Used 2019 Volvo V90

The 2019 Volvo V90 Cross Country has a particular appeal that’s admittedly not wide-ranging, but those people who “get it” are onto something special. It’s a slightly higher-riding version of the regular V90 large luxury wagon, with all-wheel drive as standard. So the occasional dirt track or snow drift isn’t going to faze this vehicle. Yet it’s not so high that it feels top-heavy (as many SUV/crossover SUVs do). 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. As roads become swamped with crossover SUVs, the V90 Cross Country is an intriguingly attractive and capable alternative.

Anyone familiar with the less-than-thrilling driving experience of most SUVs and crossover SUVs will find the 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. The entry-level trim has a 250-horsepower engine, which is absolutely fit for purpose. Although the 316-horsepower alternative definitely has its charms.

We could spend the rest of this review describing and praising the V90 Cross Country’s elegant and classy cabin with beautiful materials, a 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, and the optional grocery-bag holder saves eggs from being scrambled prematurely. 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. This 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. For a less obvious crossover-SUV look, the fender flares may be specified in the body color.

TURBO/SUPERCHARGED ENGINE
About that 316-horsepower engine: It has both methods of forced induction in one engine, producing this much power from two liters of displacement, which is remarkable. Yet fuel consumption is still reasonable. The “super” aspect helps at low revs while the “turbo” part enhances things once the engine hits its sweet spot.

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.

The entry-level Volvo V90 Cross Country has the lower-powered engine, but still comes with many features. Such as 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry/ignition, panoramic sunroof, hands-free tailgate operation, rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control, 9-inch infotainment touch screen, navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone integration. Standard safety/driver aids include automatic emergency braking (with detection for pedestrians, cyclists and large animals), blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, driver fatigue monitoring, and adaptive cruise control with partial autonomy. The gutsier engine also brings 19-inch wheels, heated steering wheel, and acoustic glass for the front-side windows.

A new Advanced package includes full LED headlights with automatic high beams, active bending and high-pressure cleaning, head-up display, 360-degree camera system, and a self-parking feature. The more powerful T6 variant has quad-zone automatic climate control. The Ocean Race trim is more lavish, with Nappa leather upholstery, massaging front seats with power-adjustable bolstering, chilled glove box, power cargo cover and rear sunshades. Other options include an air suspension, heated rear-outboard seats, 1,400-watt/19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio upgrade, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Both engines propelling the 2019 V90 Cross Country are 2.0-liter 4-cylinder units. The T5 version deploys a turbocharger to generate 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the other — in the T6 — adds (not substitutes) a supercharger for an extraordinary 316 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. A perfectly fine 8-speed automatic is the sole transmission and all-wheel drive is standard.

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: 22/31 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: 20/30 mpg