2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country

　　

2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country Review

byKeith BuglewiczManaging Editor, CarMax

　　Keith Buglewicz has worked in the automotive industry since 1994, writing thousands of car-related articles, and he's tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Keith is the managing editor of CarMax at zzdcar, and his byline can be found at KBB, MotorTrend, Autobytel and many others. Keith considers himself exceptionally lucky to be working the dream job he’s had since high school.

　　If you want the utility of a luxury SUV but in a package that isn't quite so bulky or ponderous to drive, then the 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country might be the perfect fit. Volvo practically invented the idea of an SUV-ified wagon back in the 1990s, and the 2022 V90 Cross Country carries on that tradition. It has sleek, classy styling that stands out in an endless sea of crossover SUVs, and thanks to its generous cargo space, it gives up very little to an SUV in the utility department around town or on the occasional road trip. While it's true the Cross Country has more ground clearance than the now-discontinued V90 wagon it's based on, it still has a lower stance and more secure handling than the typical luxury SUV.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country B6 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$188/mo  for V90 Cross Country B6

　　V90 Cross Country B6

　　B6 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $56,200 MSRP

　　vs

　　$198/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　For 2022, the V90 sees a host of changes. Most notably, there's a new turbocharged engine under the hood. It has a similar power output to last year's engine but EPA-estimated fuel economy rises thanks to a mild hybrid system. Expect 2 mpg better in the city and 1 mpg more overall, for a combined city/highway estimate of 25 mpg. That's a bit better than your typical midsize luxury SUV gets. Inside, the V90 Cross Country gets the new Android Automotive OS-based touchscreen interface. It includes Google Maps and other features but unfortunately eliminates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. (Volvo says it will add them back later in the model year.)

　　Overall, we like the V90 Cross Country. But if Volvo's minimalist Swedish aesthetic isn't your cup of glogg, the Germans offer alternatives in the form of the Audi A6 Allroad and the Mercedes-Benz E 450 All-Terrain, but both are notably more expensive than the Volvo. For all of the hits and misses of Volvo's V90 Cross Country, check out our Expert Rating below.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.8

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the V90 Cross Country drive? The V90 provides ample oomph for the daily commute along with predictable and confident stopping power, and the addition of the new mild hybrid system makes this powertrain one of the smoothest out there. The engine reacts quickly, and any transmission clunkiness we experienced before has vanished. Thanks to nearly 300 horsepower and the benefit of all-wheel drive, the V90 Cross Country scooted to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds. Not bad for a wagon that weighs over two tons.

　　The steering feels direct and accurate, and with power going to all four wheels, you can actually get the big wagon to move neatly around some corners. A bit more ground clearance with all-wheel drive means the Cross Country fares better than a standard V90 on unpaved and slippery roads. Overall, this smooth-operating luxury wagon is better to drive than it needs to be, and that's a good thing.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the V90 Cross Country? The V90 Cross Country's interior will be familiar to anyone who's sat in a Volvo recently. The chic, minimalist design works well, and there's an air of Swedish diligence about the cabin. The seats are luscious with great adjustability, and the climate controls help keep the cabin at the right temperature thanks to their powerful (but silent) operation. 

　　One gripe with the interior was the excessive wind noise we heard while cruising at freeway speeds. It's nothing the stereo can't drown out, but it's obvious if you're wanting a little peace and quiet on your drive. It's the only part of the V90's interior that spoils what is otherwise a true luxury experience, and it's the type of annoyance that Mercedes and Audi do a better job of filtering out.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below