The 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country is a rarity — a large station wagon. Although the body style has fallen out of favor in the U.S., its many virtues are amplified in the latest Volvo model. Built on the same underpinnings as the well-regarded Volvo S90 luxury sedan, the V90 brings both sport-utility and sedan sensibilities to the driving equation.
Competitors to the V90 Cross Country are few and far between. Direct rivals include the Audi A6 Allroad and Mercedes-Benz E 450 4Matic All Terrain. The three Euro wagons are about the same length and are fitted with all-wheel drive. The Volvo and Audi are five-passenger wagons. The Mercedes-Benz is a seven-seater. The Volvo V90 CC is the least expensive of the three, while the two German wagons are essentially priced the same. V90 Cross Country passengers will have ample luggage space, but the Audi and Mercedes offer more.
The V90 Cross Country was upgraded this year with a powertrain that Volvo calls the B6. Like the T6 powertrain before it, the B6 features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is both turbocharged and supercharged. An eight-speed automatic transmission handles the gear changes, and all-wheel drive is standard. Although slightly less powerful than the T6 setup, the B6 still delivers a healthy 295 horsepower, which is more than enough to make the V90 CC feel quick. A new element unique to the B6 is the addition of a 48-volt electric starter-generator that replaces the conventional starter motor.
It results in much smoother restarts from the start-stop system that shuts down the engine to preserve fuel when the V90 comes to a halt. The electric motor is also able to smooth automatic gear changes and provide a burst of torque when needed. It’s a sophisticated system with lots of moving parts. But from behind the wheel, the V90 simply feels like a well-mannered wagon with strong acceleration and tenacious grip. There’s very little noise from the engine, and the suspension does an excellent job of soaking up rough terrain without jostling passengers. It’s no sport wagon, but few will find fault with its smooth and refined ride.
The Volvo V90 Cross Country is available in just one trim level with one powertrain. It’s an all-wheel-drive setup with a turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine Volvo calls B6.
Starting at $56,295 (including a $1,095 destination fee), the Volvo V90 Cross Country is filled with features. It has a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 12.3-inch digital instrument screen. Additional features include 18-inch alloy wheels, dual tailpipes, panoramic sunroof, leather seats, power-adjustable front seats, a driver’s seat memory function, folding rear seatbacks, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Several option packages are available. The Lounge package ($2,800) includes a passenger seat memory function, a distinctive “tailored dashboard” design, power-adjustable front-seat cushion extensions, side and rear sun curtains, front seats with four-way power lumbar support and backrest massage, and four-zone automatic climate control. The Advanced package ($1,700) equips a head-up display, 360-degree surround-view camera system, advanced air cleaner, and high-level interior illumination. The Climate package ($750) adds a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and a high-pressure headlight cleaning system.
Adaptive air suspension, a power-operated tailgate, a premium Harman Kardon audio system, and a super-premium Bowers & Wilkins audio system are stand-alone options.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not rated the 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country. But the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the similar 2021 V90 Cross Country a Top Safety Pick+.
The 2022 V90 Cross Country is equipped with an impressive array of active safety and driver-assist features. For instance, the V90 CC has the Pilot Assist driver-assistance system that aids steering, acceleration, and braking in certain situations. An antidote to fatigue in stop-and-go traffic, the hands-on-the-wheel system works on highways at speeds up to 80 mph. Due to some added tech, it no longer requires a car in front of it to follow. In addition, the V90 is equipped with a blind-spot system that includes steering assist and rear cross-traffic alert. The Oncoming Lane Mitigation system is active at speeds between 37 and 87 mph and employs automatic steering to avoid a collision.
The Volvo V90 Cross Country is a pleasant on-road wagon with all-wheel drive and increased ride height. Those attributes give it excellent capabilities in snow and ice. But don’t confuse “Cross Country” with a claim of off-roading. The V90 CC isn’t designed for rough-and-tumble all-terrain work.
