Used 2017 Volvo V90

Bridging the white space between crossover SUVs and traditional station wagons, the all-new 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country has a slightly higher ride height and a more muscular appearance thanks to subtle body cladding and the kind of functionality and luxury that sets Volvos apart in the marketplace. While there is no direct competitor for this sporty wagon geared to the active lifestyle set, think of it as sitting atop a continuum that starts with the Volkswagen Alltrack, continues through the Subaru Outback and up through the Audi A4 Allroad.

The V90 shares a similar dynamic nature as the front-drive S90 sedan and benefits from a long wheelbase that imparts a supple ride. The steering is direct, well-controlled and offers precise feedback. The difference from the sedan, as well as the standard V90 wagon (which comes special-order-only from your dealer) is its slightly higher ride height — it’s 2.3 inches taller which contributes to 8.3 inches of ground clearance — as well as the standard all-wheel drive, which figures greatly in its neutral handling characteristics. The car is well-balanced, exhibits little in the way of body roll and is decidedly more car-like in its roadholding than traditional SUVs. But that doesn’t mean the Cross Country gives up the ability to take on two-track off-road trails or plow through snow. It’s the perfect for winter commuting and backcountry exploring.

The interior blends modern tech functions with the clean aesthetics embodied in Scandinavian design. Flowing lines, plenty of soft-touch surfaces and the use of dark walnut inlays give the cabin an elegant, upscale aura. At the same time, the large vertical center touch screen has the same touch/swipe/pinch-control strategy familiar to anyone with a computer tablet. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the view from the driver’s seat is enhanced thanks to the slightly higher seating position when compared to the S90 sedan. There’s also a large, panoramic sunroof that helps give the interior a light, airy feel.

The wagon profile actually makes the V90 look sleeker than the sedan. The concave shape of the grille and the detailing from the lighting elements to the use of brightwork match the level of elegance experienced on the inside. The Cross Country signals its off-road ability through the small front and rear skidplates, fender extensions over the wheel arches and the more aggressive rocker panels. If you don’t want to look as macho, you can opt for body-colored flares instead of the matte finish. An integrated roof-rack system is both good-looking and functional, like the car itself.

TURBO/SUPERCHARGED ENGINE
The performance from this 2.0-liter 4-cylinder is simply amazing. Getting 316 horsepower from this engine is quite a feat — the car doesn’t seem to lack for power and still delivers fuel economy that shames less powerful drivetrains.

SELECTABLE DRIVE MODES
In addition to the Eco, Comfort, Off Road and Dynamic modes (all of which are nicely tailored to their individual missions) is the standard hill-descent feature that gives the Cross Country dirt-trail cred.

In addition to the all-wheel drive and off-road friendly features like the hill-descent control, the Volvo V90 Cross Country has a long list of standard features that includes Pilot Assist (which combines lane-keeping steering assist with adaptive cruise control), a blind-spot information system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, driver-alert sensing, road sign information and lane-departure warning. Other upscale items that come standard include heated leather seats and steering wheel, a 12.3-inch driver display and 9-inch center screen with navigation, high-performance audio with 10 speakers, keyless entry and start and hands-free power tailgate.

There are two option packages, a $4,500 luxury group and a $1,950 convenience package. The former includes ventilated Nappa leather seating, backrest massage, leather upholstery on the dash and door panels, heated rear seats, 4-zone climate control, power-operated load cover and body-colored doorsills, bumpers and fender flares. Convenience items include HomeLink, a compass in the rearview mirror, park-assist pilot, high-level interior illumination and a 360-degree surround-view camera. A rear air suspension is a $1,200 stand-alone option, as are a head-up display ($900), Bower & Wilkens premium sound system ($2,650), 20-inch alloy wheels ($750), rear booster seat cushions ($500) and metallic paint ($560).

There’s only one engine choice, a 2.0-liter gasoline 4-cylinder engine that benefits from both turbo- and supercharging. This twin forced-induction setup is designed to provide a highly responsive engine at both low- and high-rpm ranges. The transverse engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

2.0-liter turbo/supercharged inline-4
316 horsepower @ 5,700 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 2,200-5,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/30 mpg (automatic)

Note: Due to changes in EPA testing to more effectively reflect real-world conditions, some 2017 models show slightly lower fuel-economy scores than their 2016 versions.