo has chosen all three, making for one of the most distinctive setups on sale today. Using both a supercharger and a turbocharger means the V90's diminutive 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine can make 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, with the supercharger giving the V90 low-speed grunt until the turbocharger comes on strong at higher speeds. The addition of a mild hybrid system, via an integrated starter-generator, gives the V90 a very smooth engine stop-start feature and allows the engine to shut off for longer periods of time to aid fuel economy.
Competitors to consider
Sadly, there aren't a lot of station wagons still sold in the U.S. The V90 Cross Country's closest competition comes from the Audi A6 Allroad wagon and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain wagon. Both feature a raised ride height like the Cross Country, come standard with all-wheel drive, and sport contrasting body cladding to give the illusion of off-road capability. Or if you like the looks of the V90 Cross Country but want something smaller, Volvo sells the just-as-stylish V60 wagon. Read our test team's Expert Rating below to learn more about the V90 Cross Country.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Good
7.8
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The Volvo V90 Cross Country is a slightly more rugged version of the recently discontinued V90 wagon. Thanks to an increased ride height and standard all-wheel drive, it can handle mild off-road driving yet remain comfortable on the street. The V90 Cross Country does lack some polish — it's louder and rougher-riding than we expect a luxury car to be — 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, and the addition of the new mild hybrid system makes this powertrain one of the smoothest out there. The engine reacts quickly, and any transmission clunkiness we experienced before has vanished. Thanks to nearly 300 horsepower and the benefit of all-wheel drive, the V90 Cross Country scooted to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds. Not bad for a wagon that weighs over two tons.
The steering feels direct and accurate, and with power going to all four wheels, you can actually get the big wagon to move neatly around some corners. A bit more ground clearance with all-wheel drive means the Cross Country fares better than a standard V90 on unpaved and slippery roads. Overall, this smooth-operating luxury wagon is better to drive than it needs to be, and that's a good thing.
Comfort
8.0/10
How comfortable is the V90 Cross Country? The V90 Cross Country's interior will be familiar to anyone who's sat in a Volvo recently. The chic, minimalist design works well, and there's an air of Swedish diligence about the cabin. The seats are luscious with great adjustability, and the climate controls help keep the cabin at the right temperature thanks to their powerful (but silent) operation.
One gripe with the interior was the excessive wind noise we heard while cruising at freeway speeds. It's nothing the stereo can't drown out, but it's obvious if you're wanting a little peace and quiet on your drive. It's the only part of the V90's interior that spoils what is otherwise a true luxury experience, and it's the type of annoyance that Mercedes and Audi do a better job of filtering out.
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How’s the interior? The interior features a mostly beautiful and sleek design. Our only gripe is with the glossy black plastic that quickly attracts fingerprints. The rest of the material choices in the cabin are excellent, with quality leather and soft-touch plastics covering most surfaces. And though the touchscreen controls the majority of the car's functions, the learning curve is relatively short and the controls are both easy to access and get the hang of.
The V90 Cross Country sits taller than a standard wagon, so passengers don't need to bend as much to get in, a boon for people who find getting into low-slung sedans and wagons difficult. The cabin is an elegant-looking and pleasing place to sit, with a strong sense of spaciousness thanks to a panoramic sunroof and large windows. And with plenty of legroom, headroom and shoulder room front and rear, even 6-foot-tall adults won't have difficulty getting comfortable.
Technology
7.5/10
How’s the tech? Google has taken over the vast majority of the tech in Volvo's latest cars. The center screen is now more of an Android-powered tablet than a typical infotainment system. Google Maps is built right in, and you can sign into services like Spotify and simply ask Google to navigate you to work or play your favorite songs through the excellent Harman Kardon stereo.
The V90 Cross Country also offers a full suite of advanced driving aids. Most of the aids function well, but we had trouble with the lane keeping assistance and found the emergency braking assistance to be way too sensitive. You can turn it off, but it defaults to "on" every time you start the car.
Storage
8.0/10
How’s the storage? The V90 Cross Country's cargo space rivals what you'll get 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 for small items in the cabin is, curiously, only adequate.
