Skip to main content

Good news, college professors: Volvo’s rugged Cross Country wagon is back

Back in 1997, Volvo decided to cash in on the SUV craze by jacking up one of its signature station wagons and adding plastic body cladding. Basically Volvo’s answer to the Audi Allroad and Subaru Outback, the resulting Cross Country became a fixture of suburbia and Northeastern college campuses.

The Cross Country departed with the last V70 wagon, but now it’s back. Based on the recently-launched V60, this SUV-wagon hybrid will debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The recipe is still pretty much the same. The Cross Country has 2.5 inches of extra ground clearance compared to the V60, plus fender flares and other jewelry meant to give it a more rugged look.

Volvo also gave the Cross Country its own 18- and 19-inch wheels with high-profile tires that add traction and provide some protection against damage from scraping against rocks or the curb at Starbucks.

Naturally, the Cross Country will launch in the U.S. with all-wheel drive. While it’s not exactly equipped to handle the Rubicon Trail, front and rear skid plates should keep things from getting damaged on the occasional dirt-road drive.

At launch, the Cross Country will be offered exclusively with Volvo’s 2.5-liter inline-five and a six-speed automatic transmission. It develops 250 horsepower in this application, and Volvo expects it to return 23 mpg combined.

One of the newer Drive-E turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engines will be offered at a later date, as well as a diesel option, although that’s probably for Europe only.

The Cross Country will go on sale before the end of the year, meaning it could be sold as a 2015 model. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Faraday Future could unveil lowest-priced EV yet at CES 2025
Faraday Future FF 91

Given existing tariffs and what’s in store from the Trump administration, you’d be forgiven for thinking the global race toward lower electric vehicle (EV) prices will not reach U.S. shores in 2025.

After all, Chinese manufacturers, who sell the least expensive EVs globally, have shelved plans to enter the U.S. market after 100% tariffs were imposed on China-made EVs in September.

Read more
Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs. Tesla Model Y: Does electric SUV beat the bestselling EV?
Hyundai Ioniq 9 driving

The long-awaited Hyundai Ioniq 9 is finally on the way, after months of waiting for what many hope will be a  true competitor to the Kia EV9. The electric SUV is likely to be one of the go-to options for those who want a larger EV at a lower price than the likes of the Rivian R1S. But, while it's larger than the Tesla Model Y, it's also likely to be a little more expensive.

The two vehicles are a bit different when it comes to things like performance, range, and charging. Is the Hyundai Ioniq 9 worth the extra cash, or should you go for the cheaper, yet smaller car? We put the two head-to-head to find out.
Design
The overall designs of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Tesla Model Y are pretty different, and that may be enough to sway your buying decision. The Ioniq 9 is a true SUV; it's big and boxy, and while it looks a little sleeker than some SUVs thanks to its curved roofline, it's clearly larger than the Tesla Model Y. At the front of the Ioniq 9 is a long light bar separated into pixel-like blocks that helps give the vehicle a unique design motif. At the rear of the Ioniq 9, you'll also find pixel lights curving around the sides and top of the trunk. The Ioniq 9 measures 199.2 inches long, 78 inches wide, and 70.5 inches high.

Read more
Volvo EX90 vs Tesla Model Y: Is Tesla’s cheaper EV also better?
2025 Volvo EX90 front quarter view.

The Volvo EX90 is finally here. The all-electric Volvo SUV was first unveiled a few years ago, but after some delays, the sleek Scandinavian vehicle is now available for order. As an electric SUV, it will go up against the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9. However, it will also have to compete with the most popular electric vehicle out there: the Tesla Model Y.

There are some clear differences between the two vehicles. While the Volvo EX90 is noticeably larger, the Tesla Model Y is significantly cheaper. Should you spend the extra cash for Volvo’s electric SUV, or should you opt for the Tesla?
Design
Perhaps the most obvious difference between the two vehicles lies in their design. The EX90 is more of a traditional SUV, featuring a big, boxy build that’s larger than the arguably crossover-sized Tesla Model Y. Beyond basic dimensions, however, there are plenty of other design differences. For instance, the Volvo EX90 has a more traditional appearance compared to the Model Y, which, despite being on the market for some time, remains relatively unique when compared to vehicles from other manufacturers. That’s not to say the EX90 looks dated — on the contrary, it’s sleek and stylish, showcasing Volvo’s signature design.

Read more