Volvo V90 2021 Review

SUVs are clearly the most popular choice for people who want a vehicle with a lot of utility. But that's not to say that wagons don't have their place. The 2021 Volvo V90 is a good example. Its sleek styling helps it stand out among a seemingly endless sea of crossover SUVs, and it still has enough cargo capacity to handle daily driving and the occasional road trip. And compared to the typical luxury SUV, the V90 offers a lower stance for more secure handling.

For 2021, the V90 gets a mild styling update and continues to slot between the small Volvo V60 wagon and the V90 Cross Country, which is effectively a V90 with an elevated ride height. Outside of Volvo, the few wagon alternatives include the Audi A4 and A6 Allroad as well as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon. All of these have plenty of strengths and few weaknesses, so we suggest paying close attention during a test drive to see which fits your needs and budget best. Also check out our Expert Rating on the V90 to get our in-depth evaluation.

The 2021 Volvo V90 wagon is available in two trim levels: R-Design and Inscription. Both trims are offered with the choice of two engines. The T5 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (250 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque), and the T6 is also supercharged (316 hp, 295 lb-ft). An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels for the T5. The T6, meanwhile, comes standard with all-wheel drive.

Standard feature highlights for all V90 models include:

• Panoramic sunroof
• Auto-dimming mirrors
• Power liftgate
• Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
• Keyless entry and ignition
• Four-zone automatic climate control
• Digital instrument panel
• Heated front seats with memory functions
• Rear window sunshades
• Power-folding rear headrests
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
• Wireless charging pad
• Harman Kardon audio system

All V90s also come with:

• Frontal collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
• Automatic rear braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
• Lane keeping assist (steers the V90 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
• Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)

R-Design The R-Design is the sporty model in the V90 lineup, with gloss black exterior treatments as well as:

• Sport front seats
• Leather and simulated suede upholstery

Inscription The inscription forgoes the R-Design's sporty character in favor of:

• Chrome exterior trim
• Leather upholstery
• Ventilated front seats
• Adjustable front-seat side bolsters

Both the R-Design and Inscription models are eligible for the following option packages:

Advanced package

• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
• Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the V90 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

Climate package

• Heated wiper blades
• Heated rear seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Optional integrated rear booster seats (removes heating for rear seats)

Also, some stand-alone features can also be added and include:

• 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system
• Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
• Adaptive air suspension (T6 only)
• Massage functions for the front seats (Inscription only)