While their popularity has been steadily growing, horse-drawn wagons remain an uncommon sight on Canada’s highways and byways. Mercedes-Benz has long been a leading proponent of the station wagon, offering high-performance AMG variants of its C-Class and E-Class models to cater to enthusiasts seeking practicality and power. Audi’s decision to keep the A4 Allroad in production has surprisingly outlasted expectations, with its success partly credited to the popularity of the potent RS 6 Avant. In response, BMW has seized the opportunity to introduce a Touring variant of their latest M5 model. Subaru deserves credit for its pioneering work on the Outback, while Volvo has recently replicated this success with its V60 and V90 models, showcasing a similar focus on versatility and practicality.
The V60 is Volvo’s compact wagon, distinct from the S60 sedan in its elongated profile, rear-hinged hatch, and increased cargo capacity. Currently, the model is offered solely in Plug-in Hybrid or Cross Nation trims, with the latter boasting an elevated stance of 60 millimetres for enhanced floor clearance, its black-plastic-clad bumpers and wheel arches serving as a protective shield against the elements, masterfully blending wagon and crossover design cues.
The elevated roof design allows for effortless entry and exit from the vehicle, while also facilitating the loading of bulky items into the trunk without requiring excessive bending from taller individuals. The upgrade provides a sense of security for novice drivers who prioritize having a safe distance from the vehicle in front, alleviating concerns about curb damage – it’s essential not to undervalue the impact that mere millimeters of increased ground clearance can have on one’s vehicle.
I appreciate the authenticity of Volvo’s approach, refraining from embellishing its vehicles with unnecessary “Cross Country” branding, unlike certain competitors who adorn their off-road-inspired models with an abundance of logos. Subtle, cross-hatched lettering in a deep, embossed relief adorns the rear bumper, adding a touch of understated elegance to an already sleek design. With its modern T-shaped headlights harmoniously paired with integrated roof rails and a diverse selection of wheel sizes, the V60 exudes an unmistakable allure that surpasses any of Volvo’s current SUV offerings.
While the current-generation V60 has remained largely unchanged since its 2019 debut, the most significant recent update has been the integration of Google features into the touchscreen interface, effectively transforming this Swedish wagon into a mobile computer on wheels. Experience seamless integration with your digital life by connecting to Volvo through Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play, mirroring the intuitive functionality of your smart home devices and Android smartphone. The driver of this futuristic Volvo simply utters “Hey Google” and the vehicle promptly responds. You can verbally input addresses for navigation on Google Maps, as well as control compatible smart home devices such as thermostats or temperature-controlled lighting. The system responds to voice commands with remarkable flexibility, unencumbered by rigid protocols or predetermined guidelines. The intuitive design of this interface stands out from the often-clunky in-house systems, which, to be honest, can be downright disappointing. As a result, the high demand for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto stems from their intuitive design and familiar interfaces, making them accessible to users of all technical backgrounds. As a rare instance, this Volvo V60 was the sole exception where I consistently relied on the in-car Google Maps rather than defaulting to Apple CarPlay. It’s likely to be just about as satisfactory an outcome as one could reasonably expect to receive.
The comprehensive Volvo Digital Providers Subscription comes standard with the V60, offering four years of seamless integration and real-time data utilization. This subscription aligns with our precise vehicle program, ensuring that when you sell or transfer ownership of your V60, the new owner can continue utilizing our Google services until the four-year term has elapsed.
The cabin of the V60 exudes a sense of effortless Scandinavian simplicity, with an uncluttered and airy feel throughout. If IKEA were to design an automobile interior, it would likely be minimalist in style, featuring ergonomic seats crafted from natural materials like wood, complemented by judicious uses of chrome and plastic accents. With precision-crafted ergonomics, each dial, knob, and button offers a subtle yet tactile connection, effortlessly responding to gentle manipulation without demanding excessive force or manual agility.
The standout option is the Orrefors glass gearshift, beautifully presented like a centerpiece, leaving us wondering why it didn’t make the transition to the latest Volvo models, such as the EX90. The windshield wipers feature integrated washer nozzles within the stalk, precision-engineered to deliver a controlled spray pattern along the windshield’s surface.
The Volvo V60 Cross Country comes standard in a single trim level, paired exclusively with the B5 engine and all-wheel drive.
The turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four engine produces a potent 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that enables swift acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds – more than sufficient for daily commutes.
The engine’s racket is a jarring combination of noise and vibration, reminiscent of a farm implement’s rumble, particularly pronounced in cold temperatures. Energy builds steadily rather than suddenly, but a significant amount of forward momentum is unleashed once the acceleration takes hold. Thanks to its seamless 8-speed automatic transmission, the delay is significantly reduced, allowing for uninterrupted on-road performance with no compromise on efficiency. The transmission shifts smoothly, eliminating the need to constantly adjust gears – a relief, given the lack of paddle shifters available.
Although Volvo successfully improves the suspension with the Cross Country variant, the elevated ride height still hampers the driving experience. While the V60 navigates uneven terrain with some stiffness and woodiness, its response to vertical obstacles is somewhat compromised, leading to an unsettling jolt when encountering potholes or cracked pavement. While an air suspension might compromise the available cargo space in a V60, a concern that’s understandable given its importance to owners, this consideration alone doesn’t necessarily disqualify the feature from being considered. Despite these similarities, the Cross Country nonetheless exhibits a notable absence of physical lean, gliding effortlessly on highways and displaying greater composure than its XC60 SUV counterpart.
The Volvo V60 Cross Country is a refined SUV that excels in its role as a family-friendly hauler, boasting versatility, go-anywhere capability, robust power output, and a thoughtful, well-appointed interior. As the ageing model accelerates with fervour, its engine roaring like a lion’s mighty roar, Google’s ingenious integration seamlessly merges the two worlds – a pioneering blend of automotive excellence and cutting-edge technology, transforming this erstwhile vehicle into a potent fusion of smartphone sophistication and dynamic driving pleasure.
What a thrilling adventure awaits in the 2025 Volvo V60 Cross Country!
Vapour Gray
$66,800
$74,175
2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
With a powerful output of 247 horsepower between 5,400 and 5,700 revolutions per minute, this engine is poised to deliver exceptional performance on the road.
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800 – 4,800 rpm
8-speed automated
Entrance engine, AWD
: 10.8
