I have never been a fan of station wagons because they just don’t look appealing to me. They look long and shapeless and not that stylish but after a week of driving the 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 Ultimate, it grew on me, and I can understand why some people prefer station wagons over SUVs and minivans. It has plenty of cargo space, fits 5 passengers and it drives more enthusiastically compared to a minivan.
Engine/Transmission
The 2023 Volvo V60 CC B5 Ultimate has a 2.0L direct-injected supercharged and turbocharged engine. It produces 247hp and 258lb-ft of torque. The V60 CC is paired with an 8-speed geartronic automatic transmission and has AWD. It is rated for 10.1 L/100km in a city and 7.7 L/100km on a hwy. I averaged a combined 9.4 L/100km so for its size, it is decent on gas.
Handling/Performance
Driving the V60 CC is not going to be as sporty as you may think as it is on the heavier side, but it is engaging enough and picks up speed rather quickly. Again, because it is not on the sporty side, 0-60 mph (96 km/hr) is reached in just over 7 seconds. The V60 CC is better at handling than a large SUV because, of course, it sits closer to the ground which lowers the center of gravity for a more enjoyable driving experience. It is easier to maneuver around a city and in tighter parking spots than an SUV would be. The suspension of the V60 CC is what makes driving it more engaging. Going at higher speeds through a corner does not feel like you are going to roll over and steering is very responsive, it goes where you want it to go at the exact moment.
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Comfort
The Volvo V60 CC is very comfortable, I had no issues driving for long periods. The only small issue I had was that the B-pillar was quite wide, so it made it a bit difficult to check my blind spots when changing lanes. Now this could have been due to my seating position, but I have never had this issue in any other vehicle. Backseats are also spacious for average height adults so kids will not have any issues, you will not feel squished. Trunk space is plentiful so just enough to fit all your belongings.
Interior
The interior of the V60 CC is nice. It feels and looks quite luxurious. It has a few features that you will enjoy such as leather Nappa seats, 4-zone climate control, heated rear seats, and my favourite being the crystal gear knob. This is just to name a few but the list goes on. It is also equipped with a 9.0-inch touchscreen which uses a Google based system and there’s a 12.3-inch driver display. The touchscreen is straightforward to use, I wouldn’t say user friendly, but you do get used to it after a while.
Exterior
Aside from what looks like a squished SUV, it does have some nice features. I do like how it looks from the front with the grille. It is equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels with the option of 20-inch wheels.
Pros/Cons
Overall, it is a great wagon. The 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country has a starting price of $53,500 CAD ($49,000 USD). It drives great, it is not a boring ride. It is available as standard with AWD, so it is great for year-round driving. It has enough space to fit a small family and baggage, it is great on gas and for those who like how it looks, even better! You can have similar cargo space as a SUV but not in a bulky vehicle. The V60 CC is a not a sporty wagon so if you are looking for a super fun drive, then this isn’t it. If you are someone wanting extra cargo space in a vehicle but do not want to purchase a SUV or minivan, then a station wagon is one to consider.
Thank you to Volvo Canada for providing the vehicle. www.VolvoCars.com
2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country Gallery
