The 2025 Volvo V90 Cross Country maintains its distinct identity as a sophisticated crossover station wagon, offering a refreshing departure from the omnipresent SUV segment. This vehicle appeals to those seeking a practical yet elegant solution with a timeless Scandinavian aesthetic. Entering its penultimate model year, the V90 Cross Country continues to impress with its blend of functionality, refined design, and robust performance, making it a noteworthy contender for discerning buyers. Its unique combination of car-like handling and enhanced capability distinguishes it within the premium vehicle landscape.

First introduced nine years ago, the V90 Cross Country maintains its foundational design while receiving subtle updates for the 2025 model year. The vehicle is powered by a twin-charged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, augmented by a 48V mild-hybrid system. This powertrain delivers a potent 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, channeled through an 8-speed automatic transmission to an all-wheel-drive system. This setup ensures responsive acceleration and confident handling across various driving conditions. One notable change for 2025 is the renaming of the 'Ultimate' trim to 'Ultra,' alongside a minor adjustment regarding the standard inclusion of massaging front seats, which are now an optional upgrade for the top-tier variant. A Polestar Engineered Optimization software upgrade remains available for those seeking an extra performance boost.

The exterior of the V90 Cross Country exudes a timeless elegance, characterized by its sleek Scandinavian lines. Its substantial length, exceeding 195 inches, positions it as a larger alternative to many midsize SUVs. The vehicle's rugged appeal is subtly enhanced by features such as aluminum roof rails, protective black lower-body cladding, and a slightly elevated suspension system, providing nearly eight inches of ground clearance. Standard exterior elements include curve-adaptive LED headlights with distinctive Thor's Hammer DRLs, 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic rain-sensing wipers, a panoramic roof, and a convenient power liftgate. The Ultra trim further elevates its presence with larger 20-inch wheels.

Inside, the cabin reflects Volvo's commitment to Swedish craftsmanship, featuring premium materials like leather upholstery—Nappa leather in the Ultra trim—genuine wood accents, and soft-touch plastics. Standard interior amenities encompass heated power-adjustable front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a four-zone climate control system. The Ultra trim enhances luxury with ventilated front seats, rear sunshades, and an exquisite Orrefors crystal gear shifter. Technological integration is seamless, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen equipped with Google Built-In, offering navigation via Google Maps, a voice assistant, Spotify integration, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. A 10-speaker audio system is standard, with the Ultra trim upgrading to a 14-speaker Harman Kardon system, or an optional 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins setup.

In terms of pricing, the 2025 V90 Cross Country starts at an MSRP of $59,800 for the B6 Plus trim, which includes a well-rounded suite of features. The Climate Package, offering heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and headlight washers, is an appealing addition. The top-tier B6 Ultra trim, priced at $64,800, provides a comprehensive luxury experience with Nappa leather, massaging front seats, a head-up display, and the upgraded Harman Kardon audio system, making it a compelling option for those seeking ultimate comfort and advanced features.

The Volvo V90 Cross Country continues to challenge the dominance of SUVs by offering a refined, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing alternative. Its enduring appeal lies in its practical wagon format, which provides ample cargo space and a lower loading floor than many SUVs, coupled with impressive all-weather capability and elegant design. While its platform and infotainment system may show signs of age compared to newer rivals, it remains a testament to Volvo's unique vision, capturing the essence of a time when station wagons held a prominent and cherished place in the automotive landscape.