The Volvo V90 Cross Country, unofficial car of Colorado and Vermont, is here

Earlier this year, Volvo announced its V90 wagon. I said it "may be the most Volvo car ever." I was wrong. The Volvo V90 Cross Country is the most Volvo car ever.

First released nearly 20 years ago, the Cross Country was Volvo's attempt to deliver a more capable, more rugged vehicle, ready to tackle the hilly backroads of Volvo strongholds like Washington, Vermont, and Colorado. It was a huge success, filling a niche between wagon and SUV, and hinting at the potential for the massive crossover boom that continues to this day.

The new V90 Cross Country is based on the same platform as the fantastic XC90 SUV, released in 2015, and is identical in many ways to the V90 announced earlier this year. According to a press release, Volvo took the V90 and increased the ride height, tweaked the chassis for "comfort and control in all weather and road conditions," and added "the heart of an explorer."

I don't know about that, but I know that Subaru Outback buyers once again have a luxurious, Swedish alternative.