By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(November 28, 2024) Personally, I've always had a love affair with long-roof vehicles, namely station wagons. Although wagons (the word "station" has long since fallen out of favor) are no longer fashionable as U.S. car buyers have flocked to crossovers and SUVs, and now only Audi, Subaru, and Volvo continue building wagons.

Wagons can be a smart alternative measure for those who aren't in love with the SUV craze and the V60 Cross Country Ultra tested here a with sedan-like size and styling with the utility of an SUV. The V60 was first launched for the 2020 model year as a sibling to the second-generation Volvo S60 sedan along with the same flexible platform and a four-cylinder engine. The V60 received a freshening for 2023 and is essentially the same vehicle for 2024 and 2025 with a few added features such as a power rear liftgate and available new paint colors.

The V60 is a smaller version of the Swede's other wagon offering, the larger V90 Cross Country — jacked up ride height, supremely comfortable ride, black lower body cladding, and a mode setting for medium to mild off-road adept but don't expect any rock crawling. A gravel or snowy road conditions is more the bill of fare.

Volvo styling is characteristically Nordic minimalism that's easy-on-the eyes handsome and a thoroughly Scandinavian look and feel interior that's minimalistic in presentation with supple leather upholstering, just the right amount of genuine veneer timber trim and ample amounts of metal detaining. Volvo seats are the best in the automotive business with bun and steering wheel warmers that anyone could imagine. Interior layout, design and application is superb.



What leaves much to be desired and a major disappointment is its technical and electronic application, functions and vehicle operating controls mostly handle via the car's center display unit. Even with a leaning curve they remain non-intuitive, fussy to use, clumsy with a menu that leads you into numerous screens for simple operations like the infotainment controls and others. Even the voice commands have a difficult time understanding what it is you are requesting.

The vehicle is powered by a 247-hp turbocharged four-cylinder with a mild hybrid system and an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The V60 isn't quick but most drivers will find the power adequate, smooth and quiet. Ride quality and comfort is impressive. Know that sportier driving and handling isn't part of the V60 offering. While gas mileage is rated higher, I averaged just 23 MPG during my week of daily driving.

While wagons are indeed rare birds, the V60 with its elegant styling and defined Scandinavian heritage and characteristics along with comfortable driving dynamics and near SUV practicality is a considerable alternative to the look-alike parade of the SUV masses.

Vital Stats

Base Price: $56,595
Price as Tested: $60,545
Powertrain: Mild-hybrid 247-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
EPA Fuel Economy: 24/31/27 MPG City/Highway/Combined
Seats: 5

Where Built: Ghent, Belgium

Crash Test Safety Rating: Highest possible overall 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Competes With:
Audi A4 and A6 Allroad
Subaru Outback

Likes:
Elegant Scandinavian styling inside and out
Incredibly easy and relaxing to drive
Stylish and compelling alternative to an SUV

Dislikes:
Frustrating operating and infotainment controls
Sporty driving experience isn't part of the offering
Unimpressive fuel economy for a four-cylinder mild hybrid