The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)

Best of both worlds: Volvo V90 Cross Country

- Bymarc 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 andmodel 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 all- wheel- 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 haulingmac­hine, but rather an SUV in sedan size with tons of perks. A win- win.

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 be

hind its biggest strength, a spacious interior.

Not only is it roomy for allfive passengers, but its extraordin­ary cargo room like that of an SUV makes it sensible for consumers. I amnot sure about you, but riding low to the ground in a sedan- like vehicle is appealing tome. Yes, don’t get me wrong, the “inandout” 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 knowhow to design thatmuch needed appeal to confirmits sportiness, unbelievab­ly luxury and extraordin­ary options, and they nailed it.

Volvo V90 Cross Country

MSRP: $ 54,900

As tested: $ 67,740

MPG: 20city, 30highway, 22.1 as tested

 ?? MARC GRASSO — MEDIANEWS GROUP ?? Volvo’s 2.0L 4- cylinder super and turbocharg­ed engine produces 316horsepo­wer and 295lb.- ft. of torque.
MARC GRASSO — MEDIANEWS GROUP Volvo’s 2.0L 4- cylinder super and turbocharg­ed engine produces 316horsepo­wer and 295lb.- ft. of torque.

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