2022 Volvo V90 Review: Elegant, Practical, and Different

In an automotive world increasingly dominated by SUVs and crossovers, the 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country feels like a refreshing reminder that practicality and elegance do not have to come wrapped in a tall, boxy package. While most manufacturers have abandoned the traditional wagon formula, Volvo continues to refine it, creating a vehicle that blends luxury-sedan comfort, all-weather capability, and exceptional everyday usability into a uniquely attractive package. The V90 Cross Country is not simply an alternative to an SUV. In many ways, it is a more sophisticated interpretation of what modern family transportation can be.

What makes the V90 particularly appealing is its ability to balance seemingly conflicting priorities. It delivers the elevated driving position and confidence-inspiring all-wheel-drive capability buyers expect from a crossover while maintaining the lower center of gravity, smoother road manners, and graceful proportions of a premium wagon. The result is a vehicle that feels composed and refined during long highway journeys yet remains capable enough for weekend adventures, rough weather, and occasional off-pavement excursions.

For 2022, Volvo further improves the formula with a new mild-hybrid powertrain and a significantly upgraded Android-based infotainment system. Combined with Volvo’s reputation for safety, Scandinavian-inspired interior design, and understated luxury, the V90 Cross Country continues to occupy a niche that few competitors can match. It may not be the most common sight on American roads, but for buyers seeking something distinctive, practical, and genuinely premium, the V90 remains one of the most compelling luxury wagons available today.

Our Take

The 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country is one of those rare vehicles that feels increasingly special simply because nothing else quite replicates its formula. It offers much of the practicality people seek in midsize SUVs while delivering superior driving refinement, a beautifully crafted interior, and a design that stands out without being flashy. The mild-hybrid powertrain improves efficiency without sacrificing performance, while Volvo’s latest infotainment system finally brings the technology experience up to modern luxury standards.

Although rivals such as the Audi A6 Allroad and Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain offer stronger performance credentials, the Volvo counters with exceptional comfort, impressive value, and a uniquely Scandinavian character. For buyers who appreciate thoughtful design and want something different from the endless sea of luxury SUVs, the V90 Cross Country remains one of the smartest choices in its segment.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Elegant and distinctive wagon design.
• Luxurious Scandinavian-inspired interior.
• Excellent ride comfort and long-distance refinement.
• Strong safety ratings and advanced driver-assistance features.
• Improved Android-based infotainment system.
• Standard all-wheel drive and genuine light off-road capability.

Cons

• Limited trim choices compared to some rivals.
• More expensive than mainstream alternatives like the Subaru Outback.
• Cargo space trails some SUV competitors.
• Rear-seat room is adequate rather than class-leading.
• Performance is respectable but not particularly sporty.

What’s New for 2022

The biggest update for the 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country arrives under the hood. Volvo replaces the previous T6 powertrain with a new B6 mild-hybrid system that combines a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical architecture. While horsepower decreases slightly compared to the outgoing setup, torque improves, resulting in smoother low-speed responsiveness and better overall efficiency.

Another major enhancement is the introduction of Volvo’s new Android Automotive-based infotainment system. The upgraded platform brings built-in Google Maps, Google Assistant, and access to various Google services, creating a more intuitive and modern user experience. Faster responses and improved connectivity help the V90 feel considerably more advanced than previous versions.

Beyond these upgrades, Volvo continues refining the Cross Country formula with standard all-wheel drive, premium interior materials, and a long list of safety technologies that remain among the strongest selling points in the luxury wagon segment.

Exterior Design

Few vehicles on sale today possess the visual elegance of the Volvo V90 Cross Country. While many modern SUVs rely on aggressive styling cues and oversized grilles to attract attention, the V90 achieves distinction through proportion, simplicity, and restraint. Its long roofline, stretched wheelbase, and clean body surfaces create a timeless appearance that feels more sophisticated than trendy.

The Cross Country treatment adds a subtle sense of adventure without compromising the wagon’s premium character. Protective body cladding, increased ground clearance, and rugged lower-body trim give the V90 a more capable look while preserving the sleek silhouette that makes it so appealing. Unlike many lifted wagons, the added ruggedness feels purposeful rather than cosmetic.

