2017 Volvo S60 Cross Country Review

The 2017 Volvo S60 Cross Country is available in one well-equipped trim level. Highlights include 18-inch wheels, power-folding mirrors, front and rear skid plates, adaptive xenon headlights with automatic high-beam control, automatic wipers, a sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, power front seats (with power lumbar), driver memory settings, 60/40-split folding rear seats, a rearview camera and rear parking sensors. Standard tech features include adaptive cruise control, a 7-inch display screen, Bluetooth, voice controls, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, a navigation system and satellite and HD radio.

You can't cheat physics. Compared to the regular S60, the 2017 Volvo S60 Cross Country, with its raised suspension and higher center of gravity, isn't as nimble or precise when you're driving around turns. However, the Cross Country has a more supple ride quality than the standard sedan. If the S60 sedan feels a bit too sporty for you, the Cross Country might be just the thing.

You can't get the upgraded 302-hp engine as you can in the regular S60 sedan, but the CC's turbocharged four-cylinder's power should be enough to satisfy most folks. The main advantage to this car is the standard all-wheel-drive system that effectively apportions power to individual wheels to maximize traction around turns or on slippery roads. The extra ground clearance also gives the Cross Country a bit more capability to tackle light-duty off-road trails without the risk of incurring underbody damage.

As it is based on the S60, which is now entering its fourth model year since its last major update, the S60 Cross Country's cabin is handsome, if showing its age. Cabin materials are uniformly of reasonably high quality, though some might quibble about some of its silver plastic trim.

We like that Volvo has not yet abandoned knobs for the temperature and volume controls in the S60 Cross Country. They are just easier to use than virtual buttons in competitors with touchscreen-heavy interfaces. The "mode man" vent controls are another clever solution that in practice requires no explanation. This kind of thinking is emblematic of Volvo's Scandinavian design, which eschews gimmickry for elegance.

For more complicated tasks such as selecting a media player playlist, programming the navigation system or controlling more complicated vehicle functions, the S60 Cross Country relies on the standard Sensus system. It's fairly easy to use, though the multipurpose knob's location on the dash (rather than the center console) is odd, and it lacks a touchpad input like some rival controller systems. Scrolling through menus and options takes more attention and time than simply touching a screen, so it’s easy to become distracted while using the knob.

Like many Volvos, the S60 Cross Country's front seats offer outstanding long-trip comfort and proper support. Full-size adults, however, might find that the ample bolsters are on the narrow side. In the backseat, the S60 Cross Country isn't quite as accommodating. The seats themselves are supportive, but space is at a premium. Legroom and foot room are tight for folks taller than 5 feet 10 inches tall.

The trunk's 12-cubic-foot capacity is on the small side among entry-level luxury sedans, but a low liftover height makes it easy to access the space. Both the rear seats fold down, and there's a separate pass-through for skis.