The 2022 Volvo V60 / V60 Cross Country wagons are attractive, practical alternatives. The Cross Country attempts to straddle the line between wagons and crossovers with its tasteful plastic cladding and a slightly taller ride height. Still, wagon enthusiasts are more likely to drool over the sporty Recharge T8 Polestar model that boasts a plug-in-hybrid powertrain with 415 horsepower and up to 22 miles of electric driving range. Aside from the Subaru Outback, it appears the station wagon body style exists merely in the luxury realm, with rivals including the Audi A4 Allroad, the Mercedes-Benz E-class All-Terrain, and Volvo’s larger V90 Cross Country.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2022 Volvo V60 / V60 Cross Country is powered by a 250-hp turbocharged four-cylinder and comes with an all-wheel drive. When we tested the T5 powertrain, we found it to be a strong performer, with a 60-mph time of 6.4 seconds. As long as you’re not pushing it too hard, the V60 feels agile and responsive through corners. The souped-up Recharge T8 Polestar comes with a 455-hp plug-in-hybrid powertrain that pairs a turbo- and supercharged four-cylinder with electric motors and all-wheel drive.
This arrangement is far quicker than the T5 model, leaping to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. The Recharge T8 Polestar also comes with a manually adjustable suspension—something driving enthusiasts might think is cool—so the owner can dial in the car’s riding behavior to their preference.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The 2022 Volvo V60 / V60 Cross Country earns ratings of 22 mpg city, 31 highway, and 25 combined. Despite being the lineup’s performance-oriented model, the V60 Recharge T8 Polestar’s plug-in-hybrid powertrain is fairly efficient, earning a combined fuel-economy rating of 30 mpg, with up to 38 miles of claimed electric-only driving range. We haven’t had a chance to test the V60 on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route but we’ll update this story with details when we do. For more information about the V60’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Volvo designs some great interiors, and the V60’s is no exception, largely mimicking those of the S60 sedan and the XC60 SUV. The cabin is spacious, the seats are comfortable, and the design is undeniably upscale. But Volvo’s minimalist approach means that many controls are hidden away inside the infotainment system. Like other Volvos of this vintage, the cabin looks and feels more expensive than it is, which makes it all the more impressive. Cargo capacity is great, too, something we expect from a station wagon. In our testing, we fit eight carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats and a total of 22 with the seats folded. For reference, the Audi A4 Allroad fit two fewer carry-ons in both tests.
Infotainment and Connectivity
We’ve experienced significant—and significantly annoying—lag times with Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system, particularly within the first few minutes of starting the car. Until the screen wakes up, you can’t adjust the climate control, set a destination in the navigation, or change the radio station. Once it does, though, it’s smooth sailing. The simple and intuitive nature of the interface makes it easy to operate while driving, so you take the good with the bad.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
2022 Volvo V60 / V60 Cross Country‘s safety-focused ethos means driver-assistance features such as lane-keeping assist, automated emergency braking, and other collision-avoidance technologies are standard. For more information about the V60’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
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Full Specifications
2020 Volvo V60 Cross Country T5 AWD
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback
ESTIMATED BASE PRICE
$42,000
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
120 cu in, 1969 cc
Power
250 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque
258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 113.2 in
Length: 188.3 in
Width: 72.8 in
Height: 59.0 in
Passenger volume: 93–95 cu ft
Trunk volume: 19 cu ft
Curb weight (C/D est): 3950 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
Zero to 60 mph: 6.4 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 16.4 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.0 sec
Top speed: 130 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 25/22/31 mpg