For those of you with memories of the station wagon who might still be longing for just such a vehicle, the 2018 Volvo V90 is going to make you very happy.
Considered a midsize luxury wagon this Volvo faces competition with the Audi A4 Allroad Wagon, the Mercedes Benz E-class Wagon and the BMW 3 Series Wagon.
Of course, being the Volvo that it is you can expect the utmost in safety, along with some techie goodies and a supremely modern style both inside and out.
Station wagons have lost in popularity due to the SUV craze, but this wagon will remind you of the good old days and it’s a different more sophisticated driving experience too.
Trim Level Options
The trim levels on the Volvo V90 are the T5 and T6 offering with two trim level choices for each. The T5 and T6 offer the same impressive features and differ only in the powertrain. There is the R-Design T5 and the Inscription T5 or the T6 with a V6 engine offering an R-Design T6 or the Inscription T6.
The Inscription offers heated and air-conditioned comfort seats, leather upholstery and a visual package that can be seen in the interior and exterior signature unique Volvo designing. The R-Design takes it a step further with a sport suspension calibration and you get paddle shifters as well as sport seats. There is also a unique R-Design interior and exterior look that includes front and rear fascias, wheels and roof rails.
On both, the standard features include a navigation system, panoramic roof and plenty of Volvo safety features.
For added goodies, there is the Convenience package with a camera system, heated washer nozzles and an automated parallel parking feature.
On the R-Design T6 and Inscription T6 you get a stronger engine and all-wheel drive. The features otherwise match the T5 counterpart.
Under the Hood
Under the hood, the T5 trims have a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 258-pound feet of torque. The T5 comes only with front wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
On the T6 version, you get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is turbocharged and supercharged offering 316 horsepower and 295-pound feet of torque with all-wheel drive.
Safety first
The 2018 Volvo V90 safety features are many as expected on Volvo including airbags, including the driver air bag, passenger air bag and front head, rear head and front side air bags. There is also the 4-Wheel ABS, 4-Wheel disc brakes, brake assist, electronic stability control, daytime running lights, child safety locks, integrated turn signal mirrors, traction control, blind spot monitoring, auto-leveling headlights, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist and cross-traffic alert. There is optional 360-degree camera available on the Volvo V90 too.
Interior and exterior highlights
The interior of the 2018 V90 is beyond comfortable. Elect the larger wheels to eliminate any cabin noise, but there will hardly be any complaints either way. It is as if you have stepped inside your own little comfort pod. The seats are all about comfort and support with 10-way adjustments that let you extend the thigh, upper and lower lumbar parts of the seat configuration.
The console located between the passenger and driver seat offers vents that reach the back seat as needed. Overall, every need you have for adjustments or for ride comfort can be accessed by a dial or button on the touchscreen at your fingertips.
Of course, the interior design and the material used is comfortable to the touch and it looks good keeping to the idea of spending time in your vehicle and liking it. No matter the seat you are sitting in the Volvo V90 is a good ride. The legroom in the backseat is just over 35 inches and that’s good for even the taller passenger. There is also a 60/40-split folding rear seat and a hands-free trunk that includes a 12-volt outlet. Overall it is 54 cubic feet of space for hauling and there are cargo tie-down options and hooks for bags in the rear.
Let’s not forget as well that the audio is top-notch, and you can opt for the Bowers & Wilkins audio system. Even if you want some help driving the Pilot Assist has for you covered and the semi-autonomous driving takes the Volvo driving experience to new heights on the highway or in city traffic.
Along for the ride
Once behind the wheel, you will definitely be impressed with the steering, handling and acceleration. You will always be in control and you will know it when driving the V90. For quicker movement the T6 is your choice with the turbo-supercharger and there is never a doubt you can’t get on the highway with the greatest of ease. The steering is precise and sturdy and with the three modes of driving to choose from the comfort is for a lazy ride and the sport mode will take you to a new level in powerful wagon driving.
For fussy drivers, the 2018 Volvo V90 has spirit. This one is a great road tripper vehicle or just as agreeable for driving around town running errands or doing any 24/7 activity in style.
Should You Need to Know: The 2018 Volvo V90 can tow up to 3,700 pounds.
Miles: On the 2018 Volvo T6 AWD Inscription I drove it came in at 22 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway.
Cost: The 2018 Volvo V90 starts at $49,950 for the T5 R-design FWD and goes up to $57,960 for the T6 AWD Inscription. There is a $995 extra on all trims for the destination charge.
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