Boston Herald

The best of both worlds

Volvo V90 Cross Country has unique look, and will serve all your needs

- GRASSO’S GARAGE Marc GRASSO

Although not popular, this one is a favorite.

Think about your house. You obviously don’t want it to be identical to your neighbor’s. You want it to be unique and one that looks good for years to come. In the automobile industry, it is similar, as you don’t want your neighbor to have the same car or paint job as you, but another brand and model so that you can tell the difference. This one does just that.

For this week’s car review, the unique-drool bucket was overflowin­g as we received a fresh 2021 Volvo V90 Cross Country with allwheel-drive. We love a wagon; its usability is exceptiona­l and work has been put in by manufactur­ers so that the exterior appearance is not your historic lackluster family hauling machine, but rather an SUV in sedan size with tons of perks. A winwin.

For years, I have appreciate­d Volvo’s ability to redesign its fleet in attempts to create an absolute dream experience for the consumer. Volvo did just that on the V90.

Volvo’s 2.0L 4-cylinder super and turbocharg­ed engine produces 316 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. If the first thing that comes to mind is, “that’s very underpower­ed,” trust me it isn’t. Take it from an owner, the Volvo engines have no problem getting up and going. In fact, its ability to get up and go is one of its strengths, right behind its biggest strength, a spacious interior.

Not only is it roomy for all five passengers, but its extraordin­ary cargo room like that of an SUV makes it sensible for consumers. I am not sure about you, but riding low to the ground in a sedan-like vehicle is appealing to me. Yes, don’t get me wrong, the “in and out” convenienc­e of a SUV and its ride height is great, but there is something about that low sedan-like ride. It’s all-wheel drive functional­ity also makes it a year-round dream.

Our tester came with a climate package, lounge package for passenger enjoyment, the graphics package including heads up display, upgraded wheels and a Bowers and Wilkins Premium sound option. It also came with an additional roof storage carrier for those long trips, although that hurt the exterior appeal slightly. I like the V90 just how it is, but with these additions, they had me sold at the wheels.

The wagon is not for everyone, in fact it’s not for most as it’s not the most appealing on the eye, but when it comes to Volvo, they know how to design that much needed appeal to confirm its sportiness, unbelievab­ly luxury and extraordin­ary options, and they nailed it.

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 ?? MARC GRASSO PHOTOS / BOSTON HERALD ?? STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD: The Volvo V90 Cross Country has an unusual look, which is great if you if you want to leave the ordinary behind and hit the road in a unique, roomy, sporty, luxurious ride.
MARC GRASSO PHOTOS / BOSTON HERALD STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD: The Volvo V90 Cross Country has an unusual look, which is great if you if you want to leave the ordinary behind and hit the road in a unique, roomy, sporty, luxurious ride.
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