2025 Volvo V90 B6 Cross Country Review: A Sophisticated Blend of Rugged Versatility & Luxury

In a way, the 2025 Volvo V90 B6 Cross Country is quite an old-school concept in a very modern package: one that blends space and style with just a pinch of adventure. The V90 B6 Cross Country, then, offers a rather inviting compromise for anyone who values the plushness of a luxury wagon but also requires something that can take it off the beaten path or up the snowy driveway while hauling the kids, the family dog, and all your outdoorsy gear. This is not a car for raw screaming performance. It’s all about unobtrusively serving up a well-rounded yet polished driving experience and, if necessary, getting a bit dirty.

Volvo has long been known for its safety features and subtly stylish design, and the V90 B6 Cross Country furthers the Swedish automaker’s identity as a protector of yet tasteful elegance… The 2025 model has a fairly advanced look on the outside, lots of tech inside, and enough versatility for both bustling city folk and weekend adventurers.

A deep dive into the 2025 V90 B6 Cross Country, how it compares to its rivals, and where drive-thirsty enthusiasts could be left wanting.

Power Meets Efficiency: Under the Hood!

We wouldn’t exactly call the V90 B6 Cross Country a quarter-mile specialist, but it provides an enticing mix of performance and fuel efficiency as miles roll past. Powertrain: What’s new for the M3 and M4?

• Powertrain: 2.0-liter B6 mild-hybrid turbo inline-4
• Horsepower: 316 hp (Approx.)
• Torque: 295 lb-ft (Approx.)
• Transmission: 8-speed auto
• Drivetrain: Standard all-wheel drive
• Fuel Economy: 23 mpg Combined (Approx.)

This Volvo engine setup is designed to provide buttery smooth acceleration and respectable fuel economy, making it perfect for long road trips, daily commuting, or even a spontaneous weekend escape to a nearby state park. The mild hybrid system not only helps with fuel efficiency but also adds a little extra oomph when needed.

What makes the V90 B6 Cross Country special?

(Without giving anything away: Volvo has, however, again managed to take a model that many might dismiss as just a boring old “wagon” and turn it into something quite lustworthy for those who want luxury and don’t wish to miss out on utility.)

Design and Build Quality

Outwardly, the design strikes a good balance between slick and tough. It’s up front looks modern and aggressive, with the slim LED headlights and bold grill mirroring its off-road character. … while the enhanced ground clearance given by slightly raised suspension ensures it maintains a low, wide, and planted stance that we’ve come to love in Volvo products.

Versatility

No fraternity binge car advocate here. Equipped with all-wheel drive, an adjustable suspension, and robust underpinnings, the V90 B6 Cross Country easily takes dirt tracks, inclement weather, or surprise detours in stride. It’s pretty much the ideal blend of urban civility and go-anywhere capability.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Get inside, however, and you get a cabin that melds modern Scandinavian design with upmarket luxury. The cabin is crafted from premium materials, has user-friendly controls, and includes an array of advanced safety features as well as connectivity technology to make every drive safe, comfortable, and convenient. Features include:

• Crystal-clear 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
• Apple CarPlay, Android Auto support at a Massive 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• An immersive audio system that provides a concert-like experience during long rides
• Can be equipped with heated and ventilated seats in higher trim levels, which means you can remain comfortable without regard of the weather
• A panoramic sunroof is available, filling the cabin with light

The ergonomics and layout of the cabin are such that everyone feels special in this SUV, just the way Volvo intended city or off-road.

Trim Levels & Available Options

Volvo is also keeping things simple with the V90 Cross Country lineup, which will consist of a handful of trim levels aimed at satisfying different desires without overwhelming buyers in the process.

2025 Volvo V90 B6 Cross Country Configurations

Momentum

Solid array of standard features for the base trim

Standard Features Include:

• 2.0L B6 mild hybrid engine
• 8-speed automatic transmission
• All-wheel drive
• 12.3-inch digital cluster instrument panel and 11.6-inch display screen
• Seating: Cloth or synthetic leather

For those who search for chrome-colored accents in a budget vehicle.

Inscription

A more luxurious top-tier trim.

Adds:

• Genuine leather upholstery
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Enhanced ambient lighting 
• Upgraded sound system (Bowers & Wilkins available)

For those who are looking for a plusher, more premium, and more sophisticated interior

R-Design

A more fun V90 Cross Country.

Unique Features Include:

• Sport-tuned suspension for sharper handling
• Unique exterior trim accessories, with more aggressive styling cues
• Features some special badging and interior trim accents

Who Should Buy: Fans that want a bit more lively performance, without giving up the intrinsic handling benefits of the model.

