2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country Wagon

　　

2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　, rating written byDan FrioDirector, Vehicle Testing

　　Jonathan Elfalan has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. As a director of vehicle testing at zzdcar, Jonathan has tested and reviewed thousands of cars and written thousands of car-related articles over the course of his career. Jonathan got his start testing cars for Road & Track magazine as a newly minted mechanical engineer grad from University of California, Irvine, and has also contributed to Motor Trend and the Associated Press. He likes to say he learned to drive a manual transmission in a rear-wheel-drive mid-engine vehicle but often omits it was his family's 1991 Toyota Previa minivan.

　　We applaud any automaker still willing to make sport wagons today amid the overwhelming preference for SUVs and crossovers in America. But Volvo (and a few others) see a niche with drivers who want the space of an SUV with the style and driving feel of a sedan or coupe, something most taller SUVs can't manage. The 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country pulls it all together in a sophisticated luxury package, making it a compelling SUV alternative.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 Plus 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 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

　　$181/mo  for V60 Cross Country B5 Plus

　　V60 Cross Country B5 Plus

　　B5 Plus 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $48,800 MSRPB5 Ultimate 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $54,100 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　The V60 Cross Country builds on the standard V60 wagon with all-wheel drive, a lifted suspension and some protective body armor. Its 8 inches of ground clearance isn't enough to conquer off-road badlands like Moab, Utah, but it's enough to get you from trailhead to highway without issue. Likewise, its 247-horsepower engine won't pin you back in your seat, but it's fine for city driving and freeway commutes and turns in respectable fuel economy — 26 mpg combined — in the process.

　　For 2023, the V60 Cross Country adds a second trim level, the loaded Ultimate model. It comes with welcome extras like ventilated seats and an upgraded sound system, but it's otherwise similar to the base Plus trim. Volvo has also rolled out its new Google/Android OS-based infotainment system, which promises faster response and deeper integration with Google search, navigation and streaming tech. Apple CarPlay is included, while Android smartphone users get more expanded features and services than with the former Android Auto app.

　　The V60 Cross Country isn't the only model balancing car and SUV, with a dash of adventurous spirit. The Volvo's plastic-clad competitors include the Subaru Outback and Audi A4 Allroad, along with more conventional luxury SUVs like the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC and the V60's counterpart, the Volvo XC60. Read our test team's Expert Rating below to see if the V60 Cross Country is the right fit for you.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Please note that this rating is based on a prior year. While we found the earlier V60 Cross Country's infotainment system capable and useful, our rating may change slightly once we test the V60 Cross Country's new Google/Android-based system, updated for 2023.

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the V60 Cross Country drive? Driving performance in the V60 Cross Country is entirely middle of the road. Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides sufficient power for daily duty but doesn't feel much different than the older T6 supercharged version. The V60 Cross Country handles with confidence, and everything from the brakes to the eight-speed automatic transmission operates relatively smoothly. Nothing is going to impress you when you're behind the wheel, but you likely won't be disappointed either. Simply put, this is just an easy vehicle to tool around in.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the V60 Cross Country? If you value comfort over performance in your wagon, then the V60 Cross Country is the way to go. Front seat comfort is nothing short of amazing, with highly adjustable and supportive seat cushions, not to mention optional ventilation and massage functions. It also offers more supportive rear seats than competitors. Unlike the standard V60, the Cross Country's extra ride height and suspension travel afford a plush, SUV-like ride but without the instability of a high center of gravity.

　　The interior is relatively quiet, though at highway speeds some faint wind noise can be heard around the windshield. When pushed hard, the engine can also emit some coarse sounds. The climate control operates effectively when set to a target temp, but controlling it requires multiple steps all run through the touchscreen. But it does have four zones, a rare luxury in this class.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below