Volvo is currently working on transitioning its lineup to fully electric by 2030 and although we already have the electric XC40 and C40 Recharge models, the brand still offers some gasoline-powered models. While Volvo knows not everyone is ready to go fully electric yet, it’s decided to give all XC60 and V90 Cross Country models some sort of electrification with the introduction of new mild hybrid powertrains.
Check out our first drive of the 2022 XC60 B6 here.
The 2022 V90 Cross Country is now powered by a new B6 powertrain, which mates a 48-volt mild hybrid system to the turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The powertrain generates 295 horsepower, which is down from the old non-hybrid T6 which had 316 hp. It also generates a nice 310 lb-ft of torque, which is 15 lb-ft. more than the old T6. The new mild hybrid system ditches the belt-driven supercharger for an electric unit and also gets a belt-drive starter-generator. The V90 Cross Country also comes standard with all-wheel drive.
While the new powertrain doesn’t have enough power to provide an EV only range, the big benefit here is the extra low end power the 48-volt mild hybrid system brings to the table. The system also improves the start-stop system, which is now very seamless. You’ll barely notice when the engine shuts down or fires up.
On our drive through the canyons in Malibu, the V90 CC picked up speed fast with lots of passing power when needed. The eight-speed automatic transmission is a bit slow to downshift, but once it’s figured out what it wants to do, things settle down a bit. The good news is that accelerating from a stop is now smoother than before thanks to the mild hybrid system.
We wouldn’t really call the V90 Cross Country sporty, but it does feel nimble on those back country roads.
The V90 Cross Country B6 is rated at 22/29 mpg, which is a slight improvement over the T6 version that was rated at 20/30 mpg.
Inside the V90 Cross Country’s interior is top notch with a nice minimalistic design, high quality materials and improved tech. In front of the driver there’s a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, while a 9.0-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen now features a new Google-based infotainment system. The new infotainment system is a big improvement over the Sensus Connect system and comes equipped with Google Maps. The system responds faster and is easy to use with voice prompts via the Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also there and the Bowers & Wilkins 19-speaker audio system is excellent.
While most of the news about the new V90 Cross Country focuses on the powertrain updates, Volvo also gave it some small styling changes. A the front there’s a new grille design and the lower front fascia has been redesigned. At the rear there’s a new spoiler and the lower fascia has been redesigned to hide the tailpipes. Lastly there are new wheel designs.
The 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country starts at $56,295.
At the end of the day, the V90 Cross Country is an excellent wagon for buyers that don’t want an SUV. The interior is stylish and comfortable and thanks to its new mild-hybrid powertrain, the V90 Cross Country feels even more refined.
