The Volvo V90 Cross Country offers a blend of wagon practicality, SUV-like ground clearance, and Volvo’s renowned safety features. Choosing the right model year can significantly impact your ownership experience, affecting reliability, features, and overall value. This guide provides a detailed look at the best and worst years for the V90 Cross Country, empowering you to make an informed decision.
Volvo V90 Cross Country: Model Year Overview
| Model Year | Key Features & Improvements | Potential Issues & Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | First year of production, T6 engine (supercharged and turbocharged), standard all-wheel drive, Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving. | Potential software glitches, early production quality control concerns, some reports of oil consumption in the T6 engine. |
| 2018 | Minor updates to infotainment software, subtle styling tweaks. | Similar potential issues as 2017, though some early production glitches may have been addressed. |
| 2019 | Introduction of the T5 engine (turbocharged only), improved infotainment system responsiveness. | T5 engine may feel underpowered for some compared to the T6, continued reports of infotainment system quirks. |
| 2020 | No major changes from 2019. | Continued infotainment concerns, potential for oil consumption in T6 engines (though less prevalent than earlier years). |
| 2021 | Significant updates: B5 and B6 mild-hybrid engines replace T5 and T6, refreshed exterior styling, upgraded infotainment system with Android Automotive OS. | Android Automotive OS is a significant change and requires a learning curve, potential for new software-related issues with the new system, B6 mild-hybrid system complexity. |
| 2022 | Minor software updates to Android Automotive OS. | Continued integration of Android Automotive OS, potential for teething issues, chip shortages impacting availability of certain features. |
| 2023 | No major changes from 2022. | Android Automotive OS is becoming more refined, but ongoing software updates are essential, chip shortage concerns may persist. |
| 2024 | Expected to continue with the B5/B6 mild-hybrid powertrain and Android Automotive OS, potentially with further refinements. | Early to assess, but potential for typical first-year teething issues with any new software or hardware updates. |
Detailed Explanations
2017 (First Year of Production)
The 2017 V90 Cross Country marked the introduction of this model, offering Volvo’s signature safety and luxury in a wagon format. It came standard with the T6 engine (a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that is both supercharged and turbocharged) and all-wheel drive. Pilot Assist, Volvo's semi-autonomous driving system, was also a notable feature. However, being the first year, there were some reported issues, including software glitches, early production quality control concerns, and some instances of oil consumption in the T6 engine. While the 2017 model offers a compelling package, potential buyers should be aware of these early-year concerns and thoroughly inspect the vehicle's maintenance history.
2018 (Minor Updates)
The 2018 model year saw minor updates, primarily focused on refining the infotainment software and subtle styling tweaks. While some early production glitches from 2017 may have been addressed, the fundamental issues remained similar. Therefore, the same considerations for the 2017 model apply to the 2018 version: a thorough inspection and review of the maintenance records are crucial.
2019 (T5 Engine Introduction)
In 2019, Volvo introduced the T5 engine, a turbocharged-only version of the 2.0-liter four-cylinder, offering a more affordable entry point to the V90 Cross Country. The infotainment system also received improvements in responsiveness. However, the T5 engine may feel underpowered for some compared to the more powerful T6. Buyers should test drive both engines to determine which suits their driving style and needs. While the infotainment improvements were welcome, some quirks still persisted.
2020 (No Major Changes)
The 2020 model year was largely a carryover from 2019, with no significant changes. This means that the same strengths and weaknesses of the 2019 model apply. Infotainment system quirks remained a concern, and the potential for oil consumption in the T6 engine, although less prevalent than in earlier years, should still be considered.
2021 (Significant Updates: Mild-Hybrid and Android Automotive OS)
The 2021 model year brought about significant changes, including the introduction of B5 and B6 mild-hybrid engines, replacing the T5 and T6 respectively. The exterior styling was refreshed, and the infotainment system was completely overhauled with the adoption of Android Automotive OS. This was a major shift, offering a more modern and integrated infotainment experience. However, it also required a learning curve for users accustomed to Volvo's previous system. The B6 mild-hybrid system, while offering improved efficiency, also added complexity, which could potentially lead to future maintenance concerns.
2022 (Minor Software Updates)
The 2022 model year focused on refining the Android Automotive OS with minor software updates. While the core system remained the same, these updates aimed to address bugs and improve overall performance. However, the integration of Android Automotive OS continued to be a point of discussion, with some users appreciating its features and others finding it less intuitive than traditional systems. The global chip shortage also impacted the availability of certain features during this year.
2023 (Continued Refinement)
The 2023 V90 Cross Country saw no major changes from 2022, continuing the trend of refining the Android Automotive OS. By this point, the system had become more stable and user-friendly, but ongoing software updates remained essential to ensure optimal performance. The chip shortage concerns may have persisted, potentially affecting the availability of certain options or features.
2024 (Expected Refinements)
The 2024 model year is expected to continue with the B5/B6 mild-hybrid powertrain and Android Automotive OS, potentially with further refinements based on user feedback and technological advancements. As a new model year, it's too early to definitively assess its reliability and potential issues. However, buyers should be aware of the potential for typical first-year teething problems with any new software or hardware updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which V90 Cross Country is the most reliable?
The 2023 model year, due to its refined Android Automotive OS and mature mild-hybrid system, is likely the most reliable, though long-term data is still emerging. Earlier models (2017-2020) can be reliable with proper maintenance, but require careful inspection.
Is the T5 engine underpowered?
For some drivers, especially those accustomed to the T6's performance, the T5 engine might feel underpowered. A test drive is recommended to assess its suitability for your driving needs.
Is the Android Automotive OS easy to use?
The Android Automotive OS is a significant departure from Volvo's previous infotainment system and requires a learning curve. While it offers modern features and integration, some users may find it less intuitive initially.
What should I look for when buying a used V90 Cross Country?
Thoroughly inspect the vehicle's maintenance history, check for signs of oil consumption (especially in T6 models), and test all electronic features. Have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a trusted mechanic.
Are the mild-hybrid systems reliable?
While the mild-hybrid systems offer improved efficiency, they add complexity to the powertrain. Long-term reliability data is still emerging, but potential buyers should be aware of the increased complexity.
Conclusion
Choosing the best year for your Volvo V90 Cross Country depends on your priorities and budget. The 2021-2023 models offer modern technology and improved efficiency, while earlier models can be more affordable but require careful inspection. Weigh the pros and cons of each model year to find the perfect fit for your needs.