Volvo’s Cross Country models have always been one of the standard-bearers of the hopped-up wagon of suburban yore. Although the SUV-crossover-thing has largely overtaken the style, Volvo’s still plugging away. This is the latest iteration, the Volvo V90 Cross Country.
Obviously, it’s based on the Volvo V90 wagon, which is based on the Volvo S90 sedan, which is based on the same platform as the Volvo XC90 SUV. Yes, that is complicated, but bear with us because by just tearing the bumpers off and shoving in fat tires you’ve got a bitchin’ battle wagon.
And there’s nothing better than bitchin’ battle wagon.
The car’s been raised 60 millimeters so it now has 8.2 inches of ground clearances, has an all-new tire that’s softer (supposedly making for a more comfy ride), and the electronic chassis system has been re-programmed to handle a bit of soft-roading more easily. It’s also got air-suspension in the rear, massaging seats, and an eight-speed gearbox, which isn’t bad.
But I mostly just really like how this doesn’t look “slightly” lifted. It’s positively jacked-up.