Preview: 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country
New for 2017
The V90 Cross Country is an all-new model.
Return of a cult classic
Volvo launched its line of Cross Country wagons almost 20 years ago, and their combination of station-wagon utility and SUV-like styling quickly made these models cult classics. Now, Volvo is giving its newest wagon the Cross Country treatment. The 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country promises to be even more capable than its predecessors and perfect for, well, crossing the country.
Performance
Like previous Cross Country models, the V90 is a standard Volvo station wagon with a slightly taller ride height, all-wheel-drive, and more rugged styling. That means it embodies all of the virtues of the stellar V90 wagon recently introduced by Volvo.
Because the Cross Country is essentially a V90 in hiking boots, it shares the Scalable Product Architecture platform with not only the V90, but also the S90 sedan and XC90 SUVs. The platform has proven a solid foundation for all of these vehicles and should impart an impressive level of refinement to the Cross Country as well.
At launch, the Cross Country will only be offered with a single powertrain shared with the V90, S90, and XC90. Volvo only offers 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines in these models, but this “T6” version features both turbocharging and supercharging. It produces 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, which is quite a lot for such a small engine. Volvo may add a “T8” plug-in hybrid option as well, but at a later date.
The T6 engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. While the V90 Cross Country is a large, powerful luxury car, the efficient powertrain allows it to achieve a commendable EPA-rated 25 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway).*
Features
The 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country is a five-door, five-seat station wagon. Production starts this fall at Volvo’s Torslanda Plant in Sweden. The Cross Country will start at $55,300** when it arrives in U.S. showrooms.
Standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, power-operated rear hatch and load cover, roof rails, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shifter, dual tailpipes, heated power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, panoramic roof, heated steering wheel, 12.3-inch digital display, navigation, and more.
Optional features include dual-stage child booster seats, head-up display, air suspension, and a 19-speaker, 1,400-watt Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system.
In addition to individual options, Volvo will offer two option packages on the Cross Country. The Convenience Package includes a grocery bag holder, Homelink® garage-door opener, Park Assist Pilot, heated windshield-washer nozzles, digital compass, 360-degree surround-view camera system, and interior high-level illumination. The Luxury Package adds power-adjustable side supports and cushion extension for the front seats, four-zone automatic climate control, heated outboard rear seats, rear sun curtains, and more leather trim.
Design
The 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country puts a new spin on the handsome design language already seen on the standard V90, S90, and XC90. It combines that modern styling with the rugged, SUV-like elements of previous Cross Country models for a distinctive look.
The basis for the Cross Country is the V90 wagon, which is a far cry from the boxy Volvo wagons of old. Its sleek shape starts with the new face of Volvo, including “Thor’s Hammer” headlights and an oval grille. The steeply raked windshield and low roofline look attractive, as do the sculpted taillights.
Several styling elements distinguish the Cross Country from other Volvo models. All of these elements are meant to make this wagon look more like an SUV. To that end, Volvo raised the ride height and added body cladding, like the kind that often adorns SUVs. It’s the same playbook used on previous Cross Country models, and it works pretty well here.
Like the interior of the standard V90, the Cross Country cabin is stylish, functional, and feels truly luxurious. The steering wheel is perfectly sized, and the portrait-oriented touchscreen display makes using the infotainment system just like using a giant smartphone. The ability of this wagon to swallow people and cargo will also shame most SUVs.
Safety
Volvo is known for offering an extensive array of safety equipment in its cars, and the V90 Cross Country is no exception. Standard features include anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, City Safety low-speed collision avoidance and pedestrian/cyclist/large animal detection, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, park assist, rearview camera, and a full array of airbags.
Verdict
The 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country marks the return of a cult-classic model.
For more information on the upcoming 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country, contact us online or visit Volvo Cars Silver Spring at 3121 Automobile Blvd, Silver Spring, MD 20904.
*Estimated city and highway mpg. See fuel economy.gov for fuel economy combinations. Estimated city/highway mpg based on base engine and transmission combinations. Your actual mileage will vary.
**Prices shown are Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), Base Price or Starting At price and excludes destination fees, taxes, title, license, and registration and/or electronic filing fees, dealer fees. Images shown are for informational purposes only.
Image: Volvo