Volvo’s V60 Cross Country is a mid-size wagon with SUV overtones. It behaves like a car but has a raised suspension and all-wheel drive, providing extra capability when venturing off pavement or traversing a snowy road.
For 2023, the V60 Cross Country is updated with minor exterior styling revisions, a new Google-based infotainment system, and a mild hybrid as the standard engine.
Volvo offers the V60 Cross Country in two trim levels: Plus ($49,895) and Ultimate ($55,195). The Plus is generously furnished with luxury-level standard features, and the Ultimate ices the cake by adding four-zone climate control with air filtration, a head-up display, crystal gear selector, and upgrades to cabin materials, seat features, and audio systems.
Inside and out, the Cross Country’s styling is a showpiece of Volvo’s contemporary but timeless Scandinavian design.
On the road, Cross Country’s refinements produce a relaxing ride in firmly comfortable seats, and a hushed cabin free of bumps over all but the most defective pavement. There’s seating for five passengers, and the cargo area is a useful 22.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, or 60.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder mild hybrid engine produces 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It’s joined to an eight-speed automatic transmission. They do a fine job propelling the Cross Country, and the hybrid system goes about its business without disturbing passengers.
EPA fuel economy ratings are 23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined.
The infotainment system is a mixed blessing because climate controls are integrated into the 9-inch touchscreen with icons that are small and close together at the bottom of the screen. There’s a work-around for enlargement but it involves additional touches to the screen. Doesn’t sound like a problem unless you happen to be driving at the time.
On the upside, a full complement of infotainment technology is on board the Cross Country, including navigation, Sirius/XM, Bluetooth, Harman Kardon premium audio (standard on the Ultimate trim), USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless device charging, and over-the-air updates.
2023 VOLVO V60 CROSS COUNTRY B5 AWD ULTIMATE
Base price, including destination charge: $55,195
Price as driven: $63,585
Mary Lowry is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. She lives in Snohomish County. Vehicles are provided by automotive manufacturers as a one-week loan for evaluation purposes only. Manufacturers do not control content of the reviews.
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