Volvo V60 Cross Country Review

The Volvo V60 Cross Country is an "SUV-ized" version of the V60 wagon. Like Subaru's well-known Outback, the V60 Cross Country design builds on the V60 wagon, with a raised suspension that provides 7.9 inches of ground clearance, standard all-wheel-drive and SUV-like styling cues such as blacked-out fender flares. The increased ride height also raises the driver's eye level, giving occupants a more commanding view of the road compared to the standard V60 wagon's sight line.

Unfortunately, not everything translates well. The V60 Cross Country's body is unchanged, and though most SUVs have room for an upright back seat that effectively increases legroom, the V60 Cross Country feels like a cramped car. Cargo space is also limited, maxing out at 43.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The V60 Cross Country uses the same engine as the standard model, but the standard AWD system adds weight that saps fuel economy. The taller suspension allows for some light off-roading, but it also throws off the ride and handling, which feels rougher and less precise in the turns. All in all, we don't think V60 Cross Country makes the transition from wagon to SUV as well as it could, and we prefer the regular V60 wagon. Rivals such as the Audi A4 Allroad and the Subaru Outback simply do the job better.

Current Volvo V60 Cross Country
Volvo offers the V60 Cross Country in Premier and Platinum trim levels. All are very well equipped, with luxury features such as leather upholstery, power front seats, and a navigation system as standard. Advanced driver safety aids such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a rearview camera are available as options, and they come standard on the Platinum trim, along with an upgraded stereo and other features. There are a few options, including a Climate package with heated seats, steering wheel, windshield and washer nozzles, very useful for buyers who live in the snowbelt.

All Volvo V60 Cross Country models are powered by a 240-horsepower, 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. Volvo claims a 0-60-mph time of 6.6 seconds, which puts acceleration on par that of with competing vehicles. In fact, the acceleration feels stronger than the numbers would suggest. The EPA estimates the V60 Cross Country's fuel economy at a reasonable 25 mpg. We haven't yet run the V60 Cross Country on our evaluation loop; however, the V60 wagon beat its 29 mpg estimate on our test loop by returning 32.9 mpg.

Many of the features we like about the V60's interior translate well in the V60 Cross Country. The front seats are supremely comfortable, and while the dashboard doesn't use Volvo's latest design, which features a portrait-style tablet for most secondary controls, the layout is handsome and easy to use. Backseat space is tight compared to what's offered by rivals with SUV-style bodies, and the low roofline makes the cabin feel a bit claustrophobic. Cargo space is limited, but we like the standard-fit 40/20/20-split folding seat, which increases flexibility, and the low floor, which makes loading easy. A standard-fit two-position dog security net is a boon for pet owners.

Unfortunately, the driving experience isn't as good as in the V60 wagon. On the plus side, the added ride height provides better visibility and good ground clearance for gentle off-roading (think rutted dirt roads and fields) and deep snow. But the body rolls more in the corners and the ride is much firmer than we expected, with good deal of vibration transmitted to the interior.

Used Volvo V60 Cross Country Models
Volvo introduced the first-generation V60 Cross Country for the 2015 model year and left it unchanged for 2016. The V60 Cross Country got a new powertrain for 2017, ditching its five-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission for a four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, a combination that improved both fuel economy and acceleration.

Read the most recent 2018 Volvo V60 Cross Country review.

If you are looking for older years, visit our used Volvo V60 Cross Country page.