A lot of car buyers who default to SUVs might actually be better off with a wagon, but wagons aren’t fashionable and SUVs are. While the 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country works hard to disabuse luxury shoppers of that notion with its rugged styling, extra ground clearance, all-wheel drive and competitive pricing and equipment versus its small group of rivals, there are just too many areas where this wagon is laggin’. In Cars.com reviewer Mike Hanley’s comprehensive critique of the V90 Cross Country — a popular entry on this week’s countdown of most-read articles — he concludes that those enticed by this Volvo’s SUV-like attributes might be better off, in this case, just opting for an SUV.
Related: 10 Biggest News Stories of the Month: Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Tundra Are Less Than Electric
In Hanley’s review, he commends the Cross Country’s robust acceleration from the new turbocharged and electrically supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. He was less impressed with the wagon’s passing power and downshifting from the eight-speed automatic transmission, as well as with the standard suspension over rougher roads. Interior comfort and appointments are a mixed bag, as is multimedia quality, garnering a complaint for nearly every complement.
“The V90 Cross Country has qualities people like about SUVs — like extra ground clearance and AWD — but without the traditional SUV appearance,” Hanley writes. “If you want that look — or a third row of seats — the XC90 may be a better fit. The V90 wagon offers good value in its small competitive segment, but its sometimes-unrefined ride, limited power reserves and unremarkable touchscreen experience hurt its luxury aspirations.”
For Hanley’s full thoughts on the 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country, follow the link below to Cars.com’s No. 6 article of the week.
Another area of interest this week for SUV shoppers is a retroactive insertion of the all-new-for-2022 Toyota Corolla Cross into Cars.com’s intensive comparison test of top subcompact SUV competitors for the purpose of finding the best affordable small SUV. The late-2020 competition included then-current models of the Kia Seltos, Subaru Crosstrek, Mazda CX-30 and Chevrolet Trailblazer. The Corolla Cross fared well in cargo space, ride and handling, gas mileage, multimedia and controls, and value; not so well in legroom, child-safety seat fitment and acceleration; and middle-of-the-road in interior quality.
“Like any of our multivehicle tests, when comparing specs or results, you have to figure out what’s most important to you and focus on those areas,” Cars.com reviewer Joe Bruzek concluded. “If it’s acceleration or backseat comfort, perhaps the Corolla Cross isn’t the best pick; otherwise, though, the Corolla Cross is an even-keeled, small affordable SUV, and while it wouldn’t have been a clear winner of our previous comparison, we don’t think a podium finish would have been off the table.”
For the full context on how the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross would’ve stood up to its rivals, follow the link below to the No. 8 news story of the week.
And, finally, as has been the case for some time now amid skyrocketing gas prices, electric cars and fuel efficiency dominated this week’s countdown. With expert advice on whether you can mix different-octane gasoline grades at the pump to achieve a desired in-betweener octane and save a few bucks (you absolutely can) easily taking the No. 1 spot, the entire top five comprises energy-conscious car coverage.
Beyond all that, we’ve got headlines on the Subaru Forester, Ford F-150 and Toyota Corolla hot hatch — so don’t stop reading till the digits double. Here are the top 10 news stories Cars.com readers couldn’t get enough of in the past week:
1. Mix Regular Gas With Premium to Save Money at the Pump
2. How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car?
3. Here Are the 11 Cheapest Electric Vehicles You Can Buy
4. What to Know Before Purchasing an Electric Vehicle: A Buying Guide
5. What Are the Most Fuel-Efficient Cars for 2022?
6. 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country Review: The Almost-Luxury Anti-SUV
7. Is the 2022 Subaru Forester a Good SUV? 4 Pros and 2 Cons
8. How Would the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross Have Fared in Our Affordable SUV Comparison?
9. 2023 Ford F-150 Rattler Adds Frugal Off-Road Goods
10. 2023 Toyota GR Corolla: The U.S. Finally Gets a Proper Hot Hatch
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
