Michael Satterfield
The 2024 Volvo V90 Cross Country reminds us why wagons still matter in a market increasingly dominated by SUVs and crossovers. This luxury vehicle combines the best aspects of Scandinavian design, advanced technology, and everyday practicality, making it an enticing option for those who value both style and substance.
Volvo has perfected the art of understated elegance, and the V90 Cross Country is a prime example. Its exterior is sleek, with clean lines, subtle chrome accents, and the signature Thor’s Hammer LED headlights, giving it a distinct yet refined look. The Cross Country variant features a slightly elevated ride height, offering 7.9 inches of ground clearance. This is down from previous years but still sufficient for tackling light off-road and snowy conditions.
The V90 Cross Country’s aesthetics are complemented by a range of wheel options, starting with 19-inch alloys and extending to eye-catching 21-inch wheels. While the larger wheels enhance the wagon’s visual appeal, they might compromise ride comfort slightly on rougher roads. Nonetheless, the overall design maintains a balance of sophistication and functionality, avoiding the aggressive styling that plagues many modern vehicles.
Inside, the V90 Cross Country is a sanctuary of luxury. The cabin is a masterclass in Scandinavian minimalism, featuring high-quality materials like soft leather seats, real wood trim, and metal accents. The seats themselves are exceptional, offering superior comfort and support, with heating and cooling options available for added convenience.
Volvo has integrated Android Automotive into the V90 Cross Country, providing seamless access to Google services such as Google Maps and Google Assistant. The system is user-friendly and responsive, although it lacks wireless Apple CarPlay and does not support Android Auto. The 9-inch vertically oriented touchscreen can feel a bit awkward for certain tasks, such as viewing the 360-degree camera feed, but overall, the infotainment experience is solid.
Passenger space is generous, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear occupants. The rear seats are particularly accommodating, making the V90 Cross Country a practical choice for families. The panoramic sunroof enhances the sense of space and light within the cabin, though it does slightly reduce rear headroom.
Under the hood, the 2024 V90 Cross Country features a 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged inline-four engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This powertrain delivers 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, providing smooth and responsive acceleration. The 8-speed automatic transmission generally performs well, though it can be hesitant to upshift sometimes.
The V90 Cross Country shines in ride comfort thanks to its optional air suspension and 4C adaptive chassis. These features help the wagon easily handle rough roads, offering a plush and composed ride that rivals many luxury SUVs. However, the higher ride height does introduce some body roll in corners, a trade-off for its comfort-oriented tuning.
Fuel efficiency is respectable for its class, with the V90 Cross Country achieving around 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, leading to a combined average of about 24 mpg in real-world driving conditions.
Safety remains a cornerstone of Volvo’s reputation, and the V90 Cross Country has a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. These include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Pilot Assist system offers semi-autonomous driving capabilities, reducing driver fatigue on long highway journeys.
Volvo’s commitment to safety extends beyond driver aids to include robust construction and advanced airbag systems, ensuring occupants are well-protected in a collision. The V90 Cross Country’s advanced safety features are designed to help prevent accidents, aligning with Volvo’s vision of a future with zero traffic fatalities.
One of the V90 Cross Country’s advantages over its SUV rivals is its practicality. The wagon body style provides a lower load floor, making loading and unloading cargo easier. With the rear seats up, it offers 25.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to a generous 69 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The hands-free power liftgate and absence of a load lip further enhance usability, making the V90 Cross Country an excellent choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Its towing capacity is a respectable 3,500 pounds, suitable for small trailers and boats.
The 2024 V90 Cross Country is available in two trim levels: Plus and Ultimate. The Plus trim starts at $60,995 and features a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, a 12-inch digital driver display, and a suite of advanced safety features. Starting at $66,595, the Ultimate trim adds larger wheels, rear air suspension, a Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system, and additional luxury touches.
For those looking for enhanced performance, the Polestar Engineered Optimization package, which boosts the engine’s output and overall driving dynamics, is available for an additional $1,400.
The 2024 Volvo V90 Cross Country stands out in the luxury wagon segment, offering a compelling blend of style, comfort, technology, and practicality. It caters to those who appreciate luxury without sacrificing utility. While it faces competition from vehicles like the Audi A6 Allroad, the V90 Cross Country’s unique charm and Scandinavian sensibilities make it a strong contender.
The 2024 Volvo V90 Cross Country is a refreshing and sophisticated alternative for those tired of the ubiquitous SUV and seeking something different. Whether navigating city streets, tackling snowy backroads, or embarking on a family road trip, the V90 Cross Country delivers a driving experience that is both luxurious and engaging.
