1 / 4

Deanne stands with the 2024 Volvo V90 Cross Country on an afternoon drive up through the Park City area, where we found plenty of snow and cold weather to make the Scandinavian vehicle feel right at home.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

2 / 4

The Volvo V90 B6 AWD Cross Country in Thunder Grey.

Courtesy photo

3 / 4

The Volvo V90 B6 AWD Cross Country in Thunder Grey.

Courtesy photo

4 / 4

The Volvo V90 B6 AWD Cross Country in Thunder Grey.

Courtesy photo

❮ ❯

As automotive journalists, we often look for a genuine balance between luxury and adventure. Enter the 2024 Volvo V90 Cross Country B6 AWD Ultimate, a vehicle that on paper promised to deliver on both fronts.

Over the course of a week running around Utah County in the doldrums of winter that included a scenic day trip to Park City and back on Saturday taking us up through Provo Canyon and down Parleys Canyon, we had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the Volvo experience. Let’s dive into our journey with this exceptional vehicle.

Exterior design

The Volvo V90 Cross Country exudes an understated elegance that is Scandinavian to the core. The rugged yet refined exterior design is characterized by clean lines, muscular proportions and, of course, the distinctive “Thor’s hammer” LED headlights. Our test vehicle, finished in Denim Blue Metallic, exuded a sense of sophistication as a wagon that was turning heads wherever we ventured.

The Cross Country variant added a touch of adventure with increased ground clearance, protective body cladding and integrated roof rails. It’s a design language that effortlessly blended luxury with capability, making the V90 Cross Country equally at home in urban landscapes and off-the-beaten-path adventures that would be great for any growing family.

With that added space in the rear that comes with a wagon-type vehicle, there would be ample room for most any family adventure.

Interior comfort and versatility

Stepping into the V90 revealed a sanctuary of Scandinavian luxury and craftsmanship. The interior was designed and crafted with high-quality materials, including napa leather upholstery, genuine wood trim and brushed metal accents.

The spacious cabin provided ample room for us and any cargo we needed to add. Even with a Costco trip, there was plenty of rear space. Again, a great addition to any adventurous on-the-go family.

The ergonomically designed seats in a Volvo are always a favorite of ours, and they offered exceptional comfort and support whether we were navigating city streets or getting as far off-road as we could in the middle of winter.

The panoramic sunroof flooded the cabin with natural light, which in turn created an airy and inviting atmosphere. From the driver’s seat, the minimalist dashboard layout put essential controls and information within easy reach, while the intuitive Sensus infotainment system kept us connected wherever our week took us. Our only complaint would be a need for wireless Apple CarPlay abilities.

Performance and capability

The V90 Cross Country is powered by Volvo’s innovative B6 mild-hybrid powertrain, delivering a seamless blend of performance and efficiency. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is paired with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The result was a brisk acceleration and confident passing power, whether merging onto the highway or traversing twisty mountain roads.

The advanced all-wheel-drive system provided surefooted traction in various driving conditions as we went from rain to snow and back again during the week. At the same time, the available Drive Mode settings allowed us to tailor our driving experience to our individual preferences.

During our Saturday trip to Park City, the V90 Cross Country effortlessly tackled winding mountain roads and snow-covered surfaces, showcasing its versatility and capability.

Safety and technology

Volvo has always been synonymous with safety, and the V90 Cross Country continued this tradition with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. From City Safety with steering support to the Blind Spot Information System, or BLIS, with cross traffic alert, the vehicle was equipped to help us navigate the road with complete confidence and peace of mind.

The V90 Cross Country also boasted a host of cutting-edge technology features, including a 12.3-inch Digital Driver Display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Volvo On Call with Remote Start. The available Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system added an extra layer of convenience, providing adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance on the highway.

Day trip to Park City

Our Saturday jaunt to Park City served as a fantastic test of the V90 Cross Country’s capabilities. The scenic route through Provo Canyon and back through Parleys Canyon showcased the vehicle’s dynamic performance and rugged durability. The responsive handling and precise steering instilled confidence on winding mountain roads, while the advanced safety features provided reassurance on busy highways.

As we descended into the Salt Lake Valley, the V90 Cross Country’s smooth ride and refined cabin kept us comfortable and relaxed. The panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and sprawling landscapes served as a fitting backdrop to our journey, reminding us of the limitless adventures that would await any owner of the the Volvo V90 Cross Country.

Parting thoughts

The 2024 Volvo V90 Cross Country B6 AWD Ultimate turned out to be a testament to Volvo’s continued commitment to luxury, safety and adventure. From its elegant design and refined interior to its capable performance and advanced technology, it offers a truly exceptional driving experience. Whether navigating city streets or exploring Utah’s mountainous terrain, the V90 Cross Country is ready to elevate anyone’s journey to new heights.

Base price: $64,750

Destination charge: $1,095

Price as driven: $73,380

Newsletter