2020 Volvo V60 Cross Country Review

Considering that Volvo redesigned its V60 for the 2019 model year, we figured that a new Cross Country variant would be joining it. It turns out we'll have to wait a little bit — there won't be a 2019 model — but the redesigned V60 Cross Country will indeed arrive for the 2020 model year.

You can read more details about it in our First Look (below, on this page), but Volvo's basic idea for the 2020 V60 Cross Country wagon is to take some of the best qualities of sedans and SUVs and blend them into one. With a lower ride height than an SUV and a corresponding lower center of gravity, the Cross Country is almost as stable as a sedan when going around turns. Yet its cargo space, standard all-wheel drive and higher ground clearance are comparable to what's offered in some SUVs.

Even if you're not seeking an optimal middle ground between the two, the V60 Cross Country is a satisfying and desirable vehicle. Along with the S60 sedan and the V60 wagon, the Cross Country boasts handsome Scandinavian design inside and out, praiseworthy materials and modern technology.

Nuts and Bolts

This year's V60 Cross Country has an increased ride height of 2.5 inches and some body cladding on the side skirts and wheel arches that give it a more muscular and rugged appearance. That added height, which results in 8.3 inches of ground clearance, makes the Cross Country a solid alternative to many small crossover SUVs.

Under the hood is Volvo's T5 turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an output of 250 horsepower. It's possible the turbocharged and supercharged T6 model and the plug-in hybrid T8 may eventually be added to the lineup. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to a standard all-wheel-drive system.

We don't know all the details yet, but Volvo says the V60 Cross Country's feature content will mimic the larger V90 Cross Country's. As such, you can likely expect standard 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, a traffic sign reader, virtual gauges, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-folding rear headrests, navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In keeping with Volvo's reputation for safety, frontal collision warning and mitigation, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, hill descent control, and hill start assist will also be standard. For options, we can likely expect features such as four-zone climate control, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, rear passenger sunshades, a heated steering wheel, premium audio, a surround-view camera system, and a head-up display.

Shelter From the Storm

We traveled to Sweden, the home of Volvo, to discover for ourselves how capable the V60 Cross Country is. Our drive occurred during the dead of winter. As you could probably guess, the roads were covered with snow and ice. To compensate, Volvo fitted our test V60 Cross Country with studded snow tires. Given the conditions, we weren't fully able to test out the V60's capabilities, but we still got a good idea of what to expect when the vehicle arrives stateside.

Acceleration is brisk enough that we didn't miss the more powerful T6 engine. Even on slippery surfaces, the Cross Country gets underway with ease. The transmission shifts smoothly and quickly, and the easy-to-modulate brakes bring the wagon to a stop with authority when needed. Even on urban and rural roads beset by uneven patches of ice, the Cross Country's ride quality remains pleasantly luxurious. This feat is likely due to the Cross Country's taller ride height and longer suspension travel. The cabin is also quiet and well-isolated from noise.

When the road begins to bend, the Cross Country corners with sedan-like confidence. There's little body roll to speak of. If it's anything like the S60 sedan on which it's based, this wagon has the potential to be somewhat sporty and athletic on dry pavement. We also had the opportunity to let loose on an icy handling course. On it, we found the V60 Cross Country downright entertaining, but almost any car would be if you're so inclined. What that course demonstrated was the effectiveness of the Cross Country's all-wheel-drive and stability-control systems to keep the car on its intended path under adverse conditions.

We were also treated to a short off-road course that demonstrated its SUV-like capabilities. The wagon navigated snowy inclines and large offset bumps without even breaking a sweat. By comparison, some small crossovers would probably be left stranded or damaged on the same obstacles.

The Great Indoors

The V60 Cross Country's interior is nearly identical to every other contemporary Volvo's, and that's a very good thing. The Scandinavian design is refreshingly and elegantly simple, and a large Sensus infotainment screen dominates the center of the dash. Its materials quality is better than entry-level luxury standards and approaches premium status in well-appointed models.

