Long Live the Wagon
Taking many forms over the years, the Volvo Cross Country wagon has earned a reputation as a safe and reliable vehicle for families, or just anyone who needs to move large items over slippery roads.
Traditionally, a model wearing the Cross Country moniker is a standard station wagon with extra ground clearance, body cladding, and other styling features inspired by SUVs. So you get a vehicle that looks like an SUV, but has the efficiency of a car.
The 2015 Volvo V60 Cross Country updates the old formula with current styling and tech pulled from the rest of the Volvo range. With the all-wheel drive traction of an SUV, the interior and fuel-efficient powertrain of a car, and styling that’s a bit of both, the Cross Country is still the perfect tool for just about any job.
Powertrain and Performance
The 2015 Volvo V60 Cross Country is powered by a trried and true 2.5-liter turbocharted five-cylinder engine, which drives all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.
With 250 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque on tap, the V60 Cross Country can launch itself from 0 to 62 mph in 7.4 seconds, and reach a top speed of 130 mph. EPA-rated fuel economy stands at 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway).*
The all-wheel drive powertrain should be appealing to traditional Cross Country buyers in snowy regions, but for those looking to save a little money, and possibly a little fuel, Volvo also offers a front-wheel drive version with a four-cylinder engine from its efficiency-focused Drive-E line.
While it shouldn’t be confused with a traditional SUV, the V60 Cross Country’s extra ground clearance compared to the standard V60 proves incredibly useful negotiating the occasional dirt road, not to mention speed bumps.
Features and Trims
The 2015 Volvo V60 Cross Country is only available as a five-door, five seat wagon, but the closely-related S60 four-door sedan is also available. Pricing for the two available trim levels starts at $41,000.**
Matching the V60 Cross Country’s minimalist design, Volvo keeps things simple when it comes to equipment. So there are only two trim levels to choose from, and most of what you can get is standard.
On the base T5 AWD model, that includes 18-inch alloy wheels, illuminated gearshift knob, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, cabin pollen filter, puddle lights, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, and SiriusXM satellite radio (with separate subscription).
Upgrading to the T5 AWD Platinum nets all of the applicable standard features from the base model, as well as active dual Xenon headlights, a harman/kardon® premium audio system, digital compass, and a host of electronic driver aids.
In addition, notable options include the Climate Package, with heated seats, heated windshield washer nozzles, a heated steering wheel, heated windshield, and Interior Air Quality System.Two-stage integrated child booster seats are another appropriate option for this family-friendly car.
Design
The 2015 Volvo V60 Cross Country is sensible yet stylish in that uniquely Swedish way. The first Cross Country models were seemingly designed using only a ruler, but this new model’s straight edges have been rounded and sculpted a bit for a more modern look.
Like previous Cross Country models, the 2015 V60 Crosso Country is based on a standard station wagon, and features styling cues meant to convey ruggedness and the off-road ability of SUVs. So it gets contrasting fender flares, front and rear skid plates, side scuff plates, and a 65-millimeter taller ride height.
The interior is largely the same as the one in the standard V60, with a three-spoke steering wheel, straightforward gauge cluster with a speedometer dial flanked by two screens, and clean center stack that can be optioned with navigation and Volvo’s Sensus telematics system.
Safety
Some carmakers are known for performance, others are known for luxury. Volvo is all about safety.
Living up to the brand’s reputation, the 2015 V60 Cross Country comes standard with anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, Whiplash Protection (WHIPS) front seats, and a full array of airbags.
Optional features include lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, a rearview camera, Pedestrian & Cyclist Detection and Collision Warning features, both with automatic braking, and Driver Alert Control, among other features.
Bottom Line
The 2015 Volvo V60 Cross Country offers the style and all-wheel drive traction of an SUV, with the more practical, fuel-efficient packaging of a station wagon. It’s the antidote to the modern crossover.
Having been on sale for more than a few months now, the 2015 Volvo V60 Cross Country is proving a popular alternative to the standard SUV. For the very best deals check out our list of incentives and be sure to contact us online or visit 3Birds Template to schedule a test drive.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
**Prices listed are the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other dealer charges.
Image: Volvo
