Wagons could have taken a backseat to SUVs in right this moment’s automotive market, however Volvo continues to maintain the long-roof format alive with fashions like the most recent Volvo V60 Cross Nation B5 AWD Final. Mixing crossover-like utility, refined consolation, and an all-wheel-drive powertrain, this lifted wagon makes a revered alternative for these in search of practicality with out sacrificing driving enjoyment.
After spending every week behind the wheel of the V60 Cross Nation, it’s clear that Volvo is aware of precisely tips on how to play within the realm of the uncommon wagon formulation with out compromise.
Volvo’s V60 Cross Nation maintains the timeless look of a correct wagon however actually elevates issues with 8.1 inches of floor clearance and rugged design cues, such because the plastic fender cladding. The raised experience peak, customary all-wheel drive, and refined cladding across the wheel arches give it a extra commanding presence in comparison with the usual V60.
Regardless of the rugged parts, the V60 Cross Nation doesn’t stray from Volvo’s conventional Scandinavian magnificence. The clear, minimalist strains and signature Thor’s Hammer LED headlights make it an understated but fashionable alternative in a sea of mundane crossovers.
The Final trim of my take a look at car ups the ante with bigger 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and upscale inside supplies. It strikes a candy spot between luxurious and flexibility with out venturing into extra.
The V60 Cross Nation B5 AWD is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt gentle hybrid system. This setup delivers 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque by way of an 8-speed automated transmission. Whereas it’s much less highly effective than the plug-in hybrid setup within the V60 Recharge Polestar Engineered, the B5 powertrain supplies adequate grunt for day by day driving and light-weight adventures.
The gentle hybrid system improves gasoline effectivity barely and ensures easy transitions throughout stop-start eventualities, among the many smoothest for firing up the engine upon it shutting off at a stoplight. Throughout my take a look at, the V60 Cross Nation returned a mean of 27 mpg (23 mpg metropolis, 26 mpg mixed, 31 mpg freeway EPA estimates), making it extra environment friendly than most SUVs in its class.
On the highway, the V60 Cross Nation feels planted and composed. The suspension is tuned to deal with tough highway surfaces to exude a decent degree of smoothness adopted up with an opulent experience with none floaty really feel. Whereas it gained’t have almost as a lot energy because the Polestar Engineered model, it excels at offering a assured and comfy driving expertise and first rate 0 to 60 mph time of about 7 seconds flat.
For the inside, you’re greeted with a minimalistic cabin that Volvo does finest as of late. There are only a few controls or buttons the place most interplay takes place by way of the infotainment touchscreen. The seats are among the most snug within the business, with supportive padding and premium leather-based upholstery within the Final trim. Heated and ventilated entrance seats add to the year-round consolation, whereas the spacious rear seats accommodate adults with out a lot compromise.
The minimalist dashboard design facilities round a vertically oriented 9-inch touchscreen operating Volvo’s Google-based infotainment system. The system is intuitive, responsive, and full of options like Google Maps integration, voice controls, and over-the-air updates. Nevertheless, some capabilities are nonetheless buried in menus, which could frustrate drivers preferring bodily controls, which I once more skilled in my take a look at car as I’ve in earlier critiques of Volvo automobiles. One different good thing about the system is that it properly integrates wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto however lacks a wi-fi charging pad.
Cargo area is the place the V60 Cross Nation shines brightly. With 22.3 cubic ft of storage behind the rear seats and as much as 60.5 cubic ft with the seats folded, it rivals many compact SUVs. Whether or not you’re hauling groceries, baggage, or outside gear, the V60 Cross Nation delivers the flexibility spectrum.
Volvo’s status for security is nicely endowed, and the V60 Cross Nation continues that custom. Customary driver help options embody adaptive cruise management with pilot help, blind-spot monitoring with steering help, lane-keeping help, rear cross-traffic alert, and lots of the options will step in even when disabled.
The 2024 Volvo V60 Cross Nation B5 AWD Final proves that wagons nonetheless have a spot in right this moment’s SUV-dominated market. Its elevated experience peak, customary all-wheel drive, and beneficiant cargo area make it a superb different to crossovers, whereas its refined design and comfy inside add a contact of luxurious to the equation.
Though the V60 Cross Nation lacks the high-performance thrills of the V60 Recharge Polestar Engineered, it retains a properly balanced strategy that’s more likely to enchantment to consumers who worth practicality, consolation, and all-weather functionality.
Should you’re able to embrace the appeal of a contemporary wagon with the practicality of an SUV, the V60 Cross Nation makes a robust case. Volvo continues to hold the torch for the wagon phase—and with automobiles like this, it’s simple to see why. My properly loaded-up Volvo V60 Cross Nation B5 AWD Final take a look at car involves a worth of $62,075, which features a vacation spot cost of $1,095.
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