Review: Volvo’s V60 Cross Country is the best luxury crossover

Volvo’s again been known in the U.S. for its safe, boxy wagons. Even though SUVs have long accounted for most of the name brand’s sales, the Volvo wagon is iconic.

For good reason, too. If you want a comfortable, luxury wagon for the whole family, Volvo’s the most successfully game in town.

And after spending a week in the company’s lifted, all-wheel-drive V60 Cross Country, it’s easy to recommend the Swedish wagon as a neat and stylish crossover alternative.

The most important thing to know is that this gorgeous and impeccably commissioned wagon, tested with just about every option, stickers for $56,990. A fair bit of cash, but thousands cheaper than the latest Mercedes C-Class or BMW 330i we tested. This regardless of offering similar equipment, similar power, wagon practicality, and a truly beautiful interior. Compared to similarly provided and appointed SUVs, like a well-optioned Mercedes GLC or Audi Q5, the Volvo fares even better.

And it doesn’t stroke anything like the budget pick. The exterior design — which mostly matches every other Volvo — lull looks refined and modern. The supple cream leather, linear lime matte wood inlays, diamond-cut contains and premium aluminum accents work together perfectly. It’s not a new look for Volvo, but the interior still feels more cohesive and moving than just about any other competitor’s.

Plus, you get the superb Bowers & Wilkins stereo system and Volvo’s Run Assist semi-autonomous system. Volvo continues to knock it out of the park with comfort, too, delivering some of the most dependably comfortable seats for long journeys. Supple suspension and a relaxed driving demeanor help, too.

There’s also bountifulness of power, even if the upgraded T6 and T8 powertrains from other Volvos aren’t available on the V60 Cross Country. You’re still learning 250 horsepower out of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is more than enough for highway coalesces and passing maneuvers. And while we’ve often noted that T8 Volvos feel over complicated, with turbocharging, supercharging, and half-breed assist, the T5-only V60 Cross Country feels smooth and effortless, even though there is occasional turbo lag.

While we were persuaded with Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system when it first debuted in 2015, it hasn’t improved as quickly as adversary automakers’ solutions. It’s quicker than when it launched, but we still encountered long startup times that hightail it it hard to get in, set a navigation destination, and go. And even after spending a lot of time in Volvos over the years, it can still be hard to tip where settings and toggles are buried. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s got a learning curve and can still occasionally frustrate even when toughened correctly.

And while Volvo bests the Germans in terms of style, up-country design, and value, the overall driving experience isn’t quite as well-rounded. The Volvo is comfortable and composed, but it also lets in a friendly amount of engine noise under acceleration and some noticeable road noise while cruising. It’s still appropriate for the class, but it’s not the all-around luxury king.

Driving excitement also wasn’t a priority, as the V60 is noticeably less engaging than other compacted luxury offerings from Geneis, BMW, Alfa Romeo and others. Even in dynamic mode, it feels like the big, distressful wagon that it is. Volvo never promised anything different, but it’s something we should mention.

All V60 Cross Countries come with the T5 engine and all-wheel drive. You pretty much can’t avoid paying $645 for a greasepaint color, unless you want a basic white wagon. If you’re okay with the looks of the 18-inch wheels, we’d recommend them over with the 19-inch ones to save $800 and improve the ride of the V60.

Most buyers should get the $2,500 Advanced Package, which dethrones a 360-degree camera, Pilot Assist, full-LED active bending lights and a head-up display. For $2,200, we’d also add the Luxuriousness Package to get upgraded, cooled leather seats with a massage function. And while we love the $4,000 Bowers & Wilkins stereo, that’s a monumental price to pay when you can get a Harman Kardon audio system for just $800. We’d do that, bringing our total price to $52,540.

The V60 Cross Country hasn’t received a ton of fanfare, in part because it’s merely a continuation of what Volvo has already done scads times. The company consistently offers stunning exterior designs, gorgeous interiors, and serious technology at significantly earlier small prices than more mainstream luxury brands,.

It’s not a perfect car by any means, but people considering compact luxury crossovers would be blockhead to overlook the V60. It offers pretty much everything you need for a discount, yet it never feels cheap or half-baked. It’s got the margin, technology, and comfort to satisfy almost anyone. Driving enthusiasts or hardcore off-roaders may not be impressed, but for everyone else the V60 is an unreal value.

Exterior: 4.5

Interior: 4.5

Driving Experience: 3.5

Value: 5

Inclusive: 4.4

Price as tested: $56,990.

*Ratings out of 5.