Back in 2017, Volvo began marketing the five-passenger, mid-size luxury V90 wagon here in the States, the latest incarnation of a wagon body style popular in many European countries. Volvo’s been perfecting the wagon for the past 65 years. It benefits from ‘Scalable Product Architecture’ (SPA), a global, modular format Volvo debuted in the XC90 full-sized crossover back in the mid teens.
What exactly does SPA bring to the table? For starters a long wheelbase (distance between front and rear axles) contributing to a balanced ride, a sculpted Scandinavian exterior missile-like exterior, a large nine-inch infotainment center touch screen and Volvo’s passion for delivering advanced levels of active and passive safety standard.
An exterior refresh for 2022 delivers a new front grille design with updated iron mark logo, new lower front facia, a new rear back facia with hidden tail pipes along with updated rear spoiler and wheel designs.
The grille includes curved vertical slates concaved inward with the large logo front and center. Flanking the grille; a ‘Thor’s Hammer’ light design and a nod to the Nordic God of thunder, with a side-resting ‘T’ interspersed with bejeweled LED headlights. This measures in as Volvo’s largest wagon, a size above the V60, but consider V90 an ample mid-sizer or small-ish full sizer.
In the 2021 model year, V90 offered two sub trim selections: Estate and all-wheel drive Cross Country with a frame lifted 2.5 inches, allowing for improved ground clearance.
In 2022 Volvo carries forward solely with Cross Country as traditional wagons experience turbulent head wind sales especially here in the U.S., although driving a wagon in 2022 signals one daring to be different, a flip of the scrip from the 60s and 70s when wagons ensconced suburb garages as the family vehicle of choice.
Volvo utilizes four-cylinder powertrains in all vehicles with supercharging and/or turbocharging technologies helping goose up horsepower through forced air technology. Larger cylindered powertrains have retired.
In 2022, the V90’s four-cylinder gets a self-charging, high-performance mild-hybrid electric boost (no nightly plug in needed). A 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four combines with a 48-volt system teamed with a 13 horsepower Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) delivering a low-speed boost (and impressive 310 lbs.-feet of torque). Volvo adds on a ’B6’ electronic forced-air supercharger which replaces a mechanical type from versions past. A conventional eight-speed automatic transmission joins in the fun.
Fuel economy checks in at a rather disappointing 22 miles per gallon city and 29 highway, not quite touching the 30 m.p.g. target one might expect with a four cylinder tricked out with electric boosting. All-wheel drive tends to rob a mile or two compared to front-wheel drive. A curb weight above 4,000 pounds no doubt influenced mpg figures. The tank accommodates 15.9 gallons of premium fuel requiring a minimum 91 octane.
As with many 2022 engines, start/stop technology comes standard quieting the powertrain at prolonged stops before coming to life once releasing the brake pedal. A button disengaging this system is found near the transmission shifter, but may not be needed as V90 provides seamless and smooth changeover with minimal shimmy.
Volvo’s alpha-numeric identification follows a logical course. Alpha prefixes clue body structure: S equals sedan, XC designate five-door crossovers while V denotes Versatility (think wagon). The larger the divisible-by-10 suffix, the larger vehicle dimensions with 90 representing the largest available.
Generous 8.3-inches of ground rates better than most sedans, promoting a pinch-higher driving position and a nice visual command. Rear doors swing open wide enough allowing comfortable entry for full-size adults. Two adults fit with optimal comfort; middle riders must content with a vertical floor hump.
Volvo’s all-wheel drive system utilizes a lightweight coupling to distribute power between front and rear wheels. Under dry situations, almost all power gets assigned to front wheels, while constant calculations dictate if torque needs redistributing to rear wheels (up to 50 percent may be sent rearward).
The V90 cross country B6 with standard all-wheel drive starts at $55,200. Pricing shoots up from there with a heathy dose of a-la-carte and packaged options leading to a bottom line of $64,440 including a $1,095 destination charge.
A $750 Climate Package introduced heated rear seats and steering wheel while a $1,700 Advanced Package brought along a digital heads up windshield display and 360 in-screen surround view camera. While both are tempting, a recommended $2,800 Lounge Package adds luxury appointments such as power lumbar front seats with massaging feature and power cushion extenders for long-legged pilots.
The V90 Cross Country includes interior volume on par with many mid-size crossovers/Sport Utility Vehicles. The V90 dials in both Apple Car Play and Android Auto Smartphone interplays and offers in-vehicle Wi-Fi as well and integrated Google Maps and access to Google store Apps.
The sizeable nine-inch portrait screen gets flanked by long vertical air blades and natural, matte-finished wood. The flat dash top includes a textured, soft-touch finish with square style air vents adorning each end. It’s a clean, modern and visually striking interior with minimal buttons and dials as HVAC commands run through the touch screen. The 19-speaker sound system includes speakers in all four side doors and one atop the center dash. A huge 12.3-inch digital instrument panel works in tandem with steering wheel buttons customizing to one’s delight.
Electronic start operations take place between leather-appointed and supportive front buckets, resulting in direct access with no steering column interference. It’s not a traditional push-button, instead requiring a twist right of a smallish knob. An electronic shifter resides ahead, with a stubby-like shape similar to a hollowed out Capital D. A nudge forward commands reverse while a gentle tap back signals drive. Park gets engaged by pressing a “P” plate left of the D.
Electronic power assisted steering creates a soothing, crisp experience, bedeviling the aforementioned wagon weight. Optional four-corner adaptive air suspension also contributes to a floaty, luxury-type ride. Turning radius is not as tight as some may wish, so take caution in strip mall parking lots.
Another benefit befalling the traditional wagon when compared to five-door crossovers; a notable, convenient lower lift-over height when hauling/loading items into the hatch. Second-row seatbacks fold flat onto cushions revealing 53.9 cubic feet of long loadable space. With the hatch closed, long, slopping red taillight housing hugs and frames the hatch window and door, mimicking a snow-covered ski trail.
From a corporate standpoint, Volvo has been part of Geely’s (one of China’s fastest-growing auto conglomerates) portfolio since 2009. In the U.S., Volvo continues as a niche player with 2021 calendar sales reaching 122,173, up 10 percent from the preceding 12 months.
Volvo put down stakes in the States in 2015 with construction of its first U.S.-based assembly plant located in Ridgeville South Carolina outside Charleston. Production of the mid-size S60 sedan is currently in motion while future plans include producing all-electric offerings.
As with most luxury nameplates, the V90 wagon offers complimentary scheduled maintenance coverage (oil changes etc.) for three years/36,000 miles. This program includes periodic in-dealership coverage at 10,000, 20,000 and 30,000-mile intervals.
2022 Volvo V90 CC
Price as tested: $68,440
Wheelbase: 115.8 inches
Length: 195.2 inches
Width: 75.9 inches
Height: 60.7 inches
Engine: 2.0-liter inline four with electric boost
Horsepower: 295
Curb weight: 4,213 pounds
Powertrain warranty: Four years/50,000 miles
City/Highway economy: 22 mpg city/ 29 mpg highway
Assembly: Gothenburg, Sweden