Pros: Nicely finished interior; driving dynamics; full complement of safety and technology features
Cons: Complicated touchscreen interface; so-so passenger space
CG Says: TThe 2021 Volvo V60 gains standard blind-spot alert with steering assist and rear cross-traffic alert. The sporty T8 Polestar is now badged Recharge. Along with its S60 sedan sibling, the Volvo V60 wagon was redesigned for 2019. The V60 is the smaller of Volvo’s midsize wagons; it slots in size and price underneath the V90. The SUV-flavored Cross Country model has standard all-wheel drive, a raised ride height, and added body cladding. A high-performance Recharge has more power and sport suspension. The “regular” V60 comes in base Momentum, sporty R-Design, and upscale Inscription trim levels. All V60s (except Recharge) come with a 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. All, except Cross Country and Recharge, have front-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive T8 Recharge is a plug-in hybrid that combines a supercharged/turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with an electric motor for a total 415 hp. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Available safety features include forward collision warning and mitigation with pedestrian/cyclist/large-animal detection, lane-departure warning and mitigation, oncoming traffic mitigation, and road-sign identification. Also available is the Pilot Assist driver assistance system that can keep the car in a chosen lane at a selected speed up to 80 mph. However, Pilot Assist is not fully autonomous and requires the driver to hold the steering wheel. Traditional station wagons of any stripe have become an endangered species as buyers flock to crossover SUVs, but the Volvo V60 makes a strong case for itself. The styling is handsome inside and out, and optioned-up examples have a truly premium look and feel. Despite some downsides—namely a complicated touchscreen infotainment interface and a cabin that can be a bit too cozy for large occupants—the V60 is a strong contender that offers athletic driving dynamics, a uniquely luxurious ambiance, and the versatile cargo capacity of its wagon body style.
| 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 Manufacture | Sweden |
| Base Prices | T5 Momentum: $42,045 T5 R-Design: $47,495 T5 Inscription: $47,495 AWD T5 Cross Country: $46,545 AWD T8 Recharge: $68,645 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (T5) |
| Horsepower 250 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 22-23 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 31-34 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged/supercharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder/electric motor (T8 Recharge) |
| Horsepower 415 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA Gas Engine Combined (mpg) 30 |
| EPA Electric Motor Combined (MPGe) 69 |
