2017 Volvo V60 Cross Country Review

2017 Volvo V60 Cross Country - Not quite a crossover but taller than a wagon, Volvo's Cross Country hopes to be just right.

By: Mark Bilek

The Volvo S60 & V60 Cross Country are high-built sedan and wagon versions of the S60 & V60 sedan and wagon. Though it offers all-wheel drive, the Cross Country is not a true crossover. It competes most directly with the Audi A4 Allroad and top-level Subaru Outback. Changes for 2017 are limited to a revised engine offering.

Differentiating the Cross Country from the standard V60 are 18-inch alloy wheels, 7.9-inches of ground clearance, body-side wheel-arch extensions, skid plates and unique trim. T5 and Platinum trim levels are offered. Both are powered by a new-for-2017 turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 240 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard. When properly equipped, maximum towing capacity is 3500 pounds.

Standard safety features include antilock brakes, stability and traction control, rear-view camera and dual-front, front-side, and curtain-side airbags. T5 models come with Volvo's On Call system, which includes emergency assistance, automatic crash notification, stolen vehicle assistance and City Safety forward-collision warning and prevention system. Available on the T5 and standard on the Platinum are blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, driver-inattention warning, rear cross-traffic alert and front and rear parking sensors.

The 2017 Volvo V60 Cross Country lists for $41,700 in T5 trim and $45,550 in Platinum trim. Both models have a $995 destination charge and are assembled in Sweden.

The V60 Cross Country's new engine is a gem. It's refined, powerful and efficient. Stomp on the gas and the high-built wagon will scoot from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.6 seconds. That's average for the class and plenty powerful for all but the enthusiast set. The new transmission also works well to provide smooth and seamless shifts while still maintaining prompt and crisp downshifts in passing situations.

Despite its name, the V60 Cross Country is not an off-road-ready vehicle. The all-wheel-drive system does not have a low range and the tires are not aggressive enough to handle rugged terrain. That said, the system is more than capable enough to handle Chicago's snow-covered roads and the occasional dirt or gravel trails.

EPA estimates are 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. While not impressive at face value, those numbers match up favorably to class competitors. Real-world fuel economy is directly related to driving style. Maintain a light throttle foot and it's easy to top 25 mpg overall, but stab deep into the gas and you'll likely see economy drop into the high teens.

The V60 Cross Country feels more buttoned down and athletic than similar-size crossover vehicles. The suspension, even with a generous 8 inches of ground clearance does an excellent job of eliminating rebound bounce and head toss. That said, the suspension is firm and does impart more road harshness than you might expect. The steering is heavy at all speeds and the brakes have ample stopping power -- even with a full load of passengers.

Interior noise levels are higher than expected with a fair amount of road rumble intruding at highway speed. The engine remains smooth when cruising and has an expensive-sounding throat in hard acceleration.

Awash in dark plastics and woods, the V60's interior is very European. Materials are upscale and the overall effect is classy and modern without being utilitarian. Unlike the new 90-series sedan and crossover, the V60 Cross Country makes due with a smaller central information screen and more traditional buttons and dials. There's definitely a learning curve and some controls are hard to discern at night. Overall, interior functionality falls behind some more modern competitors.

Though comfortable for most body types, the front seats are stiffly bolstered and firm. Head and leg room are great, perhaps class leading. Rear seats are nicely appointed as well but lack leg room for true adult comfort. Entry-exit is acceptable, but the door openings are smaller than in some competitors. Outward visibility is great.

Cargo space is a generous 43 cubic feet and that grows nicely with the rear seatbacks folded. Interior storage is a bit tight with just a few open and covered bins throughout.

Stylistically, Volvo's crossover-themed V60 effectively blurs the lines between wagon and rugged off-roader. Yet the Cross Country doesn't offer any more usable space or significantly usable capability when compared to the basic V60 and is slightly more expensive - creating somewhat of a conundrum. For most shopping in this class, cost isn't the first criteria under consideration, and, in Platinum trim, the V60 Cross Country is very nicely equipped at a fair asking price.

Mark Bilek

Mark Bilek is the Senior Director of Communications and Technology for the Chicago Auto Trade Association and the General Manager for DriveChicago.com. He is also responsible for developing and maintaining the Chicago Auto Show Web site.

Mark has been reviewing vehicles for more than two decades. Previously, he was associate publisher at Consumer Guide, where he oversaw publication of Consumer Guide Car & Truck Test, Consumer Guide's Used Car Book, and ConsumerGuide.com. He was also responsible for publication of "Collectible Automobile" and various hardcover automotive titles. In 2001 and 2002 he served as president of a Midwest Automotive Media Association. Mark has appeared on NBC TV, ABC TV, Fox News, WGN and MotorTrend TV as an automotive consultant. He hosts the Drive Chicago radio show on WLS 890 AM and was a regular guest on WGN Radio's Steve & Johnnie show. Mark lives in the northwest suburbs with his wife and three sons.

2017 Volvo V60 Cross Country Review

2017 Volvo V60 Cross Country - Not quite a crossover but taller than a wagon, Volvo's Cross Country hopes to be just right.

Mark Bilek

Find Used Cars in Chicago or Chicago Car Dealers at DriveChicago.com

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