Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
Pros
Sporty performance with SUV-like utility
Exceptionally comfortable front seats
Sleek exterior and interior design
Cons
Ride is fairly stiff, even with the adaptive suspension
Infotainment system isn't as intuitive to operate as rivals
Limited interior storage space
What's new
The 2019 Volvo V60 has been fully redesigned
Part of the second V60 generation introduced for 2019
As shoppers abandon family sedans in favor of crossover SUVs, there's an often overlooked class of vehicles that offers some of the best traits of both. Compared to smaller SUVs, wagons have similar cargo space and better driving dynamics thanks to their sedan-like ride height. One of the newest wagon models is the Volvo V60, which is all-new for 2019.
The redesigned 2019 V60 wagon is the last model in the Volvo lineup to benefit from the Swedish manufacturer's three-year design and engineering renaissance. As a result, it has the sleek styling, elegantly simple interior, up-to-date technology, and upscale materials befitting an entry-luxury vehicle. The V60 follows the larger V90 wagon to market and is also offered in a taller and more terrain-capable Cross Country version, which is covered in a separate review.
As an attractive and engaging alternative to sedans and SUVs, the 2019 Volvo V60 may surprise you with its combination of convenience and confidence. As an added bonus, it is priced more accessibly than other luxury wagons and upholds Volvo's reputation for safety.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
7.8 / 10
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Volvo V60 T6 Inscription (turbo- and supercharged 2.0L 4-cyl. | 8-speed automatic | AWD).
Scorecard
Overall
7.8 / 10
Driving
8.0
Comfort
7.5
Interior
8.0
Utility
7.5
Technology
7.5
Driving
8.0
The V60 provides plenty of engine power when equipped with the T6's engine. Also, the S60 is as sharp in handling as any sport-oriented compact sedan. Therein lies this Volvo's charm: sporty dynamics with wagon utility. But its overall appeal is hampered by a lack of braking and acceleration refinement.
Acceleration
8.0
The T6 engine gives the V60 plenty of sauce in nearly every part of the powerband. The supercharger delivers initial low-end power while the turbo kicks in at midlevel and high engine speeds. Acceleration is brisk from a standstill: The V60 reached 60 mph in 5.7 seconds in our tests. However, our testers noted the twin-boost systems sometimes felt out of sync under maximum acceleration.
Braking
7.5
The brake pedal requires fairly light effort, but there's something of a video-game-like quality to the braking feel that doesn't give you as smooth a response as it could be. Still, the V60 stops with confidence under heavy braking. We measured a distance of 118 feet from 60 mph, which is about average for the segment with all-season tires.
Steering
7.5
The steering offers good directional accuracy, and a modest amount of tire feel comes back through the steering column. There's useful on-center feel at highway speeds but a bit too much resistance and weight in the wheel at lower city speeds.
Handling
8.0
The V60 is well-balanced and planted in turns, even when driven at higher speeds. Dynamic mode heightens the "sport" sensation. The chassis feels tight and body motions are kept under control, giving the V60 one of its primary advantages: SUV-like utility with sport-sedan handling confidence.
Drivability
8.0
Like the brake pedal, the throttle also has a slightly unrefined feel, and it didn't seem quite as sorted as the S60 test car we experienced earlier. However, we like the eight-speed automatic transmission's smooth and crisp shifts when in Comfort mode.
Comfort
7.5
The V60 splits the difference between luxury and sport. You'll find comfortable seating and a quiet cabin. However, the ride quality is stiffer than we'd expect of a car of this ilk. Its sporting edge comes at the expense of long-distance cushiness. The climate controls are fussier to operate than necessary.
Seat comfort
8.5
Front-seat comfort is excellent, with firm cushioning and good torso and thigh support. The side bolsters help keep you in place during fast cornering, but they aren't thin and aggressive like typical sport seats. The rear seats offer similar shape and support, with less pronounced bolstering. The front-seat massage functions are a commuter's dream.
Ride comfort
7.0
Our test car had the optional adaptive suspension, yet even here we found the V60 stiffer than we'd expect for a luxury car. It allows more vibration and low-impact jarring into the cabin than more established European competitors, for example. That may be a fair trade for the control it exhibits over bumps and undulations, but we think the ride could be better damped.
Noise & vibration
7.5
Road and tire noise is muted, but the windshield generates some wind noise at highway speeds. The engine sounds a bit coarse, at least compared to other mid-luxury rivals. A faint wisp of supercharger whine under acceleration may be pleasing to enthusiast drivers.
Climate control
7.5
The air vents are stylish, and rear-seat passengers also get temperature and fan speed controls. Most functions are accessed via touchscreen instead of buttons and dials. The noise level is high when the rear air vents are being used. The heated seats and steering wheel are slow to warm up but effective when at temperature.
Interior
8.0
A low roof and low-mounted seats mean the V60 rewards body flexibility when getting in and out. The quirky controls take some time to learn and remember, but the driving experience is enhanced by great seating and all-around visibility.
Ease of use
6.5
The V60 uses Volvo's quirky icons for basic control functions (e.g., those for the cruise control). Most primary controls are accessed only through a confusing touchscreen interface. The power seat controls, for example, are split between physical buttons and touchscreen menus. There's a learning curve before you can confidently use them while in motion.
Getting in/getting out
7.5
Because of its low roof and low seat placement, it helps to have a limber body to get in and out of the V60. The wide door openings and apertures ease entry a bit otherwise. Overall, the V60 isn't as easy to get in and out of as a typical crossover SUV.
Driving position
8.0
A wide range of adjustments for the seat and steering column makes it easy for most drivers to find a comfortable position. Good sight lines all around also make it easy to sit low if that's your preference.
Roominess
8.0
The narrow center console gives the front-row seats an open and airy feeling. Front headroom is respectable. In the rear, headroom is generous and legroom is on par with primary rivals.
Visibility
8.5
The side windows are relatively narrow, but a fairly level window line from front to rear helps with excellent visibility all around. Folding rear headrests also improve sight lines when not carrying rear passengers. The optional surround-view camera system (included in the Advance package) makes parking a breeze.
Quality
8.5
The interior materials look and feel outstanding thanks to high-quality upholstery and metal and wood accents. The controls are hefty and solid in your hands. The panels don't have any unsightly gaps or obvious improper fitment.
Utility
7.5
The V60 presents a best-of-both-worlds blend: the utility of an SUV with the handling and general size of a sedan. The large cargo space makes for a useful alternative to compact SUVs, even though some rivals offer slightly more. There's not much cabin stash space for small items, but most child seats will fit without issue.
Small-item storage
7.0
The shallow door pockets and a small center console don't add up to much room for personal items. A compartment in the rear-seat armrest only has enough depth to accommodate keys, wallets or phones.
Cargo space
7.5
With 51 cubic feet of maximum cargo space and nearly 23 cubes behind an upright second row, the V60 offers a legitimate alternative to compact SUVs. A low liftover height makes it easy to load heavy luggage, gear and groceries. You'll get more max cargo space (58 cubes) in an Audi A4 Allroad, however.
Child safety seat accommodation
8.0
The low-mounted seat cushions make it easy to load a child seat. The LATCH anchors are easily accessible after removing plastic tab coverings. The tabs are a nice aesthetic touch to keep anchors hidden but easily lost to the ravages of family life. There's plenty of room for a rear-facing child seat, even behind a taller driver.
Technology
7.5
The V60's tech is centered around a tall and narrow tablet-style touchscreen. There's nothing wrong with the sound system — it's outstanding. The included driver and safety aids are among the industry's best, but we found the automatic braking system to be overly sensitive on several occasions.
Audio & navigation
8.0
The vertical-oriented touchscreen offers plenty of real estate for various functions, but it's not ideal. The navigation maps can look compressed, for example. A full-screen function reclaims some display space, but this display needs to be about 2 inches wider. The quality of the optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system is exceptional.
Smartphone integration
7.0
The Bluetooth connection works well, either when making calls or streaming music. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, although the narrow display tends to compress the CarPlay/Android visual interfaces. There are two USB ports in the armrest and a 12-volt plug up front but no USB ports in the rear (only a 12-volt outlet). Volvo also doesn't offer wireless phone charging, which is becoming a norm for new cars, especially luxury types.
Driver aids
7.5
On several occasions, the V60's automatic braking proved to be quite sensitive in our testing and intervened well before we thought necessary. Its hard and aggressive braking — even at lower city-oriented speeds — was an unwelcome surprise. There doesn't appear to be a way to adjust the system's sensitivity. The adaptive cruise accelerates and brakes smoothly but leaves slightly too much room between you and the vehicle in front.
Voice control
7.5
The V60 has standard voice commands for audio, navigation and calling/contacts functions. Also helpful is the ability to expedite climate functions (set temperature, activate steering wheel heat, etc.) through voice instead of the touchscreen.
Which V60 does Edmunds recommend?
The base Momentum trim comes with plenty of standard features and is eligible for most options. Likewise, the T5 engine will make sense for most drivers, but those in harsher climates may want to consider the T6 and its all-wheel-drive advantage. Since safety is a Volvo hallmark, shoppers may want to spring for the optional Premium and Advanced packages, too.
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
2019 Volvo V60 models
The 2019 Volvo V60 is a wagon with seating for five that is offered in Momentum, R-Design and Inscription trim levels. The T5 engine features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (250 horsepower, 258 pound-feet of torque) that is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. The T6 engine is optional on the Momentum and R-Design models and standard on the Inscription. It adds a supercharger on top of the turbo (316 hp, 295 lb-ft) and includes all-wheel drive.
Standard features for the Momentum trim include 17-inch wheels (18-inch on T6), automatic LED headlights, automatic high beams, heated and rain-sensing windshield wipers, roof rails, a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free liftgate, keyless ignition, selectable drive modes, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated 10-way power-adjustable front seats, power-folding rear headrests, power split-folding rear seats with a center pass-through, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Tech features include Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, a Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, and a 10-speaker audio system with two USB ports, satellite radio and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Forward collision warning and mitigation, intersection cross-traffic collision mitigation, run-off-road mitigation/protection, lane keeping assist, a traffic sign reader, and a driver alert monitor are also standard.
The Momentum trim is eligible for the Premium package (a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and automatic braking, keyless entry, a hands-free trunk opener, front and rear parking sensors, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, and a universal garage door opener) and the Multimedia package (digital instrument panel, navigation and a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system).
The R-Design trim adds 18-inch wheels, unique exterior and interior trim elements, foglights with cornering lights, and sport seats with power thigh-support extensions. The Premium and Multimedia packages are standard with the R-Design trim.
At the top of the lineup, the Inscription trim fills out the features list with chrome exterior trim, quad-zone automatic climate control and a leather-covered dash. A Luxury Seat package is exclusive to this trim, installing ventilated and massaging front seats with power-adjustable side bolsters.
The Advanced package is offered for all V60 models and adds headlight washers, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control with Volvo's Pilot Assist semi-automated driving features, a surround-view camera system and adaptive headlights. It also adds the foglights and cornering lights for the Momentum trim.
Stand-alone options include 19-inch wheels, an adaptive suspension, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and a Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Volvo V60 T5 Momentum 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.79 per gallon for premium unleaded in Florida.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Volvo V60 from 2008-2022.
$684/yr
vs. $607/yr for Average Luxury Midsize Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).
1.27x/yr
vs. 1.36x/yr for Average Luxury Midsize Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).
6.7%
vs. 10.5% for Average Luxury Midsize Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Since you can only get the (non-cross country) V60 by special order I can't imagine most people are trying to buy the base model in this luxury segment. The starting price for 2019 on the T5 Momentum was $38,900. I fell in love with the cloth (City Weave) seats only offered on this trim so it wasn't a hard decision.
You don't need all the bells and whistles. I saved over $5,000 … skipping the Advanced and Multimedia packages. Volvo's navigation is unnecessary now that Apple Carplay and Android Auto allow for Google maps and I honestly don't mind the smaller 8" digital display for the driver. The base stereo wasn't that bad compared to the mid-level HK either.
The default auto braking system when backing into traffic was a little startling at first - especially in city traffic. But I had no problem reducing the sensitivity through the touch screen. Then again, I’m the type of guy who really enjoys going through the manual and clicking through every feature until I am familiar with the system. I actually love how many things are customizable. A lot of journalists complain about the HVAC controls in the touch screen however I use the voice command system to adjust the temp. with no issues.
This was in the running with the top trim Subaru Outback and VW Alltrack. The Alltrack was a little more tossable in the corners even with its lifted ride height. I really was surprised by how much fun it was to drive - so much so that we test drove it twice! The VW was definitely the runner-up simply for its driving dynamics. The Outback’s CVT was a deal breaker - not mention it’s hideous looking (subjective, I know). The only thing I really enjoyed about the Subaru was how big it felt on the inside - especially the back seats. In the end we chose the base Volvo for a few thousand more. It’s more comfortable, quiet, and luxurious inside. The egress and ingress is what you’d expect compared to a CUV but I don’t have any issues putting my kid in his rear-facing child seat. The cargo is big enough for our family’s needs.
I totally get why people hate on the new Volvo touch screen. Having the HVAC on the screen is definitely not my preference but the Volvo voice command system is great. We test drove a lot of CUVs and wagons (Outback, Alltrack, TourX, Hybrid Rav4, etc) and the Volvo screen was by far the most responsive - especially with the new chip update. Luckily there is still a button for max defrost. Would I prefer more physical buttons? Sure. But have you seen the body lines on the V60 wagon? It’s a worthy trade-off. In the end, it’s by far the most beautiful car I’ve ever owned. I’ve never looked back at my car in the parking lot until owning this V60.
** UPDATE **
Still love this wagon! If I had to find a minor complaint it would be the city fuel economy. Most of my driving is around town and not on the freeway. The sticker said 24mpg city but I've been lucky to get 20mpg over more than a year. That's pretty bad for a four cylinder engine right? Otherwise this is still the best looking wagon on the market and I still love the City Weave seats.
First 2500 miles, the T5 Cross Country is quick and responsive. Physically, it's about the size of the XC70 but has more back seat room. You loose a little cargo room, but the kids are happier. The infotanment is an IPad, if you can't use it, give up on tech. By far the easiest system.
Grown clearance is close to most crossovers
It's fun to drive
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Scorecard
