2023 Volvo V90 Cross Country

Of the few remaining wagons in the USA, the 2023 Volvo V90 Cross Country is a suave and cool-headed car that promises supreme levels of comfort and safety, even if it won't set your heart aflutter with performance. This is because the turbocharged four-cylinder engine only makes 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, but since it is hybridized, you will at least benefit from slightly better fuel economy figures. You still get a modicum of off-roading prowess, and the wagon can even tow a decent amount, which is something not many luxury vehicles can claim. These competitors we speak of include the Audi A6 allroad and Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain, which may outpace the V90 Cross Country, but it can match them step for step in terms of luxury and ride quality. It also has an impeccable safety record and a good reputation for reliability that should see it continue to capture the hearts of wagon enthusiasts.

As you'd expect of a European luxury wagon, the price of the new 2023 Volvo V90 Cross Country is a bit on the high side. The base-level plus will cost you $58,650, while starting this year, there is also an Ultimate trim for $64,250. These are the MSRP prices for the Volvo V90 Cross Country and do not include tax, registration, or the $1,095 destination fee.

The primary concern of the 2023 V90 Cross Country is comfort, and in that mission, it succeeds marvelously. The suspension soaks up even large bumps in the road with ease, leaving occupants completely unaware. Of course, tuned with this bias in mind, the suspension isn't suited to spirited driving. Instead, it exchanges the potential for corner-burning antics for a surprising off-roading experience. Even rough terrain is taken in the wagon's stride, though it can't soak it up without the passengers noticing and we wouldn't attempt any official off-road trails.

Luckily, there are several drive modes that tweak everything from the steering to the suspension in order to alter the driving character of the vehicle. Comfort and Eco will suit city driving, while Dynamic tightens up responses a little, though it never does enough to make the car feel sporty. Off-road is designed for low-speed driving over dirt roads and steep inclines. Regardless of settings, the steering is sharp and accurate but not generous in terms of feedback. Road and wind noise are dampened, but they can still intrude into the cabin at times.

As one of the few remaining wagons in the market, the Volvo V90 Cross Country is already quite special. However, its novelty alone isn't enough to make it desirable. For that, we look to its sophisticated styling, luxurious cabin, generous features list, and composed ride quality. That's not to say it's perfect, though. The trunk is unfortunately small for a vehicle of this type, and while Volvo normally gives us cars of impeccable build quality, the Cross Country sometimes lets a little noise into the cabin. These are relatively minor concerns in the grand scheme of things since you can still stow a lot more cargo than you could in a sedan. Furthermore, when looking at other wagons in the premium segment, you'd have to pay a lot more than you would for this Swede. In review, the Volvo V90 Cross Country is a polished product that ticks all the right boxes for a family wagon while not trying to be more than it is. It's a solid choice for those who value quality, safety, and comfort.

The V90 Cross Country range has been expanded to comprise the Plus and Ultimate trims, each with its own pros and cons. For most buyers, the Plus should be more than enough, with dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable leather-trimmed seats, and a whole bevy of driver-assistance features. You can also opt to upgrade it a little with a Harman Kardon sound system and some cold-weather comforts. The Ultimate adds some nice-to-haves, but none are essential. But, if have the money to spare, it's worth upgrading so you can get access to the 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system.