2024 Volvo V90 Cross Country B6: AN AUTOMOTIVE SMORGASBORD

2024 Volvo V90 Cross Country B6: 

AN AUTOMOTIVE SMORGASBORD

Driving the 2024 Volvo V90 Cross Country, I thought it was a shame that American consumers are abandoning cars in favor of SUVs and pickups.

Volvo calls it a crossover, but in form and function, the V90 Cross Country is a station wagon, with superb off-road capability wrapped in elegance. It provides better fuel economy and more safety protection than the lumbering SUVs that populate our streets.

Priced less than a similarly equipped Chevy Tahoe, the V90 is an irresistible combination of Volvo’s signature style and safety features. Computer-assisted all-wheel drive and added ground clearance make it ideal for drivers who seek versatility without sacrificing style. Its refined yet rugged image makes it a standout choice among the sea of crossovers.

Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine with 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, this Swedish wagon offers a spirited driving experience. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the V90 Cross Country B6 boasts impressive fuel economy figures: 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

One can get similar fuel economy in a diesel-equipped Tahoe, but diesel costs more. For those who care about such things, the EPA says the diesel Chevy spews out nearly three times as much CO2 as the V90. Most full-sized SUVs deliver about half the fuel economy as the V90 and have nowhere near the performance.

Nor should they. What people love most about big SUVs – that they are large and heavy – also makes them prone to rollovers, the most lethal accident. I cannot imagine what it would take to roll a Volvo. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the V90 scores better on crash protection than the Tahoe, Suburban, and Ford Expedition, none of which qualify for the IIHS’s “Top Safety Pick.”

When a V90’s tapered nose strikes a pedestrian, bicyclist, or another vehicle, it is far less dangerous to the other fellow. The market favors front ends that look like angry barn doors, which are horrible for aerodynamics (the most critical variable in fuel economy), and lethal to humans…if, as a human, this is something you care about.

Interior Comfort and Quality

The Volvo V90 Cross Country B6’s cabin showcases Scandinavian minimalism with premium materials, such as Nappa leather, metal inlays, and driftwood inlays. The vehicle seats five comfortably and offers ample cargo space for all your gear. 

Boasting an elegant fusion of form and function, the Volvo’s interior features uncluttered lines with a minimalist layout that enhances usability and promotes a serene driving experience. Motor Trend says the V90 Cross Country B6’s interior is “a master class in design and comfort.”

Supportive and comfortable, the V90 Cross Country B6’s seats are a highlight. Ergonomically designed front seats with power adjustment and memory settings offer excellent support during extended drives. The rear seats provide ample legroom and headroom for passengers. They fold to expand the cargo area. 

The centerpiece of the V90 Cross Country B6’s dashboard is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a vertically-oriented 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by Volvo’s Sensus interface. It supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a host of connected services through the Volvo On Call app. 

An available Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system delivers a concert-like experience, making the V90 Cross Country B6 a haven for audiophiles. My neighbors must have wondered why I sat in the driveway so long. The update: I was listening to the Gaither Vocal Band’s new love song projects.

The switchgear is thoughtfully laid out, allowing easy access to essential functions. Buttons and knobs for climate control and infotainment settings are within reach, and the steering wheel features controls for audio, phone, and driver-assist systems. 

Volvo is renowned for its exceptional build quality, and the V90 Cross Country B6 is no exception. The cabin shows excellent fit and finish, with panel gaps that are consistently tight and uniform. This high level of craftsmanship contributes to the vehicle’s overall sense of refinement and luxury.

The V90 excels in minimizing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), making it one of the quietest vehicles in its segment. The cabin remains calm and composed at highway speeds, and the well-insulated interior keeps out most external noises, resulting in a tranquil driving experience.

While the V90 Cross Country B6 cannot match the cavernous cargo capacity of a full-size SUV, it offers a generous 25.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. Fold the seats down, and that number increases to a cavernous 69 cubic feet. The load floor is flat, making it easy to slide in – and extract – bulky items. A typical full-size SUV offers around 15 to 20 cubic feet more cargo space with the rear seats folded.

Competitors

The Volvo V90 starts at $59,150 and has few real competitors:

• Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain ($68,000, 23/30 mpg) – With a luxurious interior, the E-Class All-Terrain is appealing but commands a higher price and lacks the V90’s distinctive design.
• Audi A6 Allroad ($66,900, 22/29 mpg) – The A6 Allroad features sleek styling and innovative technology, but its fuel economy lags slightly behind the Volvo’s.
• Subaru Outback ($28,320, 26/33 mpg) – Though the Outback offers superior fuel economy at a lower price point, it lacks the luxurious feel and refined performance of the Volvo V90.

In terms of reliability, Consumer Reports gives the Volvo V90 a 3/5 predicted reliability rating. In contrast, the Subaru Outback earns a 4/5, while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6 Allroad score 3/5.

The V90 Cross Country B6 comes with Volvo’s standard 4-year/50,000-mile new car warranty. Additionally, it includes a 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance plan and a 4-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance program.

Bottom line

The Volvo V90 Cross Country B6’s unique blend of practicality, luxury, safety, fuel economy and performance makes it an intelligent choice if you care about those things.