Flash Drive

2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country

March 5, 2018 - Featured, Flash Drive - Comments: 
By

Model Tested: 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country T6 AWD

Volvo XC90 SUVs/station wagons continue a long tradition of outstanding all-weather vehicles (regardless of their current preferred designation).

Engine: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder supercharged and turbocharged, 316 horsepower, 295 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 22-mpg city/30-mpg highway/25-mpg combined

Base Price: $55,300

As Tested: $64,640

Performance:

Impressive horsepower from a 2.0-liter engine

Supercharged and turbocharged

Smooth, powerful engine and transmission

Blasting through the snow is great fun in a Volvo Cross Country.

Quiet highway ride

Athletic foul weather capabilities

World-renown Volvo safety features

Respectable fuel economy—our best was 30.4-mpg highway

Big effective brakes

Rear air suspension

Excellent heads up display

Comfort:

Super stretch-out front legroom

Outstanding front seats: comfortable and supportive

Power lumbar support both front seats

Three temperature heated and cooled front seats

Volvo XC90 interiors can be outfitted in various trim levels. This is the premium Excellence trim, but all Volvo seats are superb.

Three temperature heated steering wheel

Thick, contoured leather steering wheel

Wide range of tilt/telescopic column adjustments

Very good headroom

Handsome interior design; upscale materials

Great panoramic roof

Rear seat accommodates tall adults

Good shoe room under front seats

The Volvo XC90 uses unique switch gear including a start/stop knob and a rotary Drive Mode selector.

Substantial floor hump

Wide, softly padded rear folding armrest with shallow storage

Utility:

Oversize, locking glovebox

Small item net on passenger side of center console

Long, but shallow front door bins

Large infotainment screen

Ample cargo room

Flat cargo deck

Flip-up panel to help secure grocery bags

Shallow storage bin under cargo deck

High quality carpeting in cargo area

Split seats fold almost flat

WOW Factors:

Handsome styling

Superb front seats

Excellent headlights turn with wheels

Volvos have always been known for innovative safety features. Their oversize rear brake lights are a current example.

Adjustable rear seats HVAC vents in “B” pillars

Great surround view camera system

Whines:

Optional (excellent) sound system is $3,200

Mediocre auxiliary steering wheel controls

Hard plastic seatbacks with flimsy nets

Key fob large and poorly marked

Bottom Line:

The entire Volvo lineup has really come on strong after being acquired by its current owner, Geely of China. Styling, technology, luxury, and innovation have all soared. The V90 Cross Country T6 AWD encompasses all the traditional Volvo safety/durability/reliability traits with world-class style and luxury.