Getting in and out of the vehicle is easy thanks to the optimal entry height. You don't have to stoop down as you would for a sedan or step up as you would for an SUV. Once inside, the seats are roomy and supportive, making them comfortable for hours at a time. Outward visibility is excellent, and the driver has a very good indication of where the corners are when maneuvering in tight spaces.

The Sensus infotainment system isn't as intuitive to use as some competing systems. But with a little familiarization, most drivers should get the hang of it. The large vertical touchscreen is easy to read at a glance, and the big virtual buttons keep driver distraction to a minimum. As a bonus for snow-bound drivers, the system works even when you're wearing thick gloves.

Cargo capacity is competitive with many compact luxury SUVs. Volvo lists a maximum of 60.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded in the regular V60, so expect a very similar number for the Cross Country. It's also as accommodating for bulky items thanks to the cargo area's large opening and boxy shape.

A Wagon for All Seasons

Prices haven't yet been finalized, but we expect the Cross Country to slot in between the $50,000 V60 Inscription and $60,000 V90 Cross Country. The closest rival is the Audi A4 Allroad, which starts around $45,000. But comparably equipped, the price of the Audi and the Volvo should be similar. Other luxury wagons include the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Jaguar XF Sportbrake that cost upward of $65,000, but they come up short in the off-road department.

Our early impressions of the Swedish-made V60 Cross Country are very favorable, and that's with the handicap of having studded snow tires in harsh conditions. In filling the void between sedans and SUVs, the 2020 Volvo V60 Cross Country strikes an enjoyable balance that may surprise you.

It's not a surprise, but like the pair of rain boots in the back of your closet, it's nice to know the 2020 Volvo V60 Cross Country is there. As sure as a frustrating hour with a tiny hex wrench follows a trip to Ikea, the announcement of a new Volvo Cross Country model follows that of the regular wagon. With the latter having come earlier this year, it was only a matter of time.

Since 1997, Volvo has been lifting its station wagons, grafting on an all-wheel-drive system and some plastic cladding, and sending them out into the world as SUV alternatives. But the outgoing V60 Cross Country had trouble competing with SUVs and even with other lifted-wagon-style cars, thanks to its cramped back seat and relatively small trunk. The 2020 V60 Cross Country should benefit from the fact that the new V60 is a larger, roomier and more premium-feeling vehicle.

Putting the Country in Cross Country

The new V60 Cross Country gains about 3 inches of ride height over the regular V60 and comes standard with all-wheel drive. In addition to the normal suite of electronic nannies, the Cross Country gets hill descent control and an off-road driving mode. None of this will turn the sleek Swede into a rock-crawling land conqueror, but it does mean you won't have to be afraid of a little dirt, mud or snow.

The four-cylinder engine in its various guises (turbocharged or turbo- and supercharged) carries over from the regular wagon. And it's worth noting that the standard-height V60 can also be had with all-wheel drive. For many buyers, sitting 3 inches higher off the ground will likely be the top reason for forgoing the rather pretty road-only car.

Better Bones

We haven't had a chance to drive any version of Volvo's new 60-series cars, but we have been able to go hands-on with an S60 sedan in a parking lot. From that brief encounter, we can say that the vehicle is striking in person, and Volvo's interior design language has translated fantastically to this vehicle. The cabin is clean, handsome and upscale, with comfortable seats and room for adults both front and rear. It's a huge improvement over the outgoing model, with the only demerit being Volvo's overly busy infotainment interface.

Cargo space in the V60 is also superior to that of the outgoing model. With the rear seat in place, you get 29 cubic feet (only a 1 cube increase), while putting the rear seat down nets you a 10 percent gain to 48.2 cubic feet. The rear seat has obviously grown, with more leg- and headroom than the outgoing model. The car can reasonably fit four adults now, and, of course, it can keep them all safe. All of Volvo's newest safety equipment will be offered, including standard cross-traffic alert, road-departure mitigation and automatic emergency braking.

Pricing and Availability

There was no word on pricing as of this writing, but we do know that the V60 Cross Country will be available via the Care by Volvo subscription program. Look for the 2020 Volvo V60 Cross Country to hit U.S. dealerships in summer 2019.