Flash Drive

2015 Volvo V60

August 24, 2015 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2015 Volvo V60 T5 AWD Cross Country

The Volvo V60 Cross Country is a station wagon with impressive SUV skills.
The Volvo V60 Cross Country is a station wagon with impressive SUV skills.

Engine: 2.5-liter 5-cylinder gas turbocharged, 250 horsepower, 256 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Ratings: 20/City—28/Highway—23/Combined

Base Price: $41,000

As Tested: $49,350

Performance:

Confidence inspiring safety features

Blind spot monitoring

Lane departure warning

Collision warning with full auto brake

Paved roads are where most Volvos spend their time, but the V60 Cross Country is very proficient on dirt trails.
Paved roads are where most Volvos spend their time, but the V60 Cross Country is very proficient on dirt trails.

Pedestrian detection

Parking assist

Excellent backup camera

Smooth highway ride

Added height and cladding for off road

Quite impressive off road

Hill descent control

Decent power, but not exciting

Efficient transmission

We matched hwy economy at 28 mpg

Comfort:

Great front seats, very supportive

Soft headrests

Stretch-out front legroom

Volvo front seats are some of the most comfortable and supportive available.
Volvo front seats are some of the most comfortable and supportive available.

Good headroom

Heated front seats

Heated steering wheel

Extra thick steering wheel

OK auxiliary controls, but not great

Driver power lumbar

Tight back seat if fronts all back

Tall floor tunnel

Utility:

Good cargo space

Flat floor

No lift over

Sufficient hatch height

Manual hatch

Split rear seats fold almost flat

Sharp rear roof angle hampers cargo space

Cargo capacity is good, although the slant of the rear hatch is a limiting factor.
Cargo capacity is good, although the slant of the rear hatch is a limiting factor.

Low roof height

Small console bin

Medium size front door bins

Big, deep, locking glovebox

Two seatback pouches

Rain sensing wipers

Wow Factors:

Loaded with state-of-the-art safety features

Excellent seats

Very capable off road

Whines:

Expensive option packages

Back seat is snug

Bottom Line:

The Volvo V60 AWD Cross Country is a nice sized station wagon that can go almost anywhere larger SUVs can. The Volvo V60 is more of what people really need than cumbersome truck-based SUVs. Driver/front passenger comfort is excellent and legendary Volvo safety features instill confidence and security.