2019 Volvo V90 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

In 2017, Volvo added a wagon to its flagship “90” series, in the form of the full-size V90. It manages to look both shapely and sporty by...

In 2017, Volvo added a wagon to its flagship “90” series, in the form of the full-size V90. It manages to look both shapely and sporty by taking the brand’s latest styling cues and stretching them across a long, wide, and low package. For 2019, the V90’s third model year on the market, it carries over.

The V90 comes in two basic forms: The basic V90 is a regular wagon, with a car-like ride height. Meanwhile, the V90 Cross Country is a half-step between a wagon and a crossover, with an additional 2.3 inches of ground clearance, matte black cladding and wheel flares, unique front and rear bumpers, and standard all-wheel drive (AWD).

You’ll find one of two basic mechanical setups beneath the V90. The first is T5, consisting of a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. With FWD, the T5 returns 23 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 27 combined. With AWD, the T5 returns 21 mpg city, 31 highway, and 25 combined. The other mechanical setup available is the T6, which comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged inline 4-cylinder good for 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, along with AWD. Both T5 and T6 include an 8-speed automatic transmission. In addition, all models get a standard Drive Mode Selector, allowing you to choose between Comfort, Eco, Dynamic, Off Road, and Individual.

The powertrains define the trim levels for the Cross Country model, but the ordinary V90 is offered in R-Design and Inscription trims, presenting a split personality. R-Design features blacked-out, sportier exterior elements and aggressive suede-and-leather seats inside. Inscription, on the other hand, presents a calm, mature theme. Standard features across all trims include LED exterior lighting, 19-inch wheels, roof rails, puddle lights, headlight washers, a 9-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, a panoramic sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and a 10-way power driver’s seat with memory.

As a leader in safety, Volvo offers a full complement of safety features. All V90s get rain-sensing wipers, a reversing camera, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with a semi-autonomous feature, blind-spot monitoring, rear-collision mitigation, rear parking sensors, and cross-traffic alert. While the V90 has not yet been crash tested by any major agency, other recent Volvos have achieved top scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Despite the increasing popularity of crossovers, Volvo is one of a few automakers who has kept the traditional full-size wagon alive. The V90 continues to be a sophisticated, stylish and functional offering in the segment.