Volvo’s signature Thor’s Hammer LED headlights remain one of the most recognizable lighting designs in the industry, while the wide stance and sculpted rear end give the vehicle a planted and upscale presence. Even several years after its original introduction, the V90 continues to look fresh, expensive, and distinctly Scandinavian.

Driving Experience

The 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country prioritizes comfort and confidence over outright sportiness, and that philosophy suits the vehicle perfectly. From behind the wheel, the wagon feels composed, refined, and remarkably easy to drive despite its generous dimensions. Visibility is excellent, steering is predictable, and the overall driving experience encourages relaxed long-distance travel.

On highways, the V90 excels as a luxury touring vehicle. Road imperfections are absorbed with impressive smoothness, cabin noise remains minimal, and the suspension delivers a calm, settled character that reduces fatigue during extended journeys. Few vehicles in this segment feel as effortless when covering hundreds of miles in a single day.

The raised ride height and standard all-wheel-drive system also provide greater versatility than traditional luxury wagons. Whether facing heavy rain, snowy roads, gravel paths, or rough rural routes, the V90 maintains reassuring stability and traction. It may not be intended for serious off-roading, but it handles light adventures with far more confidence than most luxury sedans.

While drivers seeking sharp handling may prefer the Audi A6 Allroad, the Volvo’s emphasis on comfort, refinement, and all-weather capability makes it one of the most balanced luxury wagons available today.

Performance & Acceleration

Powering the 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country is Volvo’s B6 mild-hybrid powertrain, which combines a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt hybrid system. The setup produces 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, delivering strong performance without sacrificing efficiency.

Acceleration feels smooth and effortless rather than aggressive. The mild-hybrid system helps improve responsiveness when pulling away from a stop, while the eight-speed automatic transmission operates with minimal drama. Volvo estimates a 0-60 mph time in the mid-six-second range, which is more than adequate for daily driving, highway merging, and passing slower traffic.

Although competitors such as the Audi A6 Allroad and Mercedes-Benz E450 All-Terrain offer slightly stronger acceleration, the V90’s power delivery better matches its relaxed luxury character. Rather than chasing sports-car performance, Volvo focuses on creating a powertrain that feels refined, quiet, and confident in every driving situation.

Ride Comfort & Cabin Refinement

Ride quality remains one of the V90 Cross Country’s greatest strengths. The suspension is tuned to prioritize comfort, allowing the wagon to glide over broken pavement, expansion joints, and rough road surfaces with remarkable composure. Even on longer journeys, the vehicle maintains a calm and settled character that few competitors can match.

Cabin refinement is equally impressive. Wind noise is minimal at highway speeds, road noise is well suppressed, and the powertrain operates quietly under normal driving conditions. The result is an interior environment that feels genuinely premium and encourages relaxed long-distance travel.

Volvo’s seats deserve special praise. They are among the most comfortable in the luxury segment, offering excellent support without feeling overly firm. Whether commuting through city traffic or spending hours on the interstate, the seats help reduce fatigue and reinforce the V90’s grand-touring personality.

Interior & Luxury Feel

The interior of the 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country perfectly reflects Volvo’s Scandinavian design philosophy. Rather than overwhelming occupants with excessive buttons or flashy styling elements, the cabin emphasizes simplicity, craftsmanship, and high-quality materials. The result feels modern, elegant, and refreshingly different from many German luxury rivals.

Premium leather upholstery, genuine wood trim, metallic accents, and carefully selected textures create an upscale atmosphere throughout the cabin. Every major touchpoint feels thoughtfully designed, while the minimalist dashboard layout contributes to a clean and uncluttered appearance.

Passenger comfort is excellent in both rows. Front occupants benefit from outstanding seating comfort and generous adjustment ranges, while rear passengers enjoy ample space for most journeys. Although some competitors offer slightly more rear legroom on paper, the V90 remains comfortable for adults and families alike.

Perhaps most impressive is how expensive the interior feels relative to its price. Despite costing less than many German competitors, the V90’s cabin delivers a sense of craftsmanship and sophistication that places it firmly among the most luxurious vehicles in its class.

Technology & Infotainment

One of the most significant improvements for the 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country is its updated infotainment system. Volvo replaces its previous software with the newer Android Automotive platform, creating a more modern, responsive, and user-friendly experience. The system feels quicker during startup, processes commands faster, and integrates seamlessly with Google’s ecosystem.

At the center of the dashboard sits a vertically oriented 9-inch touchscreen that serves as the hub for navigation, media, vehicle settings, and connectivity features. Built-in Google Maps provides accurate real-time navigation, while Google Assistant allows drivers to control various functions through natural voice commands. The system feels intuitive after a short learning period and represents a substantial upgrade over Volvo’s previous interface.

A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster comes standard, presenting clear vehicle information and navigation data directly in the driver’s line of sight. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and available in-car Wi-Fi further strengthen the technology package. While some rivals offer larger screens and flashier graphics, Volvo’s setup focuses on usability and everyday convenience rather than visual gimmicks.

Fuel Economy

Efficiency has become increasingly important in the luxury segment, and the V90 Cross Country benefits from Volvo’s new mild-hybrid technology. The B6 powertrain helps improve fuel economy while maintaining the performance expected from a premium all-wheel-drive wagon.

EPA estimates place the V90 Cross Country at approximately 22 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined. Those figures compare favorably with many luxury rivals and demonstrate the advantages of Volvo’s electrification strategy. The mild-hybrid system helps reduce fuel consumption during stop-and-go driving while providing smoother engine operation.

Real-world fuel economy generally aligns closely with official estimates, particularly during highway travel where the V90 excels as a long-distance cruiser. Buyers who frequently cover substantial mileage will appreciate the balance between power, refinement, and efficiency that the B6 powertrain delivers.

Practicality & Cargo Space

Despite its elegant appearance, the V90 Cross Country remains an exceptionally practical vehicle. The wagon body style allows Volvo to offer impressive cargo flexibility while maintaining the driving dynamics and efficiency advantages of a lower-profile vehicle compared to traditional SUVs.

Behind the rear seats, the V90 provides nearly 20 cubic feet of cargo capacity, expanding to more than 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. While some larger crossovers and wagons offer slightly greater overall volume, the available space is more than sufficient for luggage, sports equipment, home-improvement supplies, or family road-trip gear.

The cargo area itself is intelligently designed, featuring a wide opening, low load floor, and useful storage solutions that make everyday loading and unloading easier. The V90 also benefits from Volvo’s attention to family-friendly details, including available integrated child booster seats and numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin.

For buyers who need versatility but prefer something more stylish and refined than a conventional SUV, the V90 Cross Country successfully proves that practicality and elegance can coexist in the same package.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Safety has long been one of Volvo’s defining strengths, and the 2022 V90 Cross Country continues that tradition. The wagon comes standard with an impressive collection of advanced driver-assistance technologies that many competitors either charge extra for or reserve for higher trims.

Volvo’s IntelliSafe suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic-sign recognition, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking capable of detecting vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals. These systems operate smoothly and unobtrusively, helping reduce driver fatigue without feeling overly intrusive.

The V90 Cross Country has also earned excellent crash-safety ratings through Volvo’s underlying SPA platform, which is shared with several highly rated Volvo models. Combined with the brand’s reputation for occupant protection, the V90 remains one of the safest luxury vehicles available for families and long-distance travelers.

Competitors Worth Considering

The most direct competitor to the V90 Cross Country is the Audi A6 Allroad. The Audi offers sharper handling, stronger acceleration, and a more technology-focused cabin, making it attractive to drivers who prioritize performance. However, it typically costs more than the Volvo and lacks some of the Scandinavian charm that makes the V90 unique.

Another strong alternative is the Mercedes-Benz E450 All-Terrain. The Mercedes delivers exceptional comfort, a luxurious interior, and a powerful six-cylinder engine. It feels slightly more premium in certain areas but commands a significantly higher price once options are added.

For buyers seeking maximum practicality at a lower price point, the Subaru Outback Touring XT remains an excellent choice. While it cannot match the Volvo’s interior quality or luxury credentials, it offers impressive capability, generous cargo space, and outstanding value.

