As of 2023, the only new Volvo V90 you can buy is the Cross Country. The Swedish automaker killed the standard wagon stateside after the 2021 model year, and there’s no indication it will return. So, what’s the difference between the V90 and V90 Cross Country?

Comparing the 2021 Volvo V90 and Volvo V90 Cross Country

For its final model year, the Volvo V90 could be had with a 250-hp turbo-four engine or a 316-hp supercharged turbo-four. Both were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, but the base engine was paired with only front-wheel drive. 

All-wheel drive is standard equipment for all V90 T6 models with the upgraded engine. That was the only one tested by Car and Driver reviewers, who praised the Cross Country for its nice ride and confident handling. However, test drivers noted other luxury wagons were quicker. 

Only five passengers can fit inside, but that means there’s plenty of legroom in both rows of seating. The second row has nearly 36 inches of legroom, while the first row has over 42 inches. The Volvo V90 also has a roomy cargo area, offering about 54 cubic feet of space.

The 2021 Volvo V90 Cross Country (CC) was available with only the 316-hp engine, so it also has AWD. Both wagons are identical in length, but the CC’s higher ride height gives it 8.3 inches of ground clearance. The regular V90 has only 6.0 inches of ground clearance. 

In addition, the V90 has a few more luxury features than the Cross Country. They include four-zone automatic climate control, a semiautonomous driving mode, a panoramic sunroof, and brushed metal cabin accents. The Inscription trim features a sport chassis and ventilated front seats with optional massage settings.

A used 2021 Volvo V90 Cross Country could still have some of these features because they could be added as upgrades. Additionally, the CC has genuine wood interior accents to suit its adventuresome persona. 

What’s new for the 2023 Volvo V90 Cross Country?

For the 2022 model year, Volvo added a mild-hybrid component to the T6’s engine. While it now makes 295 hp, it gets 25 mpg combined city/highway instead of 24 mpg. It still can’t beat the V90, which has an EPA fuel economy rating of 26 mpg combined. 

The 2023 Volvo V90 Cross Country also has a new infotainment system powered by Google, which is free for four years. Almost all of its advanced safety functions are standard, except the head-up display. The Ultimate trim adds massaging front seats with ventilation and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. 

Why was the V90 discontinued in the United States?

Volvo killed the V90 due to low demand from U.S. consumers. SUVs and pickup trucks are far more popular passenger vehicles than modern station wagons, even in international markets. Customers could also only purchase a V90 on a made-to-order basis, which meant little to no visibility on dealership lots.

We can see that disinterest in wagons by looking at the V90 Cross Country’s current sales figures. Volvo has sold only 686 globally so far this year. In other countries, only 702 regular V90 models have been purchased. 

Even overseas, the V90’s sales have dropped over 23% since 2022. The CC’s sales are also declining, albeit not as drastically. Despite Volvo’s efforts to keep modern station wagons appealing, most consumers have already moved on.