Fuel Economy
7.0/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates you'll average 25 mpg (22 city/29 highway) in the the V90 Cross Country, but on our 115-mile evaluation loop, which incorporates more highway than city travel, our observed fuel economy was closer to 23.5 mpg. That's not terrible, but it's lower than we'd expect to see.
Value
7.5/10
Is the V90 Cross Country a good value? The V90 Cross Country justifies its pricing through excellent design, safety features, warranty coverage and ownership perks. It's also a bit less expensive than competitive wagons from Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Standard basic and powertrain warranties and initial complimentary services are on par with what other luxury carmakers offer.
Wildcard
8.0/10
There's no denying it: This Volvo looks fantastic. The interior design is distinct from other luxury cars, right down to the tiny flag of Sweden stitched into the seats. It also drives better than it needs to, a welcome surprise for those of us who want a personality in our cars. It's refined, stylish and luxurious, and few other cars on the market blend those attributes together as well as the V90 Cross Country does.
Which V90 Cross Country does Edmunds recommend?
We rarely recommend the top trim level for a vehicle but we think the Ultimate is a worthwhile upgrade on the V90 Cross Country. This trim adds stylish 20-inch wheels, seats with perforated leather, additional adjustability and ventilation as well as extended leather trim, a head-up display, a crystal gear level and an upgraded audio system.
Volvo V90 Cross Country models
The 2024 V90 Cross Country comes in two trim levels: Plus and Ultimate. Power comes from a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that, combined with a mild hybrid system, generates 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The engine drives an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system. Keep reading for our rundown of the car's most significant standard and optional features.
Plus
Standard equipment on the Volvo V90 Cross Country includes:
19-inch wheels
9-inch center touchscreen
Digital instrument panel
Apple CarPlay smartphone integration
Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Play Store (four-year subscription)
Keyless entry and ignition
12.3-inch configurable digital instrument panel
Heated, power-adjustable front seats
Four-zone automatic climate control
Leather upholstery
Panoramic sunroof
Standard safety features and driver aids include:
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the V90 and the car in front; can also read traffic signs)
Lane departure mitigation/oncoming lane mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Evasive steering assistance (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance)
360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the V90 and its surroundings in tight parking situations; includes audio and haptic alerts and automatic braking)
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Ultimate
Includes all the standard equipment on the Plus trim and the following:
Upgraded leather upholstery
Ventilated front seats
Additional front seat adjustments
Backrest-massage front seats
20-inch wheels
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
Sunshades for the rear side windows
Tailored dashboard and upper door panels
Crystal gear shifter
Harman Kardon premium audio system
The V90 Cross Country's option packages include:
Climate package
Heated steering wheel
High-pressure headlight washers
Heated rear seats
Climate package with booster seats
Includes the above plus integrated outer-position rear booster seats
A few stand-alone options are offered, including:
Harman Kardon premium audio system (Plus only)
Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system (Ultimate only)
I just bought a brand new 2018 V90CC leftover. I got about 28% discount from list. So it’s a huge bang for the buck. The car is smooth as silk. I wasn’t looking for a car quite this large but then again it’s only 4 inches longer than an Outback. The level of safety features is unparalleled. Anything you can think of is in it. I have the base engine and it’s fine. It’s no world beater … but on the highway I’ve gotten 30 mpg. I had a Tiguan that never got close to that. It’s extremely roomy, stylish, comfortable and versatile. I’ve moved furniture, towed a trailer, gotten groceries, mulch, took out my kayaks and bikes. It’s great without having to use a step ladder to put stuff up on the roof. I’m 6’3 and the rear has room for me with my drivers seat in position for me! What’s not to like. Beautiful, stylish, wonderful driving car rather than driving a box on wheels aka an SUV!
Update 6 mos. - now have put over 5,000 miles on the car and all I can say is that its great. Its everything I wanted it to be. Its comfortable, versatile and good looking. My really critical wife loves it too! she says she feels so protected in the car. I had one minor issue with the auto stop/start battery not holding a charge. I'm not surprised since it was an '18 leftover so it sat for 18 months. They replaced the battery, reset the computer and its been perfect ever since. The only thing I I can say that needs improvement is the engine noise/exhaust note. For a car this sharp, it could use some refinement in its tone. (btw- i have a 6 cyl. 350Z so I may be a bit too critical). Great car!
