The decision: The 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Nation stands out within the sea of luxurious SUVs as a smooth, subtle various, however some features of its driving expertise and touchscreen system aren’t as much as luxurious requirements.
Versus the competitors: Luxurious wagons have been in retreat, however the ones that stay, just like the Audi A6 Allroad and Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain, comply with an identical formulation because the V90 Cross Nation: off-road-inspired styling, additional floor clearance and commonplace all-wheel drive.
Associated: 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge Evaluation: A Ravenous Rocket
The V90 and V90 Cross Nation are Volvo’s largest wagons, measuring so long as the automaker’s three-row SUV, the XC90. The wagons, nevertheless, have simply two rows of seats with seating for 5. The V90 Cross Nation begins at $57,295, together with a $1,095 vacation spot cost. Optionally available options introduced our check automotive’s worth to $61,990 — lower than the beginning costs for the A6 Allroad and E-Class All-Terrain, however each these wagons come commonplace with extra highly effective six-cylinder engines and air suspensions (see these wagons’ specs in contrast).
How It Drives
All V90 Cross Nation wagons are powered by a brand new mild-hybrid drivetrain that includes a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a turbocharger and an electrical supercharger. It’s rated at 295 horsepower and 310 pounds-feet of torque — simply concerning the reverse of the earlier turbocharged and supercharged engine’s 316 hp and 295 pounds-feet of torque. The brand new drivetrain will get solely barely higher EPA-estimated gasoline mileage, with the 2022 V90 Cross Nation rated 25 mpg mixed versus 24 mpg final yr.
2022 Volvo V90 Cross Nation | Vehicles.com photograph by Christian Lantry
The brand new drivetrain has no hassle getting the V90 Cross Nation as much as freeway speeds, nevertheless it doesn’t have a lot reserve energy for high-speed passing. The engine works with an eight-speed computerized that’s largely unobtrusive, however at the start of my testing it stuttered a bit when kicking right down to decrease gears, like when passing. The extra time I spent driving the automotive, nevertheless, the smoother the transmission felt.
The wagon rides properly on easy highways, however experience high quality deteriorates on rougher roads; the automotive was unsettled on a stretch of pavement with a number of frost heaves. Highway noise additionally disturbs the cabin at freeway speeds. Our check automotive had the V90’s commonplace mounted suspension and non-obligatory 20-inch wheels with low-profile tires (19-inch wheels are commonplace). An adaptive air suspension is offered for $1,200.
The Inside
Our check automotive’s inside had a premium look thanks partially to its light-gray leather-based upholstery and oak wooden trim. The dashboard has comparatively few buttons, with many controls routed by way of the vertically oriented 9-inch touchscreen. This display screen structure first appeared within the 2016 XC90, and in contrast with the 12- and 15.5-inch portrait-oriented screens obtainable right now, it appears small.
2022 Volvo V90 Cross Nation | Vehicles.com photograph by Christian Lantry
The motive force’s seat is snug for taller adults, although there’s not a lot additional headroom; the V90 Cross Nation has a normal panoramic moonroof with an influence sunshade, which tends to cut back headroom. Skinny roof pillars, massive home windows and well-placed facet mirrors assist create good pure visibility.
The touchscreen system now runs Android Automotive OS as a substitute of Volvo’s Sensus Join. The Android interface is just like Sensus Join, if not precisely the identical, however a few of its onscreen fonts and menus aren’t as polished as these in typical in-car multimedia techniques. The Google Maps view on the usual 12.3-inch instrument display screen in entrance of the driving force, nevertheless, appears to be like nice.
Along with built-in Google Maps, the brand new OS contains the Google Assistant and Google Play retailer for downloading apps, supplied you’re logged in with a Google account. A four-year knowledge trial of Google Automotive Providers is included, however post-trial subscription pricing hadn’t been introduced as of publication. Our check automotive didn’t have Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity, however Volvo stated it will likely be added as a no-cost over-the-air software program replace in mid-2022. Stand-alone Android Auto is just not supplied, which precludes merely mirroring Android telephone apps on the touchscreen.
2022 Volvo V90 Cross Nation | Vehicles.com photograph by Christian Lantry
