Station wagons are an endangered species on the automotive landscape these days, but there remain some excellent options for those who still cherish the body style.
One such model is the 2024 Volvo V90 Cross Country we experienced recently (there is also a smaller V60 from Volvo).
Offered in two trims, we tested the upper Ultimate model, with a few extras added on. Once all the extras are added up, the total price tag is $84,625.
The options on our tester included 21-inch 7-open spoke Matt Tech Black alloy wheels ($1,475), rear air suspension ($2,350) and a Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound System ($3,750).
Powertrain: The V90 has a very nice powertrain in the form of a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine with an electric supercharger and 8-speed automatic transmission. It features a mild hybrid setup that delivered a combined 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, and all-wheel drive which adds extra utility to this wagon.
The estimated fuel efficiency rating for the V90 is 9.5 litres of premium fuel per 100 kilometres, but I missed the result by quite a bit at 12.4 L/100 km.
Exterior: The V90 Cross Country Ultimate looks great from just about every angle in my opinion.
The wagon shape is unmistakable and that lends itself to a sleek design and great lines.
Nothing has changed for the V90’s styling from the previous model year, other than the addition of a new exterior colour: Vapour Grey Metallic. Our tester was a darker Platinum Grey.
Interior: Equally as nice as the exterior, the cabin is spacious and luxurious, and our tester did away with the ubiquitous black for an Amber colour scheme.
The Nappa leather seating offers heated and cooled front seats, with the bonus feature of a massage option. It also features a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats, with very generous room for occupants back there.
The shift lever in the V90 Ultimate is a crystal by Orrefors, an elegant touch in the cabin.
The panoramic moonroof ensures that occupants are bathed in natural light, and there is a very generous amount of storage space in the cargo area behind the rear bench.
Infotainment: Like a previous test with the Volvo XC40 Recharge, the reliance on the tablet-style infotainment screen to house so many controls is
far from ideal.
The myriad of menus to move through can at times be confusing and tedious, even if you are used to them after nearly two weeks with the system.
About the only easy ones to use are the controls for the ventilation and heated seats.
That aside, the V90 Cross Country Ultimate offers excellent sound for audiophiles through a Bowers & Wilkins system, improving on an already impressive Harman Kardon setup.
Drive: The engine is plenty powerful for the V90, with excellent acceleration and all the power you need when called on for passing maneuvers. Steering feel inspires confidence, and the vehicle handles well. The optional air suspension does an admirable job in isolating occupants from any road imperfections.
And the V90 features Volvo’s Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous system that offers adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist.
I also appreciated the fact that the V90 had a head-up display, keeping essential information right in the driver’s line of sight.
Conclusion: The stylish, powerful, and utilitarian V90 Cross Country provides owners with SUV-like functionality within a model that stands out in the crowd of crossovers.
The AWD capability allows the V90 to be more than a city driver, adding to the attractiveness to some consumers.
The price point could give some pause, and the infotainment system definitely needs some work, but overall, the V90 has many excellent attributes in its favour.
2024 Volvo V90 Cross Country Ultimate
Price as tested: $84,625.00
Freight: $2,620.00
Configuration: Front engine/All-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder with electric supercharger/ 8-speed automatic
Power/torque: 295 horsepower/ 310 lb-ft of torque
Fuel (capacity): Premium (60 L)
Combined fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 9.5 L/100 km
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 12.4 L/100 km
Warranties: 4-years/80,000 km (basic)
Competitors: Audi A6, Genesis G80, Mercedes-Benz E-Class,
Website: Volvo Canada