Used 2019 Volvo V90 T5 Inscription Wagon Review

Luxury wagons are a niche within a niche: a premium car priced beyond the reach of many buyers, wrapped in a body style that few buyers seem to want. Yet the small legion of wagon enthusiasts keeps the flames lit, and Volvo is happy to oblige with the 2019 V90. Volvo, of course, has a rich history in family wagons, using them as launching pads for innovative safety features and establishing a unique style distinct from its European competitors.

Those expecting a retro Volvo wagon experience, however, may be in for a shock. The V90, like the related S90 sedan and XC90 SUV, is steeped in tech and style. The V90 shares the same design and materials quality, resulting in an interior anchored by a large central touchscreen display and highlighted by classy wood, leather and aluminum accents. In addition to the daily shuffle of family duties, the V90 excels at long-distance driving with its superior ergonomics. The V90 even offers fold-down booster seats for the outer two rear-seat positions to help young passengers transition from child safety seats to regular seats.

Crossover SUVs tend to make more sense than wagons for many buyers — it's hard to argue the practical benefits of a taller cabin and expansive cargo space. But wagons represent a solid middle ground, offering enough passenger space and cargo room, without the big, boxy bulk of most mainstream crossovers. And being a stylish standout in a small segment, the V90 also provides a measure of exclusivity that few SUVs can offer.

All 2019 Volvo V90s come very well equipped, so you're basically paying for powertrains. The T5 starts off the lineup with the lowest power and front-wheel drive. Some may find the T5 underpowered, especially when fully loaded. The T6 provides more power and all-wheel drive.

The R-Design and Inscription versions of the T5 are equipped to nearly the same level and differ in interior materials, seat designs and colors. They both are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (250 hp, 258 lb-ft) driving only the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Standard features for both include 19-inch wheels, roof rails, a panoramic sunroof, LED headlights and foglights, a hands-free liftgate, keyless entry, push-button ignition, four-zone climate control, a cabin air cleaner and power-adjustable front seats. On the tech front, you get a configurable gauge cluster display, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a navigation system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system.

Also standard is a full battery of active driver aids, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and lane keeping assist.

On the Inscription, Volvo throws in heated and ventilated front seats. The R-Design features a unique sport suspension calibration and comes standard with paddle shifters and sport front seats.

Optionally, you can add the Advanced package, which includes adaptive LED headlights, high-pressure headlight washers, a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and an automated parallel or perpendicular parking system. Various stand-alone options include an air suspension, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a premium Bowers & Wilkins sound system.

The T6 R-Design and T6 Inscription are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that's both turbocharged and supercharged. At maximum power, it produces 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. And unlike the T5, the T6 comes with all-wheel drive. Otherwise, the T5 and the T6 are essentially the same inside and out.

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Volvo V90 Cross Country T6 AWD (twin-charged 2.0L inline-4 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).

Note that the Cross Country model, reviewed separately, is essentially a standard V90 with additional ground clearance and reinforced lower body panels designed for moderate off-road driving. The Cross Country's taller height affects visibility and getting in and out of the cabin, but otherwise shares most of its traits with the standard wagon.