2018 Volvo V60 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCalvin KimVehicle Test Engineer

　　Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at zzdcar.

　　

What’s new

　　Aside from a reshuffling of trims and packages, the 2018 Volvo V60 wagon is unchanged from 2017. The base T5 trim is no longer available, which makes the Dynamic the new base model.

　　

Vehicle overview

　　Volvo has a history of making cool wagons and remains dedicated to them. A great example is the 2018 Volvo V60. This compact wagon shares its engines, general exterior dimensions and interior design with the company's S60 sedan but gives you greater interior cargo space. Aside from that, the same premium qualities of the sedan, including its comfortable seats and ride comfort, are all there in the wagon.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Volvo V60 T5 Dynamic 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 $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$158/mo  for V60 T5 Dynamic

　　V60 T5 Dynamic

　　T5 Dynamic 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $38,250 MSRPT6 R-Design 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) - $49,100 MSRPPolestar 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) - $61,600 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　An all-wheel-drive powertrain is available to provide extra traction in inclement weather. It's also useful for putting the power down in the T6 R-Design trim, which cranks out a stout 302 horsepower. Regardless of trim, all V60s feature 40/20/40-split folding seatbacks with optional integrated child booster seats. Also available is Volvo's Technology package, which includes safety features such as Queue Assist and Distance Alert.

　　While these features might draw you in, just be aware of the V60's compact size. It could be a deal-breaker if you haul gear more frequently than people. While it has more cargo space than the S60 sedan, the V60 is still outmatched by most other luxury crossover SUVs. Also, the rear seating is a bit tight, and adults won't want to be back there for too long.

　　Overall, though, we like the V60. For shoppers looking for a stylish wagon, or just something different than the luxury crossover norm, it's definitely worth checking out.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　While crossovers are very popular for shoppers who want a spacious and versatile luxury vehicle, don't overlook the 2018 Volvo V60. Its stylish design, efficient engine and excellent build quality make the V60 an interesting alternative to the often dull crossover regime.

　　

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 2015 Volvo V60 T5 Drive-E Wagon (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 8-speed automatic | FWD).

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Volvo V60 has received some revisions, including a shuffling of options and trim packages. Our findings remain applicable to this year's Volvo V60, though.

　　

Driving

　　This base engine-equipped, front-wheel-drive V60 with the optional Sport package is a real gem, with impressive acceleration, braking and handling. Compared to luxury crossovers or other premium wagons that shoppers might consider, the V60 is a standout performer.

　　

Acceleration

　　A 6.4-second dash to 60 mph is quick, even among Europe's best. The 240-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder is key to this performance, as is a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic.

　　

Braking

　　The brakes are powerful despite a softish pedal feel. They exhibited confident, consistent and straight brake performance in our simulated-panic stops. That soft pedal made for linear and easy stops around town.

　　

Steering

　　The steering is properly weighted with a direct action, but not busy or nervous at highway speeds. It gives a good balance of control and comfort.

　　

Handling

　　Our test car featured the Sport package, which sharpens handling considerably. Confident cornering and exemplary grip also showed up in our testing, with near-record performances.

　　

Drivability

　　Unlike some other small turbocharged engines, the one in this Volvo feels alert and responsive, as does the transmission. Steering and handling are rewarding and predictable. This car is equally happy on an interstate or mountain road.

　　

Comfort

　　The V60 offers uncommon comfort and quietness, enhanced by our test car's optional Sport package, which included some fantastic front seats.

　　

Seat comfort

　　The leather front sport seats are perfectly contoured for both lateral support and comfort. There are few better. The outer rear seats are also deeply contoured, making the center position higher and well-suited to children.

　　

Ride comfort

　　Even with the sport suspension and summer performance tires, the ride comfort was excellent. Pretty much any premium car or crossover would be proud to offer the control and smooth ride of this V60.

　　

Noise & vibration

　　Engine noise is well-isolated, even under full acceleration. Wind and road noise is also dispersed and not an issue.

