Volvo V90 Cross Country (2017 – 2023) Review
Volvo V90 Cross Country (2017 – 2023) At A Glance
Insurance Groups are between 27–40
On average it achieves 77% of the official MPG figure
The Volvo V90 Cross Country is the premium off-road estate car for people who don’t want an SUV. A rival to the likes of the Audi A6 Allroad and Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain, designed to get its boots muddy at the weekend, while offering plenty of room in the, er… boot. Based on the standard V90 estate car, the Cross Country boasts a raised ride height, SUV-like body armour and rugged all-wheel-drive running gear. You also get a classy cabin, excellent driving manners, both on- and off-road, plus a generous level of standard kit. It’s not cheap, but it’s a thoroughly convincing alternative to an SUV.
Launched in 2017, the Volvo V90 Cross Country is designed for rural types who haven’t bought into the SUV craze. It’s based on the standard V90 – the ‘V’ is used to denote Volvo estate cars – and it rivals the likes of the Audi A6 Allroad, Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain and, to a lesser extent, the cheaper Subaru Outback.
It’s an expensive car. You’ll have to spend around £50,000 to buy a new V90 Cross Country, while heavy depreciation means you’ll lose a significant chunk of that outlay within the first few years.
This means the V90 Cross Country represents incredible value for money on the second-hand market. Some of the earliest cars, which are still covered by a manufacturer’s warranty, are available for less than £20,000. That’s the price of a new Ford Fiesta.
For that you get one of the most luxurious and sumptuous estate cars in the world, more ground clearance than the standard V90, the reassurance of all-wheel-drive, and enough space in the boot for whatever lifestyle things you do at the weekend.
Yes, the E-Class All-Terrain is more practical, but the V90 Cross Country remains a cavernous estate car. The boot is wide and of a good shape, while the low loading lip makes it easy to pack, unpack and for your dogs to climb aboard.
An electric tailgate comes as standard, along with levers in the boot for folding the rear seats. Do this and you’re presented with enough space to open a dog kennels.
Just don’t let your pooch run riot in the delightful cabin. The interior quality is a match for the V90’s German rivals, while the rich materials and subtle details give this suave Swede the edge in a small but fiercely competitive segment. Make no mistake, the V90 Cross Country is a fine place to while away the hours, on- or off-road.
It’s not designed to rival a Land Rover or a Land Cruiser, but how many SUVs are bought to go off-road? The Volvo V90 Cross Country is perfect for green lanes, rough tracks, parking at equestrian events and for accessing cottages at the end of a rutted road. When the weather turns nasty, you’ll be glad you’re driving a V90 Cross Country.
Just don’t drive it too quickly. This is a car for smooth and considered inputs, not for sharp cornering and swift acceleration. Push it too hard and you’ll put a dent in the already questionable fuel economy, especially if you opt for one of the petrol engines. The B4 and B5 diesel engines are better, especially since Volvo added mild hybrid tech to the mix.
The V90 Cross Country is likely to be more practical than the SUV you’re considering, almost certainly nicer to drive, and it offers a degree of exclusivity you won’t find elsewhere. We think the styling and cabin quality go some way to justifying the £50,000 price tag.
Not that we would recommend buying one new. Instead, let somebody else tackle the depreciation, leaving you to enjoy a used car bargain.