Used 2021 Volvo V90

These luxury midsize wagons have a certain appeal that’s admittedly not broad, but those people who “get it” are onto something special.

The Cross Country is a slightly higher-riding version of the regular V90 wagon, with all-wheel drive as standard. So it’s unfazed by the occasional dirt track or snowdrift. Yet it’s not so high that it feels top-heavy (as many SUV/crossovers do). These V90 cars are derived from the excellent S90 sedan and based on the same platform as the equally excellent XC90 SUV.

Coming from Volvo, safety features are many, varied, standard, and often cutting-edge. Even the lowest trim has a self-driving function for certain conditions. The V90 Cross Country and V90 wagons are capable, arguably attractive, and present more exclusive alternatives to all the usual SUV/crossovers out there.

Anyone familiar with the less-than-thrilling driving experience of most SUVs and crossover SUVs will find the 2021 V90 Cross Country to be a different and more engaging animal.

The Cross Country treatment entails a slight lift in ride height of 2.6 inches, compared with the regular V90, whose relationship to the road is like most sedans. This results in a somewhat raised driving position and slightly higher center of gravity, but not to the detriment of the car’s composure.

Ground clearance of 8.3 inches and standard all-wheel drive are also useful when snow starts building up or there’s some uneven country to, um, cross. And the long wheelbase brings benefits to the ride quality, which is set up more for comfort than precision handling.

Power for the straight-ahead V90 T5 wagon comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine making 250 horsepower. This version is front-drive only.

The V90 T6 wagon and Cross Country crossover have a healthy 316 horsepower from a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. Acceleration is brisk, but the automatic transmission can be slow on the kick-down, which can be a bit annoying when attempting to pass or merge.

We could spend the rest of this review describing and praising the V90’s elegant and classy cabin with beautiful materials, futuristic infotainment system (the display is set in portrait mode), and seats that would delight a grumpy chiropractor, but there’s more to it than that.

For instance, rear legroom is a fairly generous 35.9 inches. With a 6-footer in front, another 6-footer can fit behind. The rear headrests are power-folding to optimize outward vision when not in use. The rear seats’ optional integrated child-booster cushions are a great idea. Maximum cargo space is 53.9 cubic feet.

It’s all subjective, sure, but we would venture to say that the V90 is a handsome-looking wagon, possibly more eye-pleasing than the S90 sedan from which it’s derived. It wraps its practicality in a stylish shell, and there isn’t an angle where it appears awkward. A concave grille and smart lighting details match the classiness of the interior.

The V90 Cross Country sits higher on its suspension, the lower parts of the fascias at each end hint at a skidplate, and the words “Cross Country” are subtly embossed into the rear bumper. Body-colored fender flares have been discontinued this year.

Those styling changes for 2021 include a revised grille, updated fascias front and rear, new taillights, new alloy wheel designs, hidden exhaust pipes, and some fresh exterior colors. The Cross Country also has some side cladding deleted.

TURBOCHARGED/SUPERCHARGED ENGINE
The Volvo V90 T6 and V90 Cross Country have a rare engine. It uses not one but two methods of forced induction — supercharging and turbocharging. The “super” aspect helps at low revs (eliminating any hint of turbo lag), while the “turbo” part enhances things once the engine hits its sweet spot, doing the same for the supercharger at high revs.

SELECTABLE DRIVE MODES
The Volvo V90 Cross Country can be more things to more people thanks to its Eco, Comfort, Dynamic, and Off Road modes, all of which are well-calibrated for their particular tasks. And standard hill descent control is reassuringly wonderful when that muddy trail points downhill.

Every new V90 has extra standard equipment this year. There are automatic on/off adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams and high-pressure washers, slippery road/hazard-light alert, new 19-inch alloy wheels, power-operated cargo cover, programmable Care Key (for teen drivers), two USB-C ports for the rear passengers, and wireless charging.

This is all on top of the standard safety features that include Pilot Assist, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert and steering assistance, lane-keeping assistance/lane departure warning, road sign recognition, and forward-collision avoidance. Plus luxury items like a panoramic moonroof, wiper blades with integrated washers, quad-zone automatic climate control (dual-zone in the Cross Country), leather upholstery, heated/10-way power-adjustable front seats, powered tailgate, 12.3-inch driver information display, 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, satellite radio, two USB-A ports up front, and a Harman Kardon audio system.

The 2021 V90 Cross Country comes as one trim level with the more powerful engine, all-wheel drive, and a heated steering wheel.

The 2021 V90 Cross Country is eligible for a Lounge Package that raises the luxury levels even higher, with perforated Nappa leather upholstery, massaging front seats with power-adjustable lumbar/side support/cushion extension, and shades for the rear passenger windows.

Every 2021 V90 qualifies for an Advanced Package that brings a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system. And a Climate Package that includes heated wiper blades and heated rear seats (and a heated steering wheel in the non-Cross Country wagons).

Individual options include an adaptive air suspension, 20-inch alloy wheels, parking assistance, outboard rear seat booster cushions, and an absolutely superb 19-speaker/1,400-watt Bower & Wilkins audio system.

In regular wagon form, the 2021 V90 wagon offers a choice of engines. The T5 drivetrain consists of a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit making 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This goes solely to the front wheels.

The T6 alternative has the same basic engine, but adds (not substitutes) a supercharger for an extraordinary 316 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard here.

The V90 Cross Country only comes with the T6 powertrain. An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard throughout the 2021 V90 range.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (T5)
250 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/33 mpg

2.0-liter turbocharged/supercharged inline-4 (T6)
316 horsepower @ 5,700 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 2,200-5,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/32 mpg (V90), 20/30 mpg (Cross Country)