Pros: Good cargo versatility with handy 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat; impressive-for-the-class projected fuel economy from new 4-cylinder engine; unique available safety equipment; some testers prefer V60’s traditional push-button audio and climate controls to the touchscreen and/or joystick interfaces of many class rivals
Cons: Cramped rear-seat space; stiff ride with available 19-inch tires, acceleration isn’t very linear with 4-cylinder engine; unrefined operation of 4-cylinder’s start/stop feature
CG Says: The V60 is a new-for-2015 model that is essentially a station-wagon version of Volvo’s S60 midsize car. The V60 offers one of Volvo’s new “Drive-E” 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engines in addition to the carryover 2.5-liter 5-cylinder and 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engines. The carryover engines come exclusively on all-wheel drive V60s. The new 4-cylinder is rated at 240 horsepower and is available only on front-wheel drive models; an 8-speed transmission and fuel-saving start/stop function help it achieve EPA mpg estimates of 25 city/37 highway. Being a Volvo, the V60 is available with a host of safety features, including Lane Keeping Aid and a Pedestrian Detection system that can also detect cyclists. In all, the V60 inherits the virtues and vices of its S60 sedan sibling, but its extra cargo capacity and surprisingly swoopy styling give it a unique character that stands out in the premium midsize-car class. Still, we recommend checking out the competitive wagons from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz as well.
| Class | Premium Midsize Car |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door wagon |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Volvo |
| Nation of Manufacturer | Belgium |
| Base Prices | 2WD T5: $35,300 AWD T5: $36,800 2WD T5 Premier: $37,100 AWD T5 Premier: $38,600 2WD T5 Premier Plus: $37,850 AWD T5 Premier Plus: $39,350 2WD T5 Platinum: $40,450 AWD T5 Platinum: $41,950 AWD T6 R-Design: $44,300 AWD T6 R-Design Platinum: $47,300 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 240 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 25 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 37 |
| Optional Engine 2.5-liter 5-cylinder |
| Horsepower 250 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 20 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 29 |
| Optional Engine 3.0-liter 6-cylinder |
| Horsepower 325 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 19 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 28 |
