Wagons have a devoted fan base even though there a limited number of automakers who make wagons for the U.S. market. Wagons offer the space and practicality of many SUVs but often have better handling and fuel efficiency. Volvo makes two wagons, the V60 Cross Country and its larger sibling, the V90 Cross Country. Both are stylish and upscale and come standard with many niceties, tech, and safety features.
Base Price: $64,800
As Tested: $72,935
Horsepower: 295
Mileage: 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway/25 mpg combined
These wagons compete with other luxury offerings from Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche. Toyota is out with the 2025 Crown Signia, which is a hybrid wagon, and, of course, there’s the Subaru Outback which has been a perennial best-seller since the 1990s.
The 2025 Volvo V90 Cross Country comes in two trims: Plus and Ultra. Starting prices are $59,800 and $64,800, respectively. A mild-hybrid system and all-wheel drive are standard on both trims. There’s room for five passengers in two rows of seating.
For 2025, the name of the top trim changes from Ultimate to Ultra, and more options are available on the Ultra trim, including massaging front seats.
Both trims are powered by the same engine: a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and regenerative braking. Total output is 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is an eight-speed automatic.
The V90 Cross Country is easy to drive with a comfortable ride and refined handling. While it’s not as sporty as some rivals, it is peppy. Acceleration is fairly swift from a stop – Volvo says it can go from zero to 60 in 6.1 seconds – and there’s plenty of zip for merging and passing at freeway speeds. The V90 feels planted when cornering with less body roll than an SUV. Brakes and steering are responsive. The eight-speed shifts smoothly and quickly.
While the V90 Cross Country isn’t meant for serious off-roading, it has eight inches of ground clearance so is suitable for light adventures off the beaten path.
When properly equipped, the V90 Cross Country can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Fuel economy is average for a wagon. EPA ratings for the V90 Cross Country are 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway with a combined rating of 25. I got 25 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving.
The cabin is elegant with a clean design. Materials have a good look and feel, including standard leather upholstery and ash wood trim. A large 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and vertical 9.0-inch infotainment system are housed on the dash. Seats are very comfortable and supportive, even on long drives. Adults in both rows of seating enjoy good leg- and headroom. The backseat is best for two adults instead of three passengers due to the large center hump in the rear floor.
Standard features include keyless entry, rearview camera, surround-view camera system, quad-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front seats, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, infotainment system with vertical nine-inch touchscreen, navigation, 10-speaker audio system, satellite radio, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, four USB ports, ambient interior lighting, rain-sensing windshield wipers and panoramic sunroof.
Available features include a head-up display, Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats with additional lumbar support, massaging front seats, heated steering wheel, handcrafted crystal gear shifter, heated rear seats, 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, rear-door sunshades, and a dog gate.
Standard driver assistance technologies include forward and rear collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, Pilot Assist (semi-autonomous driving system that can control steering, acceleration and braking), lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, traffic-sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert, and front, rear and side parking sensors.
The infotainment system is Google-based and has a vertical orientation, like a tablet. It comes standard with Google Maps, Google Assistant and Google Play. The system responds quickly to touch and voice commands. However, there are several menus and submenus so it can take time to figure out where everything is. Icons look good but they’re tiny and can be tough to accurately touch while driving. At least there are physical controls for some audio and climate settings.
Cargo space is decent with 25.2 cubic feet with both rows of seating in place and 69 cubes with the second row folded. A hands-free power liftgate is standard.
The good:
Elegant looks
Refined handling
Suitable for light off-roading
Decent fuel economy
Spacious interior
Very comfortable and supportive seats
Many standard features and tech
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
The not-so-good:
Not as athletic as some rivals
Infotainment system could be more user-friendly
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $64,800. The Climate Package is $750. The luggage cover is $390. 21-inch 7-open spoke matte tech black diamond cut alloy wheels (summer tires) are $800. Active chassis with rear air suspension is $1,200. The Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system is $3,200. Front massage seats are $600. Destination charge is $1,195 bringing the grand total to $72,935.
Bottom line:
The 2025 Volvo V90 Cross Country is definitely not your grandparents’ old station wagon. It’s elegant and classy, with refined driving dynamics, ultra comfortable seating, decent cargo space, and a myriad of creature comforts and tech. Sure, SUVs are more popular, but a luxury wagon like this is sure worth considering.
