There’s a lot to like about a good wagon. Even in an era when the majority of buyers prefer SUV and crossovers, a wagon can still offer you the level of storage space an SUV can, while offering a less bulky frame and easier entry and access to materials. 

Throw in a bit of luxury, and you have the 2021 Volvo V90, a stylish and well-designed wagon that is one of few vehicles keeping the luxury wagon segment alive. (Benz and Audi have some offerings, and Volvo also offers the smaller V60)

I can’t stress enough that these are not your 1970s or 1980s wood-paneled type of wagons either. For one, they don’t have the rear-facing “wayback” seat (though that would be a pretty cool thing for someone to bring back). But these high-end wagons are also now high-tech, beautiful machines that rival anything on the roadways.

I recently spent some time in a 2021 V90, and I’m back with a full report.

The station wagon is not dead. It's just been upgraded. 

The 2019 Volvo V90 Cross Country is proof of that.

For those who aren’t sold on today’s crop of endless SUVS and crossovers, the V90 Cross Country is a refreshing alternative: A throwback to the wagons of the past that combines a high-end design with versatile storage options and also offers the ability to get off the beaten path.