2020 Volvo V60 Review

　　

2020 Volvo V60 Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　If you're of a certain age, you probably remember a time before SUVs, when wagons ruled supreme as the de facto family vehicle. With crossovers dominating the roads, you'd think that wagons have gone the way of CDs, and in many ways, you'd be correct.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Volvo V60 T5 Momentum 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

　　$169/mo  for V60 T5 Momentum

　　V60 T5 Momentum

　　T5 Momentum 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $39,650 MSRPT5 R-Design 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $45,400 MSRPT5 Inscription 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $45,400 MSRPT8 Polestar Engineered 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $67,300 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　One wagon that has eluded extinction is the 2020 Volvo V60, which came off a full redesign last year. The sleek shape and appealing interior are a far cry from the boxy Volvos of years past, and there's also plenty of up-to-date technology.

　　Like the dwindling number of CD buyers, many V60 shoppers represent a niche market that is likely seeking an alternative to what is commonplace. To Volvo's credit, the V60 artfully blends the convenience of an SUV with the more favorable driving dynamics of a sedan, making it not just different but better in some ways.

　　As much as we're fans of the 2020 Volvo V60 wagon, there are a few drawbacks. This year, the more powerful T6 engine has been dropped from the lineup, and with it, the option for all-wheel drive. If it were up to us, we'd also want a more comfortable and compliant ride quality. Finally, one of the biggest hurdles the V60 has to face is its availability. You probably won't find a new one in showrooms since they're special order only.

　　Notably, we picked the 2020 Volvo V60 as one of zzdcar' Best Luxury Cars for this year.

　　

Which V60 does zzdcar recommend?

We recommend checking out the base Momentum trim because it comes with a long list of standard features and is also eligible for most options. That means you can pick the features you want and pass on the ones you don't.

　　

2020 Volvo V60 models

The 2020 Volvo V60 is a wagon with seating for five that is offered in Momentum, R-Design and Inscription trim levels. These come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (250 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque) that is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels.

　　Volvo also offers a special Polestar Engineered V60 that has a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It makes 415 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with all-wheel drive.

　　Standard features for the Momentum trim include 18-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights, automatic high beams, heated and rain-sensing windshield wipers, roof rails, a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free liftgate, keyless ignition, selectable drive modes, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, a digital instrument panel, leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, power-folding rear headrests, power split-folding rear seats with a center pass-through, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

　　Tech features include Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, a Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, and a 10-speaker audio system with two USB ports, satellite radio and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Forward collision warning and mitigation, intersection cross-traffic collision mitigation, run-off-road mitigation/protection, lane keeping assist, a traffic sign reader, and a driver alert monitor are also standard.

　　The Momentum trim is eligible for the Premium package (a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and automatic braking, keyless entry, a hands-free trunk opener, front and rear parking sensors, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, and a universal garage door opener) and the Multimedia package (navigation and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system).

　　The R-Design trim adds different 18-inch wheels, unique exterior and interior trim elements, foglights with cornering lights, four-zone automatic climate control, leather dashboard trim, sport seats with power thigh-support extensions, and interior ambient lighting. The Premium and Multimedia packages are standard with the R-Design trim.

　　At the top of the lineup, the Inscription trim fills out the features list with chrome exterior and unique wood interior detailing. A Luxury package is exclusive to this model, installing ventilated and massaging front seats with power-adjustable side bolsters.

　　The Advanced package is offered for all V60 models and adds headlight washers, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control with Volvo's Pilot Assist semi-automated driving features, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. It also adds foglights and cornering lights for the Momentum trim.

　　Stand-alone options include 19-inch wheels, an adaptive suspension, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and a Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system.

　　

2020 V60 Highlights

Type: T8 Polestar EngineeredWagonWagon

　　Trim: T5 MomentumT5 InscriptionT5 R-DesignT8 Polestar EngineeredT5 Momentum

　　

Base MSRP	$39,650
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	27 MPG
Cost to Drive	$169/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	23.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles