A few months ago we introduced you to a few new midsize vehicles from the Volvo portfolio, namely the S60 Inscription and Cross Country sedans and the V60 Cross Country wagon. The sedans were all new at that time while the V60 actually snuck in here midway through last model year, and recently we spent some more time in it.
I have not been shy about saying I am a wagon fan. I know consumers vote with their pocketbooks and Americans have shown automakers they are no longer fond of the body style despite wagons holding their own in global markets. The new Volvo V60 Cross Country should be the exception to the rule here as I feel it is one of the best looking wagons to come on to the market in quite some time. And for those that just cannot bring themselves to drive a wagon, think of it more as a very slick-looking SUV.
The 2016 Volvo V60 Cross Country wagon is very similar to its sport ute sibling, the XC60, just has a lower roofline but nearly everything else is identical from powertrain to technology. The V60 is definitely a vehicle that should be shopped by families and active lifestyle drivers looking to step away from the status quo. Designers have done wonders to give this vehicle a wider appeal with very modern looks and a grand departure from those boxy Volvo wagons we used to see stacked on top of one another in commercials from a few decades ago.
That (T5) powertrain I spoke of is one reason many consumers will like the new Volvo as it consists of a very responsive 250hp 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic Geartronic transmission with advanced quick shift. The Cross Country model features all-wheel drive with instant traction, a driving technology that can actually be felt from behind the wheel. Point it, punch it, and go. Volvo offers up a very pleasant and spirited driving experience in the new 60-series vehicles with this new V60 wagon being no exception.
The V60 rides very stable and features as much ground clearance as some of the Volvo SUVs on and off the road today. I would expect the V60 to be a big seller in snowbelt states but its popularity should not end there. A full host of safety technologies and modern amenities enhance driving pleasure and peace of mind for occupants including City Safety low speed collision avoidance system, rear park assist, inflatable curtains with head impact protection, side impact protection system, whiplash protection system in head restraints, and BLIS package consisting of blind spot monitoring, cross traffic alert, front park assist, and lane change merge aid.
Our most recent V60 tester arrived in the Platinum package which means we enjoyed the upgrade to premium Harman/Kardon audio system, active dual Xenon headlights, accent lighting, keyless drive, collision warning system, pedestrian cycle detection with auto braking, distance alert, driver alert control, lane departure warning, road sign information, and active high beam. A climate package brought very useful heated front seats and heated windshield along with heated steering wheel to the V60 as temperatures dipped below the freezing mark during my time behind the wheel.
Pricing for the 2016 Volvo V60 Cross Country T5 AWD begins at 41 grand with our loaded tester arriving with a window sticker of $49,775. OK, so wagons have gotten a bit pricey these days and may not be in the budget of many families, but for those shopping the premium wagon or crossover market the V60 should be given consideration. Fuel economy is rated at 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Another feature that will be popular with families is the child booster seat function built into the outboard seats of the second row that are adjustable to grow with your kids.
Since this was my second time in the V60 in a few months I was looking for things that might not be up to par in the Volvo but I could not find anything I did not like. The new V60 Cross Country continues a legacy that began nearly 20 years ago with the Volvo V70 Cross Country, a legacy that combines the traditional virtues of a Volvo wagon with sporty styling and increased ground clearance. A niche market segment for certain, but many will find the new V60 Cross Country fits their needs and lifestyle perfectly.