The humble station wagon was the conveyance of choice for families in the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. Then sport utilities debuted with taller ride heights and similar cargo space and most Americans switched to one of those. But Volvo hasn’t stopped producing wagons since its entrance into the US in August of 1955.
The first Volvo PV 444 was unloaded in at a port in Long Beach, California and two years later Volvo Cars had become the second-biggest import brand in California. Its first wagon was based on the PV, called the Duett, and from that family tree comes this 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country wagon.
The second-generation Volvo V60 came out in 2018 and received annual updates bringing it to this year where every Volvo vehicle will feature some sort of electrification. Google Assistant and Google Maps are built-in, and the Google Play store is used to add more apps. Over-the-air updates are now standard.
The V60 features a similar interior to the S60 sedan and XC60 SUV. It has a vertically oriented 9-inch touchscreen, but it works quicker than the old system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, as is Bluetooth connectivity and onboard Wi-Fi.
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2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 AWD
The cabin of the 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country features a crystal shifter surrounded by two cupholders and storage space, leading up to redundant buttons for the sound system including volume and tuning. The steering wheel also features buttons for audio and cruise control.
The seats in the Ultimate trim feature heat and ventilation along with a massage function. The second row is roomy for child seats, which are easy to snap in, though the cargo space with the seats in place wasn’t as large as expected.
The 2023 V60 offers 18.3 cubic feet of space with the seats up, and more than 31 cubic feet when the seats are down. That’s bigger than an average sedan, and even bigger than the Volvo XC60 with the seats in place. But it’s still down from the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. It did, however, swallow supplies for a family of four heading up north for the weekend.
The driver is treated to a 12.3-inch digital cluster with four-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof tons of seat adjustment including the under-knee support. Visibility is good in all directions, helped by a 360-degree camera, and air vents feature knurled chrome knobs for easy adjustment.
The Google-powered infotainment takes some getting used to, but it helps to remember the home button at the bottom to start over. It’s not as easy as some to switch between Apple CarPlay and native radio but after a week with the vehicle most of it becomes second nature.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine combines with a mild hybrid system for 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission but the powertrain as a whole is surprisingly less refined than expected.
The power delivery is adequate and gas mileage is good at 30 miles per gallon on the highway, but it’s a little loud in the cabin when pushed. The engine sounds gravelly, a change from Volvo’s normally smooth notes. Passing power is fine at almost any speed.
The suspension is adaptive and height adjustable with an Off-Road driving mode that puts the vehicle on its tiptoes. Creeping over grass, brush and light rocks is easy and safe, and it’s the same with snow and ice. In normal operation the 2023 Volvo V60’s suspension (with its optional 20-inch wheels on all-season tires) is comfortable and quiet. Comfort mode works as advertised though even then the wagon handles better and more accurately than most SUVs, which have a higher center of gravity.
Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection is standard along with lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist. Adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous Pilot Assist driving mode is standard. Its steering intervention keeps the driver safe, but does get a little annoying with its micro adjustments.
The 2023 V60 has less competitors than it once did, but still a few popular ones. The 2023 Audi A4 Allroad is on sale from $45,500. The Subaru Outback is less luxurious but much cheaper at $28,395. This Volvo V60 Cross Country starts at $50,095 though this Ultimate version checks almost every box for a total of $63,585 including a $1,095 destination charge.
There are far fewer wagons to choose from than there once was, but they’re all better, safer, faster and more fuel efficient than what came before. They’re also much more exciting than another SUV or crossover on the neighborhood street.
Both the Audi and Volvo wagons are lovely places to spend time, but the Subaru Outback is the most versatile. The Outback has more space than both and more capability off road. Staunch luxury buyers should check out the German and Swedish wagons first, everyone else should start with the Subaru.
