by Michael Satterfield - Photos by Lucas Kepner - 07/31/2024
If you shop for a new vehicle, you have nearly an endless choice of truck, SUV, or crossover. Buyers have a hard time finding a sedan or convertible, but while droptops and four doors might be rare, a proper station wagon might be the rarest. Just a handful of manufacturers even offer a station wagon, but when it comes to the classic luxury estate car, the 2024 Volvo V90 Cross Country sets the standard. With its blend of Scandinavian elegance, cutting-edge technology, and practical versatility, the V90 Cross Country is a compelling choice for those seeking luxury and utility without needing a full-size SUV.
Volvo has always been known for its distinctive and understated design language, and the V90 Cross Country is no exception. The exterior is a masterclass in Scandinavian minimalism, featuring clean lines, subtle chrome accents, and Volvo's signature "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights. The Cross Country variant boasts a slightly elevated ride height compared to its standard sibling. It provides 7.9 inches of ground clearance, slightly reduced from previous years but still ample for light off-roading and snowy conditions.
The V90 Cross Country is available with a range of wheel options, from the standard 19-inch alloys to optional 21-inch wheels that, while visually striking, may slightly compromise ride comfort. The overall aesthetic is refined elegance, eschewing the aggressive, oversized grilles common in many modern vehicles for a more restrained and timeless look.
Step inside the V90 Cross Country, and you'll be greeted by an interior that exemplifies Volvo's commitment to luxury and comfort. High-quality materials abound, with supple leather seats, real wood trim, and metal accents creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The seats are a particular highlight, offering exceptional comfort and support and being available with both heating and cooling functions.
The V90 Cross Country's infotainment system is now powered by Android Automotive, providing seamless integration with Google services such as Google Maps and Google Assistant. This system is intuitive and responsive, although it does have a few quirks, such as the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and no support for Android Auto. Additionally, some users may find the vertically oriented 9-inch touchscreen less ideal for certain functions, like displaying the 360-degree camera view.
The cabin has ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats are particularly accommodating, making the V90 Cross Country a great choice for families. The panoramic sunroof enhances the cabin's sense of space and light, although it slightly reduces rear headroom.
Under the hood, the 2024 V90 Cross Country features a 2.0-liter inline-four engine with both turbocharging and supercharging and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This powertrain delivers a robust 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, providing smooth and linear acceleration. The 8-speed automatic transmission is generally smooth, although it can sometimes be hesitant to upshift.
The V90 Cross Country excels in ride comfort, thanks partly to its optional air suspension and 4C adaptive chassis. These features help the wagon easily glide over rough roads, delivering a plush and composed ride that rivals many luxury SUVs. While the higher ride height provides a sense of confidence, it's worth noting that the V90 Cross Country does exhibit some body roll in corners, which is to be expected given its focus on comfort over sporty handling.
Regarding fuel efficiency, the V90 Cross Country performs admirably for its class, although real-world figures may be slightly higher than Volvo's estimates. Expect around 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, with mixed driving averages closer to 24 mpg.
Safety is a hallmark of the Volvo brand, and the V90 Cross Country is no exception. It has comprehensive driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Pilot Assist system offers semi-autonomous driving capabilities, making long highway journeys less taxing.
Volvo's commitment to safety extends to its robust construction and advanced airbag systems, ensuring that occupants are well-protected in the event of a collision. Additionally, the V90 Cross Country's advanced driver assistance systems are designed to help prevent accidents before they occur, reflecting Volvo's vision of a future with zero traffic fatalities.
One key advantage of the V90 Cross Country over its SUV counterparts is its practicality. The wagon body style provides a lower load floor, making loading and unloading cargo easier. With the rear seats up, the V90 Cross Country 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 lack of a load lip further enhance the V90 Cross Country's usability, making it an excellent choice for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who values versatility in their vehicle. The wagon's towing capacity is a respectable 3,500 pounds, suitable for small trailers and boats.
The 2024 V90 Cross Country is available in two well-appointed trim levels: Plus and Ultimate. The Plus trim starts at $60,995 and includes features such as 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 seeking even more performance, the Polestar Engineered Optimization package, which enhances the engine's output and overall driving dynamics, is available for an additional $1,400.
For those tired of the ubiquitous SUV and looking for something different, the 2024 Volvo V90 Cross Country is a refreshing and sophisticated alternative. 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.
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