2026 Volvo V60 & V90 Cross Country: the end of an era at Volvo?

Since 1997, the Cross Country range has been an integral part of Volvo's history. First with the Volvo V70 XC, then the Volvo XC70 under the Ford era, through the Volvo V60 Cross Country to today where the Volvo V90 Cross Country has become the flagship.

However, the question remains: isn't this the end of an era for this range?

Indeed, with Volvo's strategy tending towards more and more SUVs, it would seem that the Volvo V60 and V90 Cross Country 2026 will evolve slightly to the point of being discontinued.

In this article, we take a look back at the Cross Country range and some of the new features for 2026, while opening up the possibilities for the future of this range in Canada.

Volvo Cross Country: a range designed to get away from it all

Introduced in 1997, the Cross Country range quickly established itself as a way for the Swedish brand to offer a vehicle that invites you to leave the tarmac behind.

The height of the body is raised by around 20mm, the bodywork is protected at all four corners by bumpers, and the underbody is protected against splashing onto the mechanical parts of the vehicle.

What's more, the entire Cross Country range is sold with 4-wheel drive, offering unrivalled roadholding on any surface.

Today, the whole of the Volvo Cross Country  range hold up extremely well due to all the aforementioned qualities.

Volvo V60 & V90 Cross Country: changes for 2026

Even if the new models for 2026 are few and far between, the Volvo V60 and V90 Cross Country are still benefiting from a simplification of the range to make them more coherent in the face of demand.

What's new for the 2026 Volvo V60 Cross Country

For 2026, Volvo is dropping the Core and Plus trim levels from the catalogue to make way for the Ultra trim level, which includes all the Volvo brand's safety and comfort equipment.

As a result, only the remaining options can be added to the order:

• Massaging front seats
• Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system
• 20" wheels

The Platinum Grey and Silver Dawn colours have also disappeared from the catalogue, to be replaced by the two new 2026 colours: Aurora Silver and Forest Lake.

Ce qui change pour le 2026 Volvo V90 Cross Country

Following on from the Volvo V60 Cross Country, the V90 Cross Country 2026 also benefits from a simplification with the discontinuation of the Plus trim, leaving only the Ultra trim in the catalogue.

The 2026 update also sees the disappearance of the Brown Nappa leather seats and the air suspension option.

Finally, unlike the Volvo V60 Cross Country, the V90 is not entitled to the new colours (Aurora Silver & Forest Lake) in the 2026 catalogue.

Will the Volvo V60 & V90 Cross Country be discontinued?

In an evolving automotive ecosystem, where hybridisation, electrification and the demand for SUVs are on the rise, there are three factors that suggest that Volvo Cross Country vehicles could soon disappear from the catalogue.

Fewer station wagons, more SUVs

Although Cross Country versions are still successful, buyers' attention has turned more to SUVs - witness the ubiquity of combustion, hybrid and electric SUVs in the Volvo range.

No hybridisation (or electrification) for Cross Country versions

Although the Swedish brand has just announced a new hybrid Volvo X70 for the Chinese market, it would appear that it has no intention of hybridising its Cross Country range in North America.

In fact, the Volvo V60 and V90 Cross Country only have light hybridisation provided by an integrated starter-generator (ISG) delivering 13 bhp (10 kW), unlike the Volvo XC60 and XC90, which offer two versions: light hybrid and plug-in hybrid.

No restyling and/or addition of new technologies for 2026

For 2026, part of the Volvo range is getting a facelift in terms of both looks and technology. For example, the Volvo XC60 2026 introduces a new 11.2-inch central screen featuring "Volvo UX", a new front grille and darkened, redesigned rear lights.

As for the Volvo V60 and V90 Cross Country, no major new features have been introduced to the catalogue this year.

Order your Volvo V60 & V90 Cross Country

Even if all this information suggests the end of an era at Volvo, the Cross Country versions of the Volvo V60 & 90 retain a strong added value for drivers looking for a wagon with the attributes of an SUV - as evidenced by resale values that remain high.

So, if you'd like to drive differently, take a look at our online Volvo V60 and V90 Cross Country stock or give one of our Volvo Cars Saint-Léonard sales representatives a call.