2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country

This month’s article is the third installment to the question “What type of vehicle works best for camping?” So far, we have reviewed a Crossover and a Minivan. This month we take a trip in an AWD wagon.

For those readers who missed my past two articles, my goal is to look at three or four different types of vehicles and how they stack up to a camping adventure. I will highlight the pros and cons of each vehicle category along with my personal camping experiences. 

Our third vehicle category is the wagon in the form of the very capable 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country T6 AWD. The category was called “station wagon” for years, but has now been shortened to just “wagon.”

I remember growing up taking trips in my parents’ Buick Estate Wagon – the biggest of the wagons. It had tons of power but not the best on handling. It was like driving a big boat. It was completely different than Volvo’s V90 Cross Country T6 AWD. The Volvo provides you with power, handling, and an array of features to boot!

The fact that the V90 Cross Country comes in AWD speaks to its capabilities. If you hit a rough uneven patch of dirt road, no sweat…the AWD eats it up and keeps you heading toward your destination. The V90 is part of Volvo’s new flagship 90 series and feels part SUV, wagon and sedan. With that said, the 90 series is available in these forms: SUV, sedan and, of course, wagons.

For me, when it comes to camping, there are four main things I need in a vehicle: cargo space for all of my camping gear (I really need to change over to light weight and compact camping stuff), seating for at least four, minor off-road capabilities, and lastly, comfort.

The 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country T6 AWD possesses all four characteristics. The cargo volume starts with over 35 cu. ft., seats five (and up to seven, but you lose the rear storage area), comes in AWD with a ground clearance of 6.0-inches, and a suspension and interior that keeps the ride enjoyable.

The 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country is available in to trims: V90 T5 FWD and V90 T6 AWD. Both models come with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder motor, but the T6 adds a supercharger to the turbocharger boosting the horse power from 250 to 316 hp.  Both models are teamed up with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

When you first look at the V90 you get a sense of movement thanks in part to the bright red rear taillights that angle upward and forward framing the rear window in a red glow. You have to look twice as the appearance almost resembles an SUV minus the extra high roofline. The AWD model raises the ground height and in turn the sheet metal is elevated over the wheels with black wheel arch extensions creating an off-road aggressiveness.

The interior starts with Cross Country leather upholstery seat services: a panoramic sunroof, dark walnut wood inlays, and a large 9-inch command touch screen in the center dash that directs you to the navigation, radio, phone and other areas. The leather seats felt firm and comfortable. The center command screen wasn’t as friendly as I would like, but at the same time had cool features including temperature information for your current city location. There is plenty of room for your phone, cups and two USB ports. The drivers dash displays your navigation, temperature and time in convenient eye view. A con would be the interior height is much lower than that of a SUV or Minivan, so avoid stacking your gear too high.


Cool Features:

The definition of the word Safety must have the word Volvo in it as Volvo has a reputation for being at the fore-front of security. The 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country T6 AWD is loaded with safety features including the following: City Safe low speed collision system, pedestrian & cyclist & large animal detection system, pilot assist semi-autonomous drive system, driver adaptive front passenger dual-stage airbag system, Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags (SRS), side curtain airbags, lane departure assist system, and more.

In Summary – The 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country T6 AWD has earned the AWD wagon category and V90 itself, a favorable position on my list, for great vehicles to take camping. Besides camping, the Volvo V90 Cross Country T6 AWD is great for all trips from the family beach outing, to the friend’s getaway, to the snowy ski slopes. The V90 has great styling, performance, power and technology. It’s on my list…

Stay tuned for the next camping special review!