Welcome to Critic's Notebook, a quick and off-the-cuff car review consisting of impressions, jottings, and marginalia regarding whatever The Drive writers happen to be driving. Today's edition: The 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country T6.
Since the debut of the Volvo S90, the new generation of Volvos has been stunning to say the least and a massive hit in the automotive community. The S90's design has won our hearts and subsequently the V90 Cross Country has as well. Keeping a lot of the same lines, especially up front, the Volvo V90 is a more family-friendly version of the S90. With increased cargo capacity and enough room for all the kids, the V90 is a beautiful wagon in a world of SUVs.
Defying the trend of auto manufacturers, Volvo opted to continue wagon production when they could have easily stayed in the SUV/Crossover market with their XC60 and XC90. However, Volvo knew they had loyalists around the globe hoping to get their hands on the amazing work of designer Thomas Ingenlath. If you are looking to grab a 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country just head over to any Volvo dealership and pick one up for a little north of $56,295, but if you want the standard Volvo V90 without the plastic flares and lift kit, be prepared to order one as Volvo is not stocking them in dealerships. Like Audi and other manufacturers, Volvo is assuming buyers will focus on the more offroad-ready version of the V90 wagon.
The Pros:
- The curb appeal of the Volvo V90 Cross Country is next level. Whether you like big pickups, sports cars or sleeper sedans, you will struggle to find fault with the Volvo V90 Cross Country's lines.
- The functionality of the V90 Cross Country is oddly satisfying. The car is relatively quick yet the ride is comfortable and the wagon's length yields itself to easy storage. As long as the items you are transporting or not too tall, the Volvo's length and collapsable rows allow easy storage for items that can often find themselves on the roof of a crossover.
- The center cluster is a dream. The intuitive 9-inch infotainment screen and the digital dash allow users to quickly access music, navigation, vehicle diagnostics and more without having to pull out the owner's manual.
- The seats are comfortable and they actually fit the contour of your body. For some reason a flurry of manufacturers design their seats to hug you, but after an hour the hug turns into an unpleasant jab. The V90's seats have just enough bolstering and the 10-way seat adjustment is just enough to find that right position.
- The ride is smooth and well-mannered. The 2.3 inch lift yields the cross country to a more offroad capable ride, but it does surprisingly well on the road as well. I never found myself floating down the highway nor did a feel assaulted by the potholes of Brooklyn.
- The mysterious trailer hitch that electronically shoots out with the touch of a button. I spent a good five minutes doing this time and time again.
- The Volvo V90 Cross Country's semi-autonomous features are great in stop-and-go traffic. The V90 will steer itself (to a certain degree) and operate adaptive cruise control with limited user intervention.
The Cons:
- This may just be me, but I am not a fan of the plastic molding. The black plastic seems like a forced attempt at looking more offroad ready. Yes, the plastic is easy to replace if damage should occur, but I think it detracts from the looks of the V90 Cross Country and the CC would be just as capable without it.
- The exhaust note is confusing and unsettling. One minute you hear the turbocharger, the next you hear the rumbling of a sick dog. The Volvo V90 Cross Country may have not been going for a good exhaust note but I would very on saying it is plain bad.
- The price. The Volvo V90 Cross Country starts at $56,295 without options and with mild additions, it crept up to $64,640. That is way too much money for a wagon in my book.
- No rear climate control. Again, $64,640 is way too much for a wagon, especially if it doesn't come with rear climate control standard.
- The MPG rating states 22 city and 30 highway, but I rocked 17.5 mpg the whole time.
The 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country, Ranked:
Performance: 3.5/5
Comfort: 5/5
Luxury: 4/5
Hauling People: 5/5
Hauling Stuff: 4/5
Curb Appeal: 5/5
"Wow" Factor: 3/5
Overall: 4.2/5
The Bottom Line:
The Volvo V90 Cross Country is an amazing wagon in the land of SUVs and Crossovers. Volvo has done a fantastic job in building a functional, appealing, and safe wagon, but at a price point few are comfortable with. The 316 horsepower supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder provides plenty of power, but without the performance feel you would hope for. Although the wagon launches to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, it feels timid and the power feels temperamental. That being said, the Volvo V90 Cross Country serves its function beautifully as family hauler capable of tackling the harsh winters of skiing, playing hockey and whatever else a large family might throw its way.