2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country Review: The Wonder Wagon
The 2023 Volvo 60-Series sedan and wagon lineup offers impressive grace and safety features. These 60-series Volvos come in S60 sedan and V60, in both Cross Country and Recharge wagon forms. In both sedan and wagon form, the 2023 Volvo S60 and V60 make a strong case for themselves thanks to their subtle lines, powerful 4-cylinder engines, and huge array of options. Shop them against the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
The 2023 Volvo S60 lineup sees few big changes this year, though the automaker now groups most trim levels in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels with increasingly large amounts of features for the money. The 60-Series Volvo range comes in two basic car forms: S60 sedan and V60 high-riding wagon. They’re both truly beautiful, with clean exterior lines giving way to a luxurious cabin loaded with tech.
Sedans and wagons come with a 247-hp turbo-4 and 8-speed automatic transmission that work in concert for decent performance overall. Look for as high as 30 mpg combined in this form. The 455-hp S60 and V60 Recharge models are offered in limited trims and configurations, but those who seek out their power will find ferocious acceleration thanks to a 455-hp hybrid powertrain. These models may offer upward of 40 miles of electric-only range, too.
The 2023 Volvo V60 cuts a dashing, elegant profile. A tightly-formed front fascia with a wide grille hints back to the automaker’s 1960s glory days. Big headlights bisected by an LED light bar give way to a profile with a tall greenhouse and svelte haunches. At the rear, huge vertical L-shaped headlights add particular intrigue. V60 Cross Country wagons carry the same styling themes into a long-roof body that sits up a bit higher and features chunky fender flares. It’s not rugged, but it’s tough enough for us. The V60 Polestar Engineered amps things up with divine wheels and a chunkier body kit.
The Cross Country may not be a true sports wagon like the Recharge, but the Volvo V60 is quick and rides well. Both V60 models come standard with all-wheel drive. The V60 Cross Country models use the base B5 powertrain consists of a 2.0-liter turbo-4 paired with a 48-volt starter-generator for 247 hp. These wagons have decent grunt, and the smooth engine pairs well with the 8-speed automatic transmission.
V60 Recharge models swap in a turbocharged and supercharged version of the turbo-4, which is then paired with an electric motor and a big battery pack. At 455 hp combined, these are properly quick cars that can scoot to 60 mph in around 4.5 seconds, or even quicker in slightly lighter sedan form.
All models have quick, direct steering that’s light on feel but high on accuracy. Ride motions compare favorably to Germany’s best, but the V60s soak up big bumps well enough. Polestar Engineered versions are decidedly stiffer, though they have adaptive dampers that help quell rough pavement. The V60 Cross Country offers good fuel economy by scoring 23/30/26 mpg while the V60 Recharge gets 31 mpg combined and 41 miles of all electric range.
The 2023 Volvo S60 delivers safety in droves. Let’s put it this way: the 2023 Volvo V60 is the car you want to put your loved ones in. This compact sedan earns top-notch scores from the IIHS and the NHTSA, it’s easy to see out of, and it comes standard with an exceptional array of crash-avoidance tech.
The IIHS says the S60 is a Top Safety Pick+, while the NHTSA rates it at five stars overall. Standard equipment includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors with steering assist, and most versions have Volvo’s Pilot Assist system that allows for short stints of hands-free driving on clearly marked roads.
Inside, the V60 is even nicer. Its cabin is an exercise in restraint, with gorgeous materials pairing well with a clean, simple aesthetic. The vertical touchscreen sits above a smattering of small switches for a look akin to a high-end luxury hotel. Of special note are the V60’s interior materials, which set a high bar for their price point.
The 2023 Volvo V60 makes good use of its cabin space. It may be a compact luxury wagon, but the V60 has a comfy interior with room for four or five in a pinch. The power-adjustable and heated front seats offer good support, especially the more bolstered thrones found in higher-end versions. Synthetic leather is standard, while real hides come in Plus trim and above. The V60 Recharge is even offered with Volvo’s innovative wool-blend fabric for a particularly nice experience.
Rear-seat riders will find an acceptable 35.2 inches of leg room and a nicely contoured bench, though three abreast is a tight squeeze. The wagons offer 23.2 cubes with the rear seatback upright and nearly 51 cubes with it folded down.
The 2023 Volvo V60 delights when it comes to its feature set providing true luxurious value. A long list of standard equipment, plenty of options, a spectacular warranty, and a decent infotainment system with a big screen make the V60 a standout. The V60 Cross Country runs $50,095 in Plus trim, which isn’t all that big of a jump for its added utility and standard all-wheel drive. Still, that money buys 18-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, a big roster of safety tech, and a 9.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Those truly committed can spend the better part of $71,445 on an V60 Polestar Engineered. Oh, and all Volvos are backed up by a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty with three years of free maintenance.
The 2023 Volvo V60 is one of the most impressive all-around vehicles that we have driven in a long time. With the V60, Volvo offers a comfortable safe stylish wagon with refinement and value. The only choice you have to make is between the outdoorsy Cross Country or performance-minded Recharge with 41 miles of all-electric range. Regardless which you choose, you can’t go wrong because the 2023 Volvo V60 is truly a wonder wagon.