Ultimately, the Volvo occupies a sweet spot between mainstream practicality and German luxury. It delivers a premium experience without reaching the pricing levels of its most expensive rivals.

Trim Comparison

Unlike many luxury vehicles that offer numerous trims, the 2022 Volvo V90 lineup is refreshingly simple. U.S. buyers can choose only the V90 Cross Country B6 configuration, which arrives exceptionally well equipped from the factory.

Standard equipment includes leather upholstery, a panoramic moonroof, all-wheel drive, the Android-based infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, premium audio features, heated seats, advanced driver-assistance technologies, and distinctive Cross Country exterior styling. The extensive standard equipment means buyers do not need to spend heavily on options to enjoy a premium experience.

Several packages are available for those seeking additional luxury. The Lounge Package adds Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated and massage front seats, upgraded interior materials, and additional comfort features. Buyers can also select the Four-C adaptive air suspension for improved ride quality and greater versatility.

Because there is effectively only one primary trim level, choosing the right V90 is straightforward. Most buyers will find the standard Cross Country configuration provides everything needed, while the optional luxury packages simply enhance an already impressive package.

Which Trim Does Cardrav Recommend?

Since Volvo offers the V90 exclusively in Cross Country B6 form for the U.S. market, the decision is much simpler than it is with many luxury competitors. The standard model already includes most of the premium features buyers expect, including all-wheel drive, leather seating surfaces, advanced safety technologies, a panoramic roof, and Volvo’s latest infotainment system.

For most buyers, Cardrav recommends sticking with the standard V90 Cross Country B6 and avoiding excessive option packages. The wagon already delivers an outstanding balance of luxury, comfort, practicality, and capability in its base configuration.

However, if budget allows, the Lounge Package is worth considering for buyers who frequently travel long distances. Features such as Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated seats, and massage functions further elevate an already exceptional cabin experience.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

The 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country is one of the automotive industry’s best-kept secrets. In a market flooded with nearly identical luxury SUVs, Volvo offers something refreshingly different: a premium wagon that combines sophisticated design, genuine practicality, outstanding comfort, and all-weather capability without sacrificing style.

Its mild-hybrid powertrain delivers smooth performance and respectable efficiency, while the beautifully crafted interior remains one of the most elegant cabins in the segment. Add Volvo’s class-leading safety reputation and the improved Android-based infotainment system, and the V90 becomes an exceptionally complete package.

It may not offer the outright performance of an Audi A6 Allroad or the prestige of a Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain, but it counters with a distinctive personality and a compelling value proposition. For buyers who want luxury, versatility, and individuality in a single vehicle, the 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country remains one of the smartest purchases in its class.

Cardrav Rating: 8.9/10

FAQ

Is the 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country worth buying over an SUV?

For many buyers, yes. The V90 Cross Country delivers much of the practicality and all-weather confidence of an SUV while providing superior ride quality, more engaging road manners, better efficiency, and a significantly more distinctive design.

How reliable is the 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country?

The V90 benefits from Volvo’s mature SPA platform and proven B6 mild-hybrid powertrain. While maintenance costs are typically higher than mainstream brands, overall reliability is generally competitive within the luxury segment when properly maintained.

Does the Volvo V90 Cross Country have enough cargo space for families?

Absolutely. While some larger SUVs offer greater maximum cargo volume, the V90 provides generous luggage space, a practical cargo area, and enough versatility to handle family road trips, daily errands, and outdoor adventures with ease.

What is the biggest advantage of the Volvo V90 Cross Country?

Its unique combination of luxury, comfort, safety, practicality, and design. Very few vehicles manage to balance all of these qualities as successfully as the V90, making it a standout choice for buyers seeking something beyond the typical luxury SUV.

Which competitors should buyers compare with the Volvo V90 Cross Country?

The Audi A6 Allroad, Mercedes-Benz E450 All-Terrain, and Subaru Outback Touring XT are the most relevant alternatives. Each offers its own strengths, but the Volvo stands out for its Scandinavian design, safety credentials, and exceptional ride comfort.