2019 Volvo V90 Review

A premium station wagon with limited off-road capability is unlikely to top the lists of the majority of purchasers. At least not when there are SUVs that do the same function more effectively. Here, though, is the 2019 Volvo V90. This is a luxury SUV utility vehicle.

It is beneficial that Cross Country has so much to offer. In addition to its beautiful exterior and modern interior design, it includes wonderfully comfortable seats, a variety of technological innovations, and iconic Volvo driver safety systems. As a vehicle for daily family business, the Cross Country is exceptional.

However, we were disappointed by the Volvo Cross Country's harsher ride and noisier cabin than we had anticipated at this price range. And despite its name and higher ground clearance, the Cross Country's off-road potential is not significantly greater than that of a normal Volvo V90 station wagon. The all-wheel drive system makes it sufficiently functional, but there is no specialized technology that would aid the vehicle in surviving in primitive settings.

An SUV like the Land Rover Discovery is better ideal for luxury off-roading. However, if the most of your travels are on paved roads with occasional dirt road detours, the Cross Country is an excellent option. 

2019 Volvo V90 Models

The 2019 Volvo V90 is a five-seat station wagon with all-wheel drive. It is offered in three trim levels, ranging from the well-equipped but less powerful T5 to the more powerful T6 to the Volvo Ocean Race-specific T6 Volvo.

There are two engines available. The T5 comes standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, while the T6 and Ocean Race come with a turbocharged supercharged engine producing 316 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. All grades come equipped with all-wheel drive and an automatic powertrain with eight speeds.

LED headlights with automatic high beams, 18-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, automatic wipers with heated washer jets, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, a tailgate with a loudspeaker, and contactless input with push-button start are standard on the V90 Cross Country T5.

The T5 has adjustable heated front seats, leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone temperature control, and a 12.3-inch customisable digital instrument cluster on the inside. The infotainment system consists of a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, navigation, two USB connections, and a 10-speaker satellite radio audio system.

Standard safety and driver assistance technologies (Volvo Intellisafe) on all trim levels include blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, automated emergency braking, driver drowsiness alert, and adaptive cruise control, which Volvo calls Pilot Assist. self-guided semi-autonomous driving system

The T6 upgrade consists of 19-inch alloy wheels, soundproofed and laminated side windows, and a heated steering wheel.

The T6 Volvo Ocean Race includes 20-inch wheels, white paint, and orange highlights, distinctive inside trim with orange stitching, a body-color roof rack, front parking sensors, waterproof floor mats, air suspension, four-zone temperature control, and additional USB ports for the back seats.

Optional heated back seats and steering wheel may be added to the T5, along with the Advanced Package's parallel and perpendicular self-parking, adaptive LED headlights, high-pressure headlamp washers, surround-view camera, and head-up display.

The optional Luxury Package is exclusive to the T6 and features improved leather upholstery, vented and massaging front seats with thigh bolsters, front seat memory, heated rear seats, four-zone temperature control, ambient lighting, and rear sunblinds.

Adaptive LED headlights, 20-inch alloys, a surround-view camera, and heated rear seats are available as standalone options. Other noteworthy standalone options include Bowers & Wilkins and Harman Kardon luxury audio systems, integrated rear booster seats, and air suspension.

The V90 provides ample power for your everyday commute in addition to predictable and dependable stopping ability. Only if you're attempting to establish a lap record will you realize that the soft ride makes the handling fairly smooth. This luxurious station wagon will provide you with the expected driving pleasure.

Acceleration 7.5

The Volvo's turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine may seem sophisticated, but it is surprisingly lightweight. It responds rapidly when the accelerator pedal is depressed and generates high power at low engine rpm. The Volvo V90 has no difficulty merging onto the motorway or passing. In our tests, the Cross Country reached 100 kilometers per hour in 6.2 seconds.

Braking 8.0

The brake pedal is responsive, and its short travel and little effort allow you to stop without jerking backwards. During several simulations of 100-mph crash stops, this large, hefty, towering vehicle nosedived slightly but stayed confident.

Steering 7.5

At highway speeds, keeping the steering wheel straight is simple. Although input is limited, the steering feels straight and accurate. In Comfort mode, steering effort is modest, however in Dynamic mode, it is significantly more.

Handling skills 6.5

The V90's handling tends toward the floaty end of the range, although its cornering reaction may make it appear agile at times. It is higher than the average station wagon, yet it displays minimal body roll and feels solid after suspension tuning. When the tires are subjected to intense pressure, they complain loudly.

Handling 7.5

The Volvo V90 may occasionally exhibit awkward shifting, but it operates as smoothly as one would expect from a premium vehicle. Its stop-start mechanism is normally smooth, but if you need to move fast, it may shake. At a more leisurely speed, the upshift is hardly undetectable.

Off-road 6.5

With slightly increased ground clearance and all-wheel drive, the V90 Cross Country is superior to conventional V90s on muddy and slick roads. But do not expect to traverse really hazardous terrain. The low-speed off-road mode modifies the throttle, brake, and steering response, in addition to the power distribution.

If you select the appropriate settings, the ambiance of the interior will correspond to the stylish design. We advocate high-quality leather, effective seat massage, and air suspension. Avoid 20-inch wheels if you value ride quality above appearance.

