2021 Volvo V60 Cross Country

Volvo builds the V60 Cross Country in one well-equipped trim level, priced from $45,500. The wagon’s standard all-wheel-drive, high ground clearance, rain-sensing wipers, and heated outside mirrors make it a great alternative to a crossover SUV when it comes to tackling lousy weather. Volvo emphasizes safety above nearly everything else, and the Cross Country has active driver aids like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and pedestrian detection. Standard power-folding outside mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free power liftgate provide extra convenience throughout the day. Stepping inside the Cross Country’s cabin, it is clear this is a luxury vehicle. Soft leather upholstery covers both seating rows, with 10-way heated front seats and driver memory settings. A split-folding back seat quickly expands cargo space, making practicality close at hand. Other amenities are keyless entry/ignition, remote engine start, dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 9.0-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, WiFi, and navigation. Volvo offers a few options to help customers personalize their Cross Country with metallic paint colors and sleek wheel styles. There are eight upholsteries available, including perforated Nappa leather and charming woven cloth. Shoppers can select the Lounge Package for additional cabin comfort, with amenities like four-zone climate control, power front-seat extenders, a leather-trimmed dashboard, and passenger memory settings. The Advanced Package has semi-autonomous features that allow the vehicle to handle many of the highway-driving responsibilities.

The V60 Cross Country is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It mates with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive. The EPA estimates it should achieve 22 mpg city and 31 mpg on the highway, similar to other midsize wagons. The Cross Country’s smooth ride and agile handling make it a great daily driver, but it isn’t as quick or fun to drive as some competitors.

Volvos are known for their bold and modern cabin styling, and the V60 Cross Country is yet another excellent example of this design direction. The interior is a showcase of Swedish minimalism, with an emphasis on easy access and usability. Oversized air vents provide rapid cooling, while the steering wheel and driver controls are attractive and straightforward. All of the buttons and switches in the Volvo’s interior feel high-quality. There is good in-cabin storage, too, with a glove box, concealed cupholders, in-door pockets, and a small center console bin. The Cross Country has plenty of space in both rows for teens and adults to sit comfortably. The cargo area offers plenty of room for strollers, camping gear, or other bulky items. Some competitors offer more cargo capacity, but the Volvo’s back seats fold down to provide a maximum of 50.9 cubic feet of space. Infotainment features come standard on the Cross Country, with things like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone connectivity. Navigation is also standard, and the driver can view directions from the 9.0-inch touchscreen, the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, or the optional head-up display. Unfortunately, Volvo’s vertical touchscreen is not as intuitive as some rivals. While it has a physical dial for adjusting audio volume, which is good, changing the climate control and other settings requires tapping through one or more digital menus.