Update 2 yrs. 15000 miles - the V90CC has been trouble free until now. I had warped rear rotors and pads. The rotors were covered under warranty but I had to pay for the pads as it’s a wear item. Seems cars with
Volvo’s SPA chassis have had this issue. They had changed the pads to a newer design so they release better and not drag on the rotors. Other than that it’s a pleasure.
Update 3 years. - other than new tires at 30k, not a single problem. Car just goes & goes. Fantastic highway cruiser. Have taken it to Florida a couple of times. No fatigue from driving it. Excellent car.
Update 4 yrs. - not a single problem. Just trouble free. It remains a wonderful cruiser for road trips.
Loved it when I first saw the ads. Grined ear-to-ear as I sat into it for the test drive. Often watch curious and envious eyes follow me driving by. After a long trip from the east coast to northern Michigan; the smooth ride, responsive power, generous space, and accessible convenience and technologies of the v90 cross country leaves me a proud and satisfied customer. As this is my … second Volvo wagon, I'm confidently committed to the brand and more so to this stunning peice of art and engineering.
Great car- if only it came in classic Volvo green.
Over the past 16 years, we've had an XC70, S60, XC60 and 3 XC90's. The V90XC is hands down the best. Roomier than the 60's and the 70, it handles better than the 90's. Road noise is minimal. Suspension is great. Just returned from a 600 mile round trip to New Hampshire and averaged 30.7 mpg. The adaptive cruise control works well and takes the frustration out of driving in traffic. On … the trip from the dealer, driver stopped short in front of me and the emergency braking engaged at the same time I hit the brakes. Pretty amazing. All in all this is a pretty sweet ride.
Today is my week-a-versary with my used 2018 V90. Bought it with 32,700 miles on it and took the extra warrantee offered and am now covered until 2028 with unlimited miles....Love it that roadside assist comes free and the Volvo on-call is good for the next two years for free too. I just took the car to the store the day after the ice storm here in Maine and I am super impressed. I … tried a few controlled fish-tails and nothing...wouldn't slide around the icy turns...braking was good on ice too. Very well done! Love the sexy look and the sexy drive...took it on the highway, looked down and I was doing 92 and didn't even feel it.....of course I slowed down! I am 6'6" and traded in my E350 wagon for this wagon and would never go back. The seats are so comfortable, I just want to go on a road trip! As a guy with a Quaker background, I love the plainness of the interior. It simply takes about 20 minutes to get yourself familiar with the electronics. Wish this model has the better stereo! But all in all, I like it!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Volvo V90 Cross Country, so we've included reviews for other years of the V90 Cross Country since its last redesign.
Key safety features on the V90 Cross Country include:
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good
FAQ
Is the Volvo V90 Cross Country a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 V90 Cross Country both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.8 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 V90 Cross Country gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 16 reviews) And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Volvo V90 Cross Country. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Volvo V90 Cross Country?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Volvo V90 Cross Country:
No significant changes
Part of the second V90 generation introduced for 2017
To determine whether the Volvo V90 Cross Country is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the V90 Cross Country. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the V90 Cross Country's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Volvo V90 Cross Country a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Volvo V90 Cross Country is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 V90 Cross Country and gave it a 7.8 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 V90 Cross Country gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 16 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 V90 Cross Country is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Volvo V90 Cross Country?
The least-expensive 2024 Volvo V90 Cross Country is the 2024 Volvo V90 Cross Country B6 Plus 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $59,150.
Other versions include:
B6 Plus 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $59,150
B6 Ultimate 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $64,750
What are the different models of Volvo V90 Cross Country?
If you're interested in the Volvo V90 Cross Country, the next question is, which V90 Cross Country model is right for you? V90 Cross Country variants include B6 Plus 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A), and B6 Ultimate 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A). For a full list of V90 Cross Country models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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