2023 Volvo V60 / V60 Cross Country

The 2023 Volvo V60 / V60 Cross Country wagon has been updated for the next model year, with the first Australian arrivals due around July 2022.

The changes applied to create the revised S60, V60, and V60 Cross Country ranges – of which only the S60 and V60 ‘CC’ are coming to Australia – are relatively minor, limited to minor exterior detailing changes, new infotainment software, and a new transmission for some European-market models.

Exterior changes are limited largely to mild revisions to the front bumper – with Swedish buyers able to pick from a chrome-detailed ‘Plus’ variant, or blacked-out ‘Ultimate’ grade, with a sportier shape – and a new rear bumper with concealed exhaust outlets.

The 2023 Volvo V60 / V60 Cross Country station wagons both receive a light styling refresh for 2023 that includes new wheels and reworked front and rear bumpers.

Volvo’s new Google-based infotainment system has been added as well, which includes an updated interface to the car’s digital gauge display and the central vertically-oriented touchscreen.

ENGINE AND IMPLEMENTATION

The 2023 Volvo V60 / V60 Cross Country model 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.

ENERGY AND REAL-WORLD MPG

The 2023 Volvo V60 / V60 Cross Country model 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 fuel-economy rating of 74 MPGe, with up to 41 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, CONVENIENCE, AND BOOTH

Volvo designs some great interiors, and the 2023 Volvo V60 / V60 Cross Country 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.

IN-VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT AND INTERCONNECTIONS

The 2023 Volvo V60 / V60 Cross Country comes standard with Volvo’s Google-based infotainment system. The new interface runs on the same vertically-oriented 9.0-inch touchscreen as the old Sensus Connect system, but operates much quicker and more fluidly.

New it is, but not flawless; the interface features on-screen icons that are too small for easy use while driving. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, as is Bluetooth connectivity and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot powered by a 4G LTE data connection.

PROTECTION AND DRIVER-ASSISTANCE ASPECTS

Volvo’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 2023 Volvo V60 / V60 Cross Country’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

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