Safe & Sound: 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country B6 AWD Review
07 Apr 2023
Volvo has had a reputation for being one of the safest vehicles on the road for many years, and has a faithful buyer base. I was not a fan of the way Volvo’s looked for many years – with their boxy shape and rigid plastic-like interiors. Remember those rigid plastic headrests? But times have changed, and so has Volvo. Their vehicles have become much better looking, and the interiors are a lot nicer, all while maintaining their safety reputation.
I recently had the opportunity to drive the 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country B6 AWD and was quite impressed with looks and performance.
Exterior
I used to dislike the looks of Volvos. Their box-like shape just did not appeal to me at all. In the past several years, their exterior appearance has come a long way. Very sleek lines for a wagon. Dare I say that they have made driving a wagon cool again.
The higher stance gives it the feel of an SUV, but the styling of a traditional European station wagon. Volvo’s large badging is ever present front and centre on the grill. Nice large aluminum wheels finish off the sporty look of the V90 Cross Country.
Rating: 7.5
Interior
The 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country B6 AWD has a beautiful European interior. It’s definitely luxurious, from the materials used to the way they feel. Everything flows well – from the sleek dashboard, to the large infotainment screen, to the lines on the doors.
The added lounge package in our test vehicle included 4-Zone Automatic Climate Control, Sun Curtains Rear Side Doors, 4-Way Lumbar Support, Massage Front Seats, Memory, Passenger Seat, Tailored Instrument Panel, and Cushion Extension – well worth the additional $3,850.
Rating: 9.0
Power
With 295 horsepower under the hood, there is plenty of power for overtaking. The 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country B6 AWD is equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and a 48-volt hybrid system that recoups its energy from braking. With 3500lb towing capacity, there is a lot of capacity for interior cargo or towing a mid-size pop-up camper trailer.
Rating: 7.0
Drive
The 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country B6 AWD drives really well. The all wheel drive did exceptionally well on the country dirt roads. The vehicle is very peppy with responsive steering. The V90 corners really well for a vehicle with higher stance, bu the suspension is a little stiff for a vehicle in a luxury class.
Rating: 8.0
Fuel Economy
The turbocharged and supercharged and 2.0 litre 4-cylinder engine is paired up with an 8-speed automatic transmission. There is a slight improvement in fuel economy over previous years due to the addition of a 48-volt mild hybrid electric motor. EPA tested for 10.6 L/100km in the city, 8.1 L/100km on highway, and 9.5 L/100km combined (using premium fuel).
Rating: 8.0
IIHS Video – Small Overlap front: Driver Side. Rating applies to 2021-22 models.
Safety
Volvo’s are known for being of the safest vehicles on the road, and the 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country B6 AWD is no exception.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2022 V90 a rating of “good” in the following categories:
• Small overlap front: driver-side
• Small overlap front: passenger-side
• Moderate overlap front
• Side: original test
• Roof strength
• Head restraints & seats
Rating: 9.5
Comfort
As a bigger guy, I put vehicle comfort ahead of most things. If I am not comfortable in a vehicle for a short time, then it is not a vehicle I would consider. Long term confront is also essential. I put the 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country B6 AWD to the test on a weekend road trip to the Waterloo Region. An hour of highway driving to and from, and a few hours of intown driving. The vehicle cockpit is very comfortable for a guy my size, and the vehicle was easy to get in and out of.
Rating: 8.0
Tech
Those of you who like a good sound system in a vehicle will thoroughly enjoy the optional Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound System. The sound is crystal clear with punching highs and vibrating lows.
The Android-based infotainment system was where I was surprised. The graphics on the vertical display were quite small considering the size of the screen. I found myself squinting while looking at the screen in a parking lot. The interface was not as user friendly as a lot of the infotainment systems available in vehicles from other manufacturers. And it wasn’t the features – everything that you need is there, including the integrated Google Maps navigation. But poking at a large screen with very small icons can be extremely difficult when you are trying to concentrate on the road. It was disappointing considering this is classed as a luxury vehicle.
Rating: 6.5
Storage
While there is a good amount fo storage space in the 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country B6 AWD, it is a tad less than its competition. That being said, it is a sufficient amount of luggage space for a family of 4 on a local trip or a ride to the airport, a day of shopping, or a couple of cartfulls from Costco.
Rating: 8.0
Value
The 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country B6 AWD has a starting price of $65,950.00 (CAD). Price as tested was $77,450.00 with additional options including Climate Package, Lounge Package, Advanced Package, Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound System, Metallic Paint, Protection Package, Protective Steel Grille, Exterior Scuff Plates, Bumper Cover, and Cargo Cover. This cost comes in lower than similarly equipped competitor vehicles in its class.
Rating: 8.0
Overall Rating
Based on the 10 different categories covered above, I gave the 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country B6 AWD an overall score of 79.5.
Overall Score: 79.5
Specifications
The following are key specifications. For trim specific specs, please visit the Volvo website.
Chassis
Vehicle Type: 5-passenger Wagon
Front Suspension: Double Wishbone with Coil Springs
Rear Suspension: Multi-Link with Transverse Leaf Springs
Front Brakes: 13.6” Vented Disc
Rear Brakes: 12.6-in Vented Disc
Powertrain
Engine: Direct-Injected Supercharged and Turbocharged Engine
Displacement: 2.0 liters
Horsepower (hp/rpm): 295 hp @ 5,400 rpm with 13 HP Integrated Starter Generator (ISG)
Max. Torque (lb-ft/rpm): 310 lb.-ft @ 2100 – 4800
Transmission: 8-speed Geartronic™ automatic
Driving System: AWD
Recommended Fuel: Premium Unleaded Gasoline
Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs): 3500
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 115.8 in
Length: 195.2 in
Width: 74.9 in
Height: 60.7 in
Passenger Volume: 97 cu ft
Cargo Volume: 26 cu ft
Curb Weight: 4354 lb
Fuel Economy
Combined: 9.5 L/100km
City: 10.6 L/100km
Highway: 8.1 L/100km
Safe And Sound by Capital Cities
I did enjoy my time driving the 2022 V90 Cross Country B6 AWD. It was especially fun driving along country backroads as I felt safe behind the wheel, and the tunes playing on the Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound System kept me entertained. So, what better song to pair with the V90 than Capital Cities’ “Safe And Sound”!
I could lift you up
I could show you what you want to see
And take you where you want to be
You could be my luck
Even if the sky is falling down
I know that we’ll be safe and sound
I really hope you enjoyed this edition of Motor & Music featuring the 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country B6 AWD and Safe And Sound by Capital Cities.
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Cheers,
Big Daddy
If you are a PR agency or brand and would like me to review a travel destination, vehicle, restaurant, product or service, please send me an email.
Craig Silva
Craig is a husband, father, team leader, travel and food writer, senior youth group coordinator, designer, brander, community builder, volunteer, and social media strategist. He likes to travel, go camping, go on road trips, watch movies, build stuff, operate the grill, and sing with his band. Craig is a member of the Travel Media Association of Canada. If you are a PR agency or brand and would like Craig to review a travel destination, vehicle, restaurant, product or service, please send him an email.
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