　　

Interior

　　The interior of the V60 looks, functions and presents as the premium wagon that it is, though it needs a better infotainment controller. Cargo and visibility are limited, as you'd expect in a compact wagon, so a crossover or SUV might be a better choice for some.

　　

Ease of use

　　The center stack is aesthetically pleasing, but the infotainment interface is long overdue for an ergonomic update. The reconfigurable digital instrument panel is excellent with large, clear graphics. Easy-to-use temp controls.

　　

Getting in/getting out

　　Like a sedan, the V60 wagon has sensible seat height and appropriately sized doors that make getting in and out a snap. The same goes for the low cargo floor in back. Most crossovers and SUVs can't say the same.

　　

Roominess

　　This Volvo wagon prioritizes seating room over cargo, so passengers enjoy more space in this small wagon than in many of its direct competitors, especially the rear occupants.

　　

Visibility

　　There are some blind spots to the rear, but the push-button-folding rear headrests make things easier. Parking aids, front and rear cameras, blind-spot monitoring and lane keeping assist are available.

　　

Quality

　　Volvo's reputation for building a solid car is intact with the all-new V60. The car feels well put together, with nice materials throughout.

　　

Utility

　　The V60 offers a reasonable amount of luggage and cargo space. With the rear seats folded, there's 43.8 cubic feet available.

　　

Technology

　　The one place where the V60 comes up short is in infotainment. While the standard system features USB, Bluetooth and satellite radio, it lacks advanced smartphone integration.

　　

Which V60 does zzdcar recommend?

　　For our money, we'd start with the T5 Dynamic and all-wheel drive and then add heated front seats and steering wheel, navigation and Harman Kardon premium sound, and both the Vision and Technology packages. These packages add a full digital dash, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision mitigation, and lane keeping assist.

　　

2018 Volvo V60 models

　　The 2018 Volvo V60 is a five-seat luxury wagon available in multiple trims. The T5 Dynamic is the base model, and it comes with leather seats, a turbocharged engine, and either front- or all-wheel drive. Upping the power, the T6 R-Design features all-wheel drive, a sport suspension, and specific interior and exterior trim pieces.

　　The T5 Dynamic is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (240 hp, 258 lb-ft) and sends power to either the front or all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 comes standard with 18-inch wheels, a sunroof, xenon headlights, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, driver-seat memory settings, and 40/20/40-split folding rear seats. Also standard is Volvo's Sensus Connect infotainment system that includes a 7-inch central display screen, Bluetooth, voice controls, a USB port, and an eight-speaker audio system with a CD player and satellite and HD radio.

　　A few option packages are available to augment the V60's set of features. The Vision package comes with keyless ignition and entry, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and a digital gauge cluster display. Adding the Technology package nets you adaptive cruise control, automatic wipers, lane keeping assist, forward collision warning and mitigation, automatic high beams and a driver drowsiness monitor.

　　An available Climate package adds heated windshield wiper nozzles, a heated steering wheel, front and rear seats, and an interior air quality monitoring system. This package also includes integrated rear booster seats. There's also a package that gets you a navigation system and a premium Harman Kardon sound system and a Sport package (includes 19-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles, and adjustable modes for the steering).

　　The T6 R-Design comes with a more powerful turbo- and supercharged 2.0-liter engine (302 hp, 295 lb-ft) and standard all-wheel drive. It includes most of the T5's option packages, such as the Sport package, navigation and Harman Kardon system, and Technology and Vision packages. The T6 also features R-Design-specific outer trim such as grille, rear fascia, and silver window surrounds and roof rails.

　　Due to the T6's large standard features list, the only options a buyer needs to consider are the Climate package, integrated rear booster seats, blind-spot monitoring, and front and rear park assist.

　　

2018 V60 Highlights

Type: WagonPolestarWagon

　　Trim: T5 DynamicT6 R-DesignPolestarT5 Dynamic

　　

Base MSRP	$38,250
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$158/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	43.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles