2022 volvo v90 cross country review

The wagon is a rare breed in the modern car market, and the Volvo V90 Cross Country is one of the best left. It takes the long, elegant V90 body, lifts it, adds all wheel drive and wraps it in a calm Scandinavian cabin. This 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country review covers the engine, specs, dimensions, interior, price, value and who should still buy a wagon.

Quick verdict

The 2022 V90 Cross Country is a comfortable, handsome and genuinely practical luxury wagon. It drives smoothly, handles snow with confidence and offers SUV like cargo space without the SUV height. The infotainment relies heavily on the touchscreen, and the engine is more relaxed than sporty. If you want an alternative to a crossover, it is a lovely choice.

What changed for 2022

For 2022, Volvo dropped the regular V90 wagon and the sedan style versions, leaving the Cross Country as the only V90 in the US. It also gained a new powertrain called the B6, which pairs a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0 litre engine with a 48 volt mild hybrid system. In the US there was a single trim called the B6 AWD, so choosing a version was simple.

2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country specs

SpecDetail
Engine2.0 litre turbocharged and supercharged four cylinder with 48 volt mild hybrid
Power295 hp at 5,400 rpm
Torque310 lb ft
Transmission8 speed automatic
DriveAll wheel drive
Fuel economy22 city, 29 highway, 25 combined mpg
0 to 60 mphAbout 6.1 seconds
Fuel tankAbout 15.9 gallons
Ground clearance8.3 inches
Curb weightAbout 4,213 lb

The engine is smooth and strong in everyday driving, and the supercharger fills in low rev response before the turbo takes over. It is not a sports car, but it feels quick enough and always relaxed.

2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country dimensions

DimensionMeasurement
LengthAbout 195 inches
WidthAbout 75.9 inches
HeightAbout 60.7 inches
WheelbaseAbout 115.8 inches
Cargo space (rear seats up)About 19.7 to 30 cubic feet depending on measurement method
Cargo space (rear seats folded)About 53.9 cubic feet, with some measurements up to 69 cubic feet to the front seats

It is long and fairly wide, so parking needs care, but the low roofline makes it feel more car like than a typical SUV.

Driving impressions

The V90 Cross Country is calm and composed. The air suspension option softens the ride, steering is light and accurate, and the car stays planted in corners. Wind and road noise are low, and long trips are relaxing. The extra ground clearance and standard AWD make it very comfortable in snow and on gravel roads, and it can handle light off roading.

Drive modes are limited, and the car does not try to be sporty. It is at its best as a refined grand tourer for the family.

2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country interior

This is one of the best cabins in the class.

  • Design: Clean Scandinavian lines with leather, wood or metal trim and excellent build quality.
  • Seats: Supportive and comfortable, with heated front seats and many adjustments.
  • Infotainment: A vertical touchscreen with Google built in services, including Google Maps and Google Assistant, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • Controls: Most functions are in the touchscreen, so there are few hard buttons. Some drivers find that distracting.
  • Space: Good room front and rear, though door openings are a bit small.
  • Cargo: A power liftgate, a flat load floor and a compact spare under the cargo floor.

2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country exterior

The V90 Cross Country is one of the best looking wagons on the road. It has a long hood, a sleek roofline, Volvo’s Thor’s Hammer headlights and black cladding with skid plate style trim for a rugged look. The 19 inch wheels fill the arches nicely, and the car looks upscale without being flashy.

2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country price and MSRP

The 2022 V90 Cross Country B6 AWD started at $56,200 before the $1,095 destination fee. A well optioned example can climb to the high $60,000s, with one tested car reaching about $68,400. For that price you get leather, a panoramic sunroof, navigation, heated seats, parking assistance and a broad suite of driver assistance features.

Is it good value?

New, it was priced fairly against its rivals. The Audi A6 Allroad costs more, and the Mercedes E450 All Terrain is also pricey. The Subaru Outback is cheaper and more rugged but less luxurious. On the used market, many examples are listed roughly in the range of $35,000 to $45,000 depending on mileage and condition, which makes it an appealing way to get a premium wagon.

Safety

Volvo equips the V90 Cross Country with a wide range of active safety and driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control with pilot assist. The 2022 model was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus, which reflects its strong crash protection.

Reliability and ownership

Volvo’s current four cylinder engines and 8 speed automatic have generally proven dependable. As with any modern luxury car, electronics and software can cause the occasional issue, so check service history and software updates. Maintenance costs are higher than on a mainstream brand.

Rivals

CarCharacter
Audi A6 AllroadMore power and more luxury, higher price
Mercedes E450 All TerrainVery comfortable and upscale, expensive
Subaru OutbackCheaper and more rugged, less refined

The Volvo sits between them in price, and wins on calmness, design and safety.

Used buyer checklist

  1. Check service records and software update history.
  2. Run the VIN for open recalls.
  3. Test all screens, Google services and driver assistance features.
  4. Inspect the air suspension, if fitted, for leaks or warning messages.
  5. Look at the tires, wheels and underbody for off road damage.
  6. Confirm that the power liftgate and sunroof work properly.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Beautiful design and luxurious cabin
  • Smooth, relaxed powertrain
  • Standard AWD and good ground clearance
  • Large, flexible cargo area
  • Excellent safety record

Cons

  • Almost no hard buttons, so the screen does everything
  • Small door openings
  • Not very sporty
  • Premium maintenance costs

Frequently asked questions

How much power does it have? 295 hp and 310 lb ft of torque.

What does the B6 stand for? It is Volvo’s name for the turbocharged and supercharged mild hybrid powertrain.

How much does it cost? From $56,200 before destination fees.

When did it come out? The 2022 model year is already on sale, with the regular V90 wagon dropped and the Cross Country as the sole version.

How much cargo space does it have? Roughly 53.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Does it have AWD? Yes, it is standard.

Final word

The 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country is a rare, elegant wagon that blends luxury, comfort and all weather ability. If you want something more refined than an SUV and more practical than a sedan, it deserves a place on your shortlist.