The S90 is Volvo’s only midsize sedan, but the V90 Cross Country offers the same midsize sedan passenger space and handling with the added cargo room of a wagon.

Drivers tend to gravitate toward midsize sedans for their combination of roominess and on-street maneuverability. They lean toward luxury midsize sedans for the added performance, style, and comfort they can offer. The 2023 Volvo S90 delivers on all of these specs, and the 2023 V90 Cross Country adds a little extra cargo room to the mix.

Here, we'll outline all the features of both the S90 and the V90 Cross Country to help you decide which one has everything you need in a midsize luxury vehicle.

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2023 Volvo S90

The 2023 Volvo S90 is similarly styled to the 2022 model, but Volvo has simplified trim options for the new year.

Where we previously had 5 trims to choose from, we now have three, with the value-forward Plus trim taking the place of last year’s

S90 Momentum

. The S90 R-Design and

S90 Inscription

packages have been combined to form one Ultimate trim and one plug-in-hybrid (PHEV) Recharge Ultimate trim.

Let’s see what else Volvo has in store for us with the 2023 S90.

Pricing

With a starting MSRP of just $58,095, the 2023 Volvo S90 is one of the most affordable midsize sedans in its class. The top-spec Recharge Ultimate sports a much higher price tag of $71,595 MSRP to start, and Volvo rounds out the field with the mid-range Ultimate, starting at $63,645 MSRP.

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Performance

Volvo’s B6 turbocharged inline-4 mild-hybrid is standard on both the Plus and Ultimate trims. Offering 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, its 6.4-second 0-60 time is not a disappointment, though it is a touch slower than the previous T6 engine.

Opting for the Recharge Ultimate gets you this same engine paired with Volvo’s updated PHEV setup introduced last year. A more powerful electric motor and a larger battery pack boost the S90’s horsepower to 455 and pile on 523 lb-ft of torque.

All-wheel drive is standard across the board.

Fuel economy

S90s equipped with the new standard B6 powertrain return 23 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined. Add the PHEV boost of the Recharge Ultimate, and you’ll get up to 38 miles of electric-only range, which adds up to 66 MPGe.

Interior and tech

The S90’s interior was already one of its most impressive features in 2022, and things have only gotten better for 2023. A bright spot for many drivers—especially those with families—is the S90’s rear-seat accommodations that rival some full-size sedans. Throughout, both driver and passengers are treated to high-end materials, like open-pore wood and supple, genuine leather that create the stylish and comfortable cabin we expect in a Volvo.

A Google-based operating system now governs the S90’s 9-inch infotainment display, but tech remains largely unchanged otherwise from last year. That’s not to say tech is sparse in the S90, though—Volvo is nothing if not generous with standard tech features. On the base model, these include

12.3-inch digital instrument cluster

Recently-added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration

Integrated navigation

10-speaker audio system

Front and rear USB ports

Wireless device charger

Volvo On Call

Climbing the trim ladder opens up availability for a variety of premium features, including premium Harman Kardon or Bowers and Wilkins audio systems and a head-up display.

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Safety and reliability

Volvo was built on safety, and its reputation for building safe vehicles continues even as its style and design evolve. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the S90 a 2022 Top Safety Pick+—the highest award it offers—and all signs point to a return to that list for 2023.

A big part of what makes the S90 such a safe vehicle is the suite of advanced driver safety aids that come standard across all trims. These include:

Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert

Collision mitigation

Lane keeping assist

Lane departure mitigation

Oncoming lane mitigation

Road sign recognition

Parking sensor

Adaptive cruise control

360-degree view camera

Where

safety is one of Volvo’s strong suits

, reliability is a bit of a different story. This is not to say that the S90 isn’t a reliable vehicle. Vehicle reliability ratings aren’t just based on how often you have to take a car in for repairs—they’re also based on how expensive those repairs are. On a Volvo, repairs tend to be a bit higher priced.

RepairPal doesn’t offer an individual rating for the S90’s reliability, but Volvos earn an overall score of 3.5 out of 5.0, which is above average for RepairPal, and above average for the luxury midsize sedan segment. J.D. Power’s last rating for the S90 was published in 2018 at 79/100. Rounding out reliability ratings, we have Consumer Reports, which offers the S90 a chilly 2 out of 5 predicted reliability rating for 2023.

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Trim levels

The 2022 S90 is available in three vehicle trim levels: Plus, Ultimate, and Recharge Ultimate. As already noted, each features the same base 4-cylinder engine, but the Recharge Ultimate augments this with a powerful electric motor for added horsepower and grunt.

The S90 Plus is largely the same as last year’s Momentum trim, offering standard features focused mainly on utility, practicality, and safety, with just enough luxury tossed in to let you know you’re not playing in the economy-class sandbox.

The S90 Ultimate combines the uplevel features of last year’s R-Design and Inscription trims into one well-equipped bundle. In addition to larger wheels, some exterior styling adjustments, and an upgraded 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, Volvo adds the following premium touches:

Leather-wrapped steering wheel

Premium leather upholstery

Upgraded interior materials and lighting

Genuine wood interior trim

Buyers previously had three trims to choose from on the PHEV S90 Recharge, but Volvo has reduced that choice to one for 2023—but the 2023 S90 Recharge Ultimate has it all. This includes an available head-up display, adaptive air suspension, and the option of a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system.

