Volvo V90: SPA generation, Cross Country, engines and trims
The Volvo V90 is a large, luxurious estate car that replaced the V70 and XC70, and is one of the most popular cars in its class among families and high-mileage buyers. We look at how the cars differ before and after the facelift, what the V90 Cross Country is all about, which engines are most common, and what to check when buying used.
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V90 in brief
The current V90 has been in production since 2016 and is built on the SPA platform, which is also used by the XC90 and S90. Alongside the standard estate, there's the V90 Cross Country — a raised, plastic-clad version with all-wheel drive.
The V90 is praised for its calm, luxurious interior, comfortable seats, spacious boot (around 560 litres) and plethora of safety systems. It's a car for long journeys and family life, not sporty driving; all engines are four-cylinder 2.0-litre units.
Before and after the facelift — what's changed
The first V90s (2016–2020) feature the Sensus infotainment system with a vertical touchscreen, LED headlights with the 'Thor's Hammer' light signature and a wide choice of diesel and petrol engines. In the used market, these are the biggest and best-value options.
The 2020 facelift brought new bumpers and tail lights, improved cabin air filtration and mild hybrids (B4, B5, B6). The latest cars also have a newer, Google-based infotainment system.
V90 Cross Country offers higher ground clearance, all-wheel drive, and a special off-road driving mode. It's better suited for rough terrain and winter, but it's often pricier than a standard V90 of the same age.
Engines and transmissions
Pre-facelift, you'll commonly find diesel engines D3 (around 150 hp), D4 (around 190 hp) and D5 (around 235 hp, with all-wheel drive), petrol engines T4, T5 and T6, and the plug-in hybrid T8 Twin Engine (around 390–410 hp, all-wheel drive).
Post-facelift, the lineup is anchored by mild hybrids B4 and B5 (diesel and petrol) and the petrol B6, while plug-in hybrids are dubbed Recharge. Volvo will stop producing diesel cars from 2024, but they still make up a significant portion of the used market.
Most V90s come with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Cross Country, higher-performance versions, and plug-in hybrids feature all-wheel drive (AWD), while others are typically front-wheel drive.
What to check when buying a used V90
Test the infotainment system: early models with Sensus can be sluggish or slow to respond, so ask if the software has been updated. Try out the electrically operated tailgate, cameras, and Pilot Assist system.
For diesel cars that have done a lot of city driving, check the particulate filter (DPF), and for later diesels, the AdBlue system. If the car has an air suspension, make sure it doesn't sag when stationary. For plug-in hybrids, check the charging and hybrid system for any errors.
High-mileage V90s are often company cars, so check the service history and maintenance records. Cross Country models used on rough roads should have the underbody and suspension inspected, and all cars should be checked for wear and tear in the boot and interior.
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Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; roughly from 2022, Momentum, Inscription and R-Design have been replaced by Core, Plus and Ultimate.
Momentum
2016–2022
The base but already well-equipped trim level.
LED headlights
Sensus multimedia with navigation
Often — electrically operated tailgate
Inscription
2016–2022
The top-of-the-range trim level for comfort lovers.
Single-tone interior and wood trim
Often — digital driver's display
Often — Bowers & Wilkins sound system
R-Design
2016–2022
The sporty-looking version.
Sport bumpers and black grilles
Sport seats and steering wheel
Often — a more premium sporty suspension
Cross Country
from 2017
An elevated version with all-wheel drive.
Larger overfenders and plastic cladding
All-wheel drive (AWD)
Often — Pro trim with more luxurious features
Plus
from around 2022
The newer mid-range trim.
Google-powered infotainment
Single-tone interior
Often — more driver-assistance systems
V90 trim comparison (2016–2022)
Momentum
Inscription
R-Design
Cross Country
Who it's for
For the savvy buyer
For comfort and luxury
Sporty styling
Off-road and winter capability
Wheels (most common)
17–18 inch
18–19 inch
18–19 inch
18–19 inch
Interior
Standard
Leather and wood trim
Sport seats
Standard, Pro — more luxurious
Transmission
Mostly front-wheel drive
Front-wheel or all-wheel drive
Front-wheel or all-wheel drive
All-wheel drive
Price in the used market (relatively)
€
€€
€€
€€€
Most buyers will find the V90 Momentum or Inscription with a D4 or B4 engine to be the best choice. The Cross Country is worth considering if you often drive on rough terrain or want all-wheel drive.
Pros
Spacious and practical boot
Quiet, luxurious and high-quality interior
Packed with safety and driver-assistance features
Cross Country version with all-wheel drive
Cons
All engines are four-cylinder
Multimedia in older models can be sluggish
Cross Country is significantly pricier in the used market
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the V90 and V90 Cross Country?
The Cross Country has a higher ride height, plastic body cladding, and always comes with all-wheel drive. The standard V90 is lower, often front-wheel drive, and a bit more frugal and affordable.
Is the Volvo V90 reliable?
The V90 is generally considered reliable, especially with simpler diesel or petrol engines. Common complaints involve electronics and multimedia, so it's worth checking all systems and service history before buying.
Which engine to choose for high mileage?
For those covering long distances, the D4 or B4 diesel is the best choice — it's economical and powerful enough. A plug-in hybrid is worth considering only if you can regularly charge the car.
What's the difference between the V90 and XC90?
The XC90 is a large SUV with the option of seven seats and a higher driving position. The V90 is a more practical estate: lower, more economical and more stable on the road, but only seats five.
Updated 2026-10-09 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
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