2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country Pros

– The V60 is a refined and elegant station wagon, and not a crude SUV.

– The new mild-hybrid technology improves overall efficiency.

– Quiet, luxurious, and uniquely Volvo and beautiful, this is a true premium vehicle.

2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country Cons

– There’s nothing wrong with it.

– Volvo will probably kill it before they fully electrify it in North America.

This review brings up numerous emotions. My week spent with this gorgeous denim blue 2023 V60 Cross Country reminded me how great Volvo wagons are and of the likelihood that the Swedish automaker will probably phase them out altogether before long, in North American at least.

2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country | Photo: Volvo

I won’t rant any further on SUVs (see video if you really want to hear more) as station wagons long ago lost the fight. There is hope however that new estates will remain available for purchase in the near future but will exclusively be reserved for those with deep pockets – more or less the case today. But while you still can, a new V60 Cross Country, which is priced under $55,000 to start, is still within reach.

It’s gorgeous inside and out

I won’t wax lyrically on the V60’s sensuous lines, elongated roofline, and supple haunches but I will state that no SUV comes close to appeasing and pleasing the eye as can a station wagon. What’s more, as a Cross Country, this wagon benefits from visual enhancements that, oddly enough, bring it closer in spirit to an SUV but let’s not kidd ourselves, the XC or Cross Country range, was first introduced in 1997 as a trim for the V70.

The car you see in the pictures isn’t exactly a basic V60 Cross Country. The first indicators are the beautiful optional 20-inch alloy wheels. Stepping onboard reveals a number of extras as included with the $12,400 Ultimate trim (Harman Kardon audio, Nappa leather, panoramic sunroof, four-zone climate control, cooled seats, head-up display, and more), Bowers & Wilkins, and massaging seats. Total damage sits at about $74,000 and it’s almost worth the asking price.

The only hiccup, and it’s come to this, is the standard 9-inch touchscreen display. By 2023 standards and for the price, it’s insufficient. The included Google built in will grow on you as you become familiar with the way it operates. The 12-inch digital IP is to be expected as are the numerous safety features. As always, the seats are sublime and superior. They are supportive and comfortable, and, in my opinion, a showpiece. Oddly enough, the V60’s trunk is rated at 519L but in reality, it’s probably 50% larger based solely observation. Finally, I’d skip the B&W audio and get the Polestar Engineered Optimisation.

B5 AWD mild hybrid

This is now the 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country’s only powertrain. The T8 PHEV Recharge is only offered with the V60 non-CC wagon, if more power is a must, but the B5’s output is far from deficient. With 247 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque from the mildly-electrified turbocharged 2.0L engine, the wagon moves about briskly. The well-sorted 8-speed automatic transmission expertly plays its role in sending power to the wheels all the while maintaining its smooth operation.

The MHEV goal is to “help out” and little more. Performance overall is middle-ground with a 0-100km/h sprint of 6.9 seconds and an estimated returned fuel consumption average of 9L/100km. I averaged 10.5L in cooler temperatures and with an admittedly hotter right foot…

Ride-wise, the V60 Cross Country is almost as refined as it could be. The optional 20-inch wheels are likely at fault for the occasional jarring of occupants on uglier road surfaces. The base 19-inch wheels with extra sidewall would probably help out here. The included rear air suspension serves more to level the vehicle off when hauling or towing (up to 2,000 lbs) than keeping everyone onboard comfortable. In general, the V60 is a pleasing driver, quiet, and luxurious.

It’s a Volvo wagon, but they’re all great

I’m clearly biased, but no SUV, not even a Mercedes-Maybach whatever, would sway me away from a station wagon. They continue to be as capable and utilitarian as any SUV plus they are more elegant and prestigious.

And a Volvo station wagon is about as good as they get. With only a handful left, Audi leading the charge with the A4 and A6 Allroad, and RS 6, followed by Volvo V60 and V90, and Benz with the E Class, the bottom line is that all are great. Right now though, I’ve got a soft spot for the Cross Country.