Introduction to the Volvo V60 Cross Country
The Volvo V60 Cross Country stands out as a versatile midsize wagon that blends the elegance of a traditional estate car with subtle off-road prowess, making it an ideal choice for families or adventurers who crave practicality without sacrificing style. Unlike bulky SUVs, this vehicle offers a lower profile for better handling while providing elevated ground clearance for light trails or snowy roads. As of 2025, it’s powered by a mild-hybrid system that enhances efficiency, and it comes equipped with all-wheel drive as standard. If you’re considering a vehicle that handles daily commutes, weekend getaways, and occasional rough terrain, the V60 Cross Country delivers a refined Scandinavian experience that’s both luxurious and functional.
Design and Exterior Features
Styling Highlights
The V60 Cross Country boasts a sleek, understated design that’s quintessentially Volvo—clean lines, a prominent grille, and LED headlights that give it a premium yet approachable look. Its raised stance, thanks to additional suspension height, sets it apart from the standard V60, with black plastic cladding around the wheel arches and bumpers adding a rugged touch without overdoing the SUV aesthetic. Available in colors like Vapour Grey or Denim Blue, it measures about 188 inches long, offering a compact footprint for urban parking while maintaining a spacious feel. Roof rails come standard, perfect for mounting bike racks or cargo boxes for outdoor trips.
Off-Road Capabilities
Don’t expect hardcore off-roading, but the V60 Cross Country shines on gravel paths or light snow with 8.1 inches of ground clearance and an Off-Road mode that optimizes traction and hill descent control. This makes it suitable for rural drives or winter conditions, where its all-wheel-drive system distributes power intelligently to prevent slips. For those living in areas with frequent bad weather, features like hill descent control provide added confidence on steep declines.
Interior Comfort and Space
Cabin Materials and Layout
Step inside, and you’re greeted by a minimalist Scandinavian interior with high-quality materials like soft leather seats, wood accents, and a panoramic sunroof that floods the cabin with light. The dashboard is dominated by a 9-inch vertical touchscreen, flanked by physical controls for essentials like volume—though some functions require menu diving, which can be distracting. Seats are ergonomically designed for long drives, with ample adjustability, heating, and ventilation options in higher trims. The overall vibe is serene, with excellent noise insulation keeping road hum at bay.
Cargo and Passenger Room
Practicality is a strong suit here. The rear seats fold flat to reveal up to 60.5 cubic feet of cargo space, enough for groceries, sports gear, or even small furniture. With seats up, there’s about 25.5 cubic feet, plus clever storage solutions like under-floor compartments. Passenger space accommodates five adults comfortably, with generous rear legroom for a wagon of this size. Families will appreciate the easy-access doors and ISOFIX anchors for child seats.
Performance and Driving Experience
Engine and Powertrain
Under the hood, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system produces 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in around 6.4 seconds, offering peppy response for highway merging or overtaking. The hybrid assist smooths out starts and recaptures energy during braking, contributing to better fuel efficiency without needing plugs.
Handling and Ride Quality
On the road, the V60 Cross Country prioritizes comfort with a supple suspension that absorbs bumps well, though it can feel floaty in sharp corners compared to sportier rivals. Steering is light yet precise, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. For spirited drives, dynamic mode tightens things up, but it’s best suited for relaxed cruising. Owners report a quiet, refined ride, ideal for long trips.
Technology and Infotainment
The infotainment system integrates Google built-in, including Maps, Assistant, and Play Store for seamless navigation and voice commands. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, ensuring compatibility with your devices. Higher trims add a premium Bowers & Wilkins sound system and a head-up display. Over-the-air updates keep software fresh, but some users note occasional glitches with the touchscreen responsiveness. Practical tech like a 360-degree camera aids parking, and a four-year digital services subscription covers navigation data.
Safety Features
Volvo’s safety legacy shines through with standard features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Pilot Assist combines highway steering and speed control for semi-autonomous driving, reducing fatigue on long hauls. Cross-traffic alerts with auto-braking help in busy lots, and the structure earns top crash-test ratings. For parents, rear-door child locks and traffic sign recognition add peace of mind.
Pricing, Trims, and Ownership Costs
Available Trims
The 2025 lineup includes Plus and Ultra trims. The Plus starts around $50,000, with essentials like leather seats and the Google system. The Ultra, from about $55,000, adds luxuries such as ventilated seats, a premium audio upgrade, and advanced air purification. Options like climate packages or larger wheels can push the price to $60,000-plus.
Fuel Efficiency and Maintenance
Expect 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined—solid for an AWD wagon. Maintenance is covered for the first two years or 20,000 miles, including software updates. Long-term, Volvo’s reliability is average, but opt for certified pre-owned for extended warranties. Factor in premium fuel and potential tire replacements every 30,000 miles for accurate ownership costs.
Pros and Cons
Pros include exceptional comfort, versatile cargo space, top-tier safety, and efficient mild-hybrid tech. It’s a stylish alternative to SUVs with better fuel economy and handling. Cons: The engine feels underpowered for some, infotainment can glitch, and it’s pricier than non-luxury wagons like the Subaru Outback. Also, with wagons declining in popularity, resale might vary by region.
How It Stacks Up Against Competitors
Compared to the Audi A4 Allroad, the V60 offers similar pricing but a more comfortable ride and superior interior quality, though the Audi edges out in performance. Versus the Subaru Outback, it’s far more luxurious but costs twice as much—opt for Volvo if premium features matter. The Mercedes E-Class All-Terrain is larger and more powerful but starts at $70,000-plus, making the V60 a value play. For efficiency seekers, the Toyota Crown Signia hybrid provides better mpg but lacks the Volvo’s refinement.
FAQ
What is the starting price of the 2025 Volvo V60 Cross Country?
It begins around $50,000 for the Plus trim, excluding taxes and fees, with the Ultra adding about $5,000 more.
How does the V60 Cross Country differ from the standard V60?
The Cross Country has higher ground clearance (8.1 inches vs. about 5.5), all-wheel drive standard, and rugged styling for better versatility on uneven surfaces, while the standard V60 is lower and more road-focused.
Is the Volvo V60 Cross Country fuel-efficient?
Yes, with EPA estimates of 23/31/26 mpg (city/highway/combined), thanks to its mild-hybrid system—better than many AWD SUVs in its class.
What are common maintenance tips for owners?
Stick to Volvo’s scheduled services every 10,000 miles, use premium fuel, and monitor tire pressure for optimal efficiency. Check for software updates regularly to avoid infotainment issues.
Is the V60 Cross Country being discontinued?
Rumors suggest 2025 might be the last year in some markets due to shifting demand toward SUVs, but Volvo continues to offer it as a 2026 model in others—check local availability.
How reliable is the Volvo V60 Cross Country?
It scores well in safety and build quality, but some owners report electronic glitches. Volvo’s warranty (4 years/50,000 miles) provides solid coverage, and reliability improves with regular maintenance.