Interesting Options Available:

• Panoramic Sunroof – It brings extra light.
• Advanced Driver-Assistance Package: Adds more sensors and content, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
• Designer Paint Options – Exterior color schemes with custom colors that are different from the rest.
• Optional Bowers & Wilkins Sound System: Makes your drive even more enjoyable, like being in a concert.
• Heated Rear Seats – Keep warm even in the backseat when temperatures drop during winter.

Competitors: Who’s In the Running?

The 2025 Volvo V90 B6 Cross Country does not live in a vacuum. There are a few others in the go-anywhere (but don’t need 6 or 7 seats) category with some off-road chops and lux-class prices.

Audi A4 Allroad

• Engine: 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder
• Drive: Quattro all-wheel drive
• Pros: classier interior, excellent dynamics, established image
• Cons: Less cargo space, not quite as sporty to drive as the V90 Cross Country.
• Who It’s Good For: They buy into the whole German engineering thing.

Subaru Outback Wilderness

• Engine: Turbocharged 2.4L four or an NA 2.5L
• Drive: Standard all-wheel drive
• Pros: Impressive off-road capability, rugged design, and a loyal fan base.
• Cons: Interior quality and finish are not as clean as Volvos.
• Perfect For: Anyone who is off-road at all and needs a vehicle that’s burly enough to handle the beating.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon (All-Terrain)

• Engine: Market dependent, but usually turbocharged I4/V6
• Drive: All-wheel drive
• Pros: Handsome cabin, excellent infotainment tech, high-end nameplate.
• Cons: Initially expensive, not as efficient as Escape.
• Best For: Those who are looking for a little bit of utility from their premium experience.

BMW 3-Series Touring (where available)

• Engine: Turbocharged (Optional Mild Hybrid) 2.0-liter I-4
• Engine: Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
• What we like: Sharply styled, engaging to drive, high-quality cabin, comprehensive technology.
• Who Would Love to Have this: You want a truly sporty experience, but you also need it in a wagon shape.

The V90 B6 Cross Country offers a mix of luxury, decent fuel efficiency, and minimal off-road ability all wrapped up in one pretty appealing package. It’s great for buyers who need some SUV-esque flexibility without the unsightly trappings.

What Could Be Improved?

The 2025 Volvo V90 B6 Cross Country is an impressive vehicle, yet there are a few areas where it could use a little help here and there:

• Get Up and Go: It has a 316-horsepower engine, but it could do with an even more powerful powertrain if performance is one of the more important factors for you.
• Infotainment System: It works, but the current system is less elegant and intuitive than those found in competitors from Germany. A bigger screen that’s also better connected would be a welcome upgrade, too.
• More Customization Options: While there are some more interesting options in the pipeline, I wish customers could choose from a greater variety of possible personalization options, especially when it comes to interior color schemes and trim materials. This with the buyer really able to really customize their V90.
• Third-Row Seating: The V90 Cross Country is essentially a two-row wagon, but an available third row could entice families in need of occasional short-trip seating for the kids, like that some competitors offer in their crossover versions.

All told, these are small considerations in a bigger picture. The V90 B6 Cross Country is able to maintain both the versatility of a wagon and the style and utility that come with owning a luxury SUV.

Ideal Opponent For The Particular Modern-Day Explorer

The 2025 Volvo V90 B6 Cross Country is an awesome recipe of luxury, efficiency, and versatility. It appeals to a particular buyer who’s looking for refinement and capability in their daily driver. Fitted with a great mild-hybrid powertrain, top-notch interiors, and just enough off-road capability for mountain passes (if there’s not much snow), it rises above an increasingly crowded crossover-dominated segment.

It provides a fresh option to buyers who demand that their car be more than just a mode of transportation – it has to be a statement of individuality and elegance. It simply adds some light off-road lighting and an ‘off-road mode’ on the infotainment screen, so this isn’t a heavy-duty SUV by any stretch of the imagination, but is more about the premium experience wherever you go — whether that’s down to the local grocery store or for a country drive with the family.

This Volvo is a great option for those who like some luxury flair in their real utility vehicle. It might not provide the racy performance of a sports sedan, or the rugged durability of a full-boar off-roader, but it blends daily usefulness with near-premium appeal.

Does the 2025 Volvo V90 B6 Cross Country Speak To You? Is it the all-rounder that you desire in the segment, or are you left wanting more power and tech flair from it?  Share your thoughts in the comments below!