Looking for something to break out of the cookie-cutter SUV mold but still need space for family and cargo? We suggest the Volvo V It's beautiful, practical, fuel-efficient, and luxurious—it really is the whole package. That's why we named it to our Editors' Choice list.
Buyers can choose either a hp turbocharged four-cylinder with front-wheel drive or a hp turbo- and supercharged four-cylinder with all-wheel drive. Are driver-assistance features interesting to you? The V90 has them all, and what's more, they're standard across the lineup.
If the idea of bailing on an SUV is still too much, consider the lifted and ruggedized V90 Cross Country reviewed separately. We're fine with that, since these Swedish fish are among the most beautiful vehicles in their classes.
Volvo is likely to continue offering two powertrains in the V90 wagon when it goes on sale this summer: We expect to see the turbocharged 2. Although the fancier Inscription trim looks the most upscale, we prefer the R-Design's racier bodywork. When it comes to the V90, most of the desirable features—a digital gauge display, panoramic sunroof, in-dash navigation, four-zone automatic climate control, and even a semi-autonomous driving mode—are standard.
Volvo offers two different versions of a four-cylinder engine in the V The T5 is boosted by a turbocharger, makes horsepower, and powers the front wheels. We've only tested the higher-powered T6 model; it comes with both a turbocharger and a supercharger, makes a potent horsepower, and comes standard with all-wheel drive.
At the test track, our V90 T6 Inscription needed 5. Thanks to its lower ride height, the V90 is slightly more engaging to drive than the Cross Country. However, there's a tradeoff to the additional sportiness: The V90's ride suffers compared with the lifted Volvo's, and it's nowhere near as creamy as that of the Benz.
Cornering capability Teknik och Fordon high, especially with our test car's optional inch wheels and performance tires. Braking, too, is confidence-inspiring: The V90 R-Design hauled itself down from 70 mph in a short feet. Front-wheel-drive T5 models are among the most efficient in the class, earning a mpg highway figure from the EPA, but we haven't tested one.
The all-wheel-drive T6 managed 30 mpg over our mile highway fuel-economy route; that's 1 mpg short of its EPA rating. The vehicles in Volvo's lineup have some of the nicest interiors available, and the V90's is no different. Supportive seats wrapped in leather or a mix of leather and faux suede offer plenty of adjustments.
The contemporary dashboard design looks rich with open-pore wood, real metal trim, and soft-touch padding. All models come with a large panoramic sunroof, making the already spacious cabin feels even more so. Overall, the V90 has more than adequate interior room, although it can't match the Subaru Outback in that regard.
The V90 held the same number of our carry-on suitcases as the V90 Cross Country: eight behind the rear seats and 21 with them down.