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Competitors

Now for the true test: let’s see how the 2023 Volvo S90 fares when compared with some of its top competitors:

Model	MSRP range	Base powertrain	Fuel economy	Safety ratings	Reliability ratings
2023 Volvo S90	$58,095 to $71,595	295-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder mild-hybrid w/8-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD	23 mpg city/31 mpg hwy, or 66 MPGe in the Recharge Ultimate	Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)	3.5/5.0 (RepairPal for Volvo overall), 2/5 (Consumer Reports), 78/100 (J.D. Power 2018 rating)
2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class	$115,550 to $125,050	429-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 w/9-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD	16–21 mpg city/25–30 mpg hwy	Not rated	2.0/5.0 (RepairPal), 2/5 (Consumer Reports), 79/100 (J.D. Power)
2023 Audi A8	$87,595	335-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 w/8-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD	19 mpg city/27 mpg hwy	Not rated	1.5/5.0 (RepairPal), 3/5 (Consumer Reports)
2023 BMW 7-Series	$94,295 to $114,595	375-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 w/8-speed automatic transmission and standard RWD	18–25 mpg city/26–31 mpg hwy	Not rated	2.0/5.0 (RepairPal), 3/5 (Consumer Reports), 85/100 (J.D. Power)
2023 Genesis G90	$89,495 to $99,795	375-hp 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 w/8-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD	17–18 mpg city/24–26 mpg hwy	Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)	3.5/5.0 (RepairPal), 3/5 (Consumer Reports), 91/100 (J.D. Power)

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2023 Volvo V90 Cross Country

Let’s face it—sometimes a midsize sedan just won’t cut it when it comes to hauling stuff. If you’re looking for the passenger space and easy handling of a midsize sedan with just a bit more room for junk in the trunk, we suggest you take a peek at the 2023 Volvo V90 Cross Country.

It’s not a sedan or an SUV—it’s a wagon! But it’s far from your mom’s old grocery-getter. It’s also only currently available as a special order from Volvo, which means it may take a while to get, but you’ll get exactly what you want. Let’s check it out!

Pricing

Like the S90, the Volvo V90 Cross Country offers a near-bargain price point compared to many of its competitors. Starting MSRP for the base Plus model is $59,545, and starting prices top out with the Ultimate’s $65,145 MSRP.

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Performance

The same 295-horsepower inline-4 that powers the S90 motivates the V90 Cross Country. Though it’s equipped with standard all-wheel drive and features more ground clearance than the V90 it replaced, the V90 Cross Country shouldn’t be mistaken for an off-roader. It can handle itself on unpaved and slippery roads, but more than the most basic trail will quickly see it stuck.

Fuel economy

Not surprisingly, since it’s equipped with the same powertrain, the V90 Cross Country offers similar fuel economy to the S90. The added weight of the larger wagon, though, drops the Cross Country’s specs to 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 combined mpg.

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Interior and tech

Like the S90, passengers in the V90 Cross Country’s rear seat will have acres of legroom. That said, the low-slung nature of this luxury wagon may not be quite in line with today’s SUV, high-riding preferences. However, the V90 Cross Country enjoys quite a bit more ground clearance than your standard luxury wagon, so getting in and out shouldn’t be too difficult, even for taller passengers.

As one can expect from Volvo, the V90 Cross Country’s cabin materials are beautiful and sleek, with quality leather, soft-touch plastics, and brushed metals throughout.

Also like the S90, the V90 Cross Country features a Google-based operating system for its 9-inch infotainment screen. In the V90 Cross Country, Google is your master—though Apple CarPlay is an included feature. Fortunately, the Google sphere is not such a bad place to be, and the learning curve for the V90’s infotainment system is fairly shallow.

But infotainment isn’t all the V90 Cross Country has to offer. Even on the base Plus, buyers will also enjoy:

Auto-dimming mirrors

Rain-sensing windshield wipers

Digital gauge cluster

Wireless charging pad

Front and rear USB ports

Stepping up to the Ultimate trim adds:

Harman Kardon or Bowers and Wilkins audio systems

Power-adjustable heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats

Ambient interior lighting

Head up display

Safety and reliability

Volvo takes home another 2022 Top Safety Pick+ with the V90 Cross Country. Like the S90, it features a full suite of active driver assists standard on both trims.

Neither RepairPal nor J.D. Power offer reliability ratings for the Volvo V90 Cross Country, but Consumer Reports awards it a lackluster 2 out of 5.

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Trim levels

For 2022, the V90 Cross Country was offered in just one trim with a selection of options package. For 2023, two trims are offered—Plus and Ultimate.

The V90 Cross Country Plus is very well equipped for an entry-level trim. That’s likely because the Ultimate is less of a trim than an options package. For an added $5,600, buyers will get luxury features added to their Plus, which include:

A custom crystal gear selector knob by Orrefors® (we kid you not)

Ventilated Nappa leather upholstery

Head-up display

20-inch wheels

Power rear-door sun curtains

Competitors

The luxury wagon segment isn’t large, so the V90 Cross Country doesn’t have a lot of competitors. It only faces two major rivals—the Audi A6 Allroad and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class All Terrain. Let’s see how it holds up.

Model	MSRP range	Base powertrain	Fuel economy	Safety ratings	Reliability ratings
2023 Volvo V90 Cross Country	$59,545 to $65,145	295-hp 2.0-liter supercharged, turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid w/8-speed automatic transmission and AWD	22 mpg city/29 mpg hwy	Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)	2/5 (Consumer Reports)
2023 Audi A6 Allroad	$67,995 to $73,795	335-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 w/7-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD	20 mpg city/26 mpg hwy	5 Stars (NHTSA) Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)	3/5 (Consumer Reports)
2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon	$69,450	362-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 w/9-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD	22 mpg city/28 mpg hwy	5 stars (NHTSA)	2/5 (Consumer Reports), 81/100 (J.D. Power)