Seat comfort 9.0

Excellent front chairs include an extensive array of adjustability and a massaging function with many levels. Obtaining the optimal settings is simple, and riders of all sizes will feel comfortable on extended rides. The center rear seat is upright and solid, making it ideal for children.

Ride comfort 7.0

The V90 rides nicely on most conditions, although road vibration can be felt. The cabin is pushed by large bumps that are followed by deafening crashes. Only when combined with the optional 20-inch wheels will the optional air suspension likely improve ride quality. Stop when approaching smaller wheels.

Noise and vibration 7.0

When the accelerator pedal is depressed moderately to forcefully, there is some engine noise in the cabin, although this noise is not exciting. Wind, road, and tire noise are minimized. The exterior and interior are loud over road and major bumps. This price is disappointing for a premium vehicle.

Climate control 8.5

While we often dislike touch controls, the Volvo V90's temperature settings require only a single configuration. Simply choose the appropriate temperature and forget about it; the strong system always maintains the cabin temperature. Although the seat ventilation is somewhat loud, passengers will enjoy how efficiently it functions.

The distinctive design provides a favorable impression, however the shiny black plastic becomes soiled rapidly. However, the seating area is stylish and enjoyable. The setting has simple entrance and egress, intuitive controls, and superb forward sight.

Ease of use 8.0

The V90 has a sleek and user-friendly interface. The touch screen controls the majority of operations and is simple to master. The controls are logically constructed. Some may see the cruise control interface to be backwards, since it changes in 5 mph increments when pressed and 2 mph increments when held.

Getting in/getting out 7.5

The Cross Country is higher than the average station wagon, reducing the amount of lowering required upon landing. The entryway is big enough to accommodate most body types, however average-height individuals may need to stoop slightly to prevent banging their heads on the door frame.

Driving position 8.0

There is no trade-off between comfort and vision due to the extensive seat and steering wheel adjustment range. All gauges and controls are easily accessible and visible. Manual tilt and reach adjustments are uncommon for a vehicle at this price point, although the majority of purchasers will only notice them once.

Roominess 8.0

The open cockpit gives the impression of ample space, which is supported by the huge internal proportions. With enough leg, head, and shoulder room, average-height adults may easily find comfort. A rear passenger measuring 182 centimeters may fit comfortably in the rear seat behind a driver of the same height.

Visibility 7.5

The Cross Country's increased ground clearance gives a greater perspective of the road than the basic V90. However, the rear head restraints may be electrically lowered by the driver. It is simple to survey the area prior to rebuilding. Standard features include blind spot monitoring and cross traffic warning.

Quality 6.0

Our test vehicle's inside door handles were scuffed and discolored, demonstrating early wear and tear. Creamy white interiors can exacerbate these issues, but they shouldn't occur so quickly in a vehicle of this price.

The V90 offers the versatility you would anticipate from a station wagon. It boasts storage space comparable to that of an SUV and a variety of intelligent features, such as a shopping bag holder and a steel barrier to prevent passengers from slipping over luggage. Innovative concept: back seats with two different heights. There is considerable internal storage space

Storage of small items 7.0

A wide center console and cup holders are available to front passengers. The central armrest only features a short corner and foldable cup holders for the rear seats. The door pockets and glove box are OK.

Cargo space 9.0

The V90's cargo capacity is comparable to that of most big SUVs. The rear seats fold down electrically to enhance the load space to 53.9 cubic feet. The trunk lid raises together with the tailgate to facilitate loading. An optional supermarket bag holder prevents your eggs from breaking on the journey home.

Child safety seat placement 8.0

The anchors at the bottom are concealed by projecting plastic coverings. Reaching for the seatback mounts requires a minor squeeze due to the confined space between the rear seat and the cargo compartment.

Towing 6.5

An optional retractable hitch is present. The Volvo V90's towing capacity is 0.7 tons for a trailer without brakes and 1.6 tons for a trailer with brakes when properly fitted. However, the trailer brake controller must be installed separately.

Digital displays are clear and readable, and phone integration is as simple as putting in a wire. The optional high-end sound system is among the nicest we've ever encountered. The majority of modern driver assistance systems function properly, although we experienced issues with the lane keeping system and the automated parking system

Audio and navigation 8.5

The big center touchscreen is aesthetically pleasing, simple to read, and intuitively organized. It is typically quick and responsive, however switching to the backup camera after startup takes too long. The Bowers & Wilkins sound system that is available as an upgrade is excellent.

Smartphone integration 8.5

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Their displays occupy the bottom half of the touchscreen, making it simple to switch between audio sources, allowing you to utilize your chosen navigation app while listening to the radio. However, just two USB ports are located on the front panel.

Driver Assistance 7.0

The adaptive cruise control performs admirably, however the lane keeping assist causes the vehicle to vibrate in its lane. The automated parking system has difficulty differentiating between parallel and perpendicular parking, but it performs admirably when used properly. The optional top view camera allows you to pick the parking view independently.

Voice control 7.5

The system does not comprehend plain English, thus you must acquire certain prefixes in order for it to function. After overcoming the system's learning curve, it comprehended the majority of our commands without difficulty. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay voice controls operate flawlessly.