The station wagon is a very capable machine with space to spare. But it doesn’t really have a great reputation of being a cool ride. Volvo has set out to make the humble station wagon cool again. The automaker began by giving the wagon some slick styling with curves — this is no box on wheels anymore!
The Volvo V60 T5 Cross Country I drove helps the normal wagon stigma by giving it a lift and making it look a bit more like an SUV.
It drives more like a normal car than a top-heavy SUV. The steering feels tight and direct. It dispatches most bumps without any hassle at all, yet remains a comfortable cruiser. A turbocharged engine provides plenty of pep for most buyers pumping out 250hp. The AWD keeps the Volvo confident in all situations.
Where the Volvo excels is the high quality and luxurious interior. The modern look might feel minimalistic if you’re used to button overload. Rich leather and wood trim are welcoming, and the seats are super comfortable and good for all-day driving. The wagon is very spacious, so it swallows cargo. Since this isn’t a true SUV, you can easily lift the heavy items in without lifting too far up.
Cost: $45,100; as tested $56,990
MPG: 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway; I managed 25 mpg in 201 miles of mixed driving.
Options: $2,500 Advanced package; $2,800 Cross Country pro package; $750 heated steering wheel & heated rear seats; $645 metallic paint; $4,000 Bowers and Wilkins premium sound; $200 park assist pilot
Safety: Blind spot information with steer assist; cross traffic alert with autobrake; collision avoidance by city safety; low & high speed collision mitigation detects vehicles/pedestrian/cyclist/large animals; road sign information; runoff road protection & runoff road mitigation; lane departure warning/lane keeping aid; oncoming mitigation by braking; driver alert control; park assist pilot; pilot assist driver assistance system with adaptive cruise control; 360 surround view camera
Things to know: The new Volvo V60 T5 AWD Cross Country is a mid-size luxury wagon. It looks a bit like an SUV, but rides like a car.
Pros:
- Very useful wagon layout with plenty of space.
- AWD and raised body allows some light off-roading ability.
- Comfortable seats ready for all day drives.
Cons:
- Price quickly balloons when you choose pricey option package.
- The station wagon isn’t known as the coolest ride.
- Can take some time to learn the infotainment system.
