The 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country competes in a tiny arena. Its wagon body makes it enough of an oddity, but its elevated ride height and light off-road ability place it in direct competition with only two other wagons: the Subaru Outback Limited and Audi A4 allroad.
In addition to the Cross Country, there’s a third option: the Polestar Engineered V60 plug-in hybrid. While it lacks the raised suspension and rugged cladding found on the Cross Country, the plug-in V60 comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), and its 455-horsepower gas engine/electric motor combo makes it a blast to drive.
2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country Plus (starting at $48,800)
The V60 Cross Country Plus features standard AWD, a raised suspension, and a 247-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
A mild hybrid system recaptures energy when braking and stores it in a 48-volt battery. The energy stored in the battery can help the Cross Country when accelerating, thus reducing gas consumption and emissions.
Additional mechanical features include hill descent control, hill start assist, speed-sensitive adaptive power steering, and engine stop/start.
The Plus trim comes nicely equipped and features 18-inch alloy wheels, charcoal-colored wheel arch extensions, rear privacy glass, and a panoramic laminated glass moonroof with a power sunshade.
Power-folding and heated side mirrors dim when sensing headlights approaching from behind and tilt down when shifting the transmission into reverse.
Additional exterior features include rain-sensing windshield wipers, roof rack side rails, adaptive LED headlights, and fog lights. An advanced keyless entry system is standard. With the key fob in your purse or pocket, you need only touch the door handle or liftgate button to unlock the doors. Once inside, a push of a button starts the car.
The Cross Country Plus provides an inviting interior with leather-clad seats, a dual-zone automatic climate control system with humidity sensor, heated front seats, and a tailored leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel with controls for the cruise, audio, and Bluetooth.
Both power front seats feature 2-way power lumbar support. Memory settings for the mirrors and driver’s seat help find and save drivers’ preferred ergonomics. The 60/40-split-folding rear seat features electronic folding outboard headrests and a load-through hatch.
Other interior features worth mentioning include ambient lighting, a HomeLink garage door opener, limewood accents, and a built-in ticket holder at the windshield’s base.
On the technology front, the Cross Country Plus features a 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument cluster and a larger touchscreen center display controlling media, climate, and various interior functions, such as the heated seat controls.
Speaking of media, Volvo now equips its cars with Google built-in, giving users full access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play store. Apple CarPlay is available but may be delayed due to technical issues. Volvo remote services and SiriusXM satellite radio are included but require a subscription after the trial period ends.
The standard audio system consists of a 220-watt amplifier powering 10 speakers. The Plus includes four USB-C ports, two up front and two in the back seat. Rear seat passengers also enjoy rear air vents.
As safety is a Volvo hallmark, it should come as no surprise to find the V60 Cross Country Plus comes loaded with a long list of standard passive and active safety systems.
Active driver aids include forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, a blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic detection and braking. Oncoming Lane Mitigation can help prevent a head-on accident by steering the car back into its lane if it has drifted over the centerline.
The adaptive cruise control maintains a safe distance between the Cross Country and the vehicle ahead. At the same time, Pilot Assist keeps the wagon centered in its lane, even when negotiating slight curves in the road. Road sign information appears as an icon in the digital display, continually showing the posted speed limit just in case you missed the actual sign.
Rounding out the Cross Country Plus safety features are automatic high-beam headlights, a driver alert monitor, rear power child locks, a rear park assist camera, front, side, and rear parking sensors, plus a 360-degree Surround View Camera.
Options include the Climate Package, which adds headlight washers, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. A second package substitutes integrated booster cushions in place of the heated rear seats.
Buyers can also opt for 19-inch alloy wheels, an air purifier system, a hands-free power liftgate, and a 600-watt, 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
With the $1,045 destination fee, the 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country Plus costs $49,845. On a 60-month loan with 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $897. See 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country Plus models for sale
2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country Plus includes:
- Adaptive cruise control – Maintains a preset distance between your Volvo and the traffic ahead, slowing and even stopping without the need for driver intervention.
- Digital instrument cluster – Provides essential vehicle information and can be configured to show navigation, audio, and traffic sign information.
- Power seats – The V60 Cross Country has some of the most comfortable seats ever put in a car, made all the more alluring with power lumbar for both the driver and passenger.
2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country Ultimate (starting at $54,100)
Mechanically, the Volvo V60 Cross Country Ultimate is identical to the Plus trim. The significant difference between the two comes down to exterior and interior upgrades.
Building off the Plus, the Ultimate adds a color head-up display, 19-inch alloy wheels, a Harman Kardon sound system, and a 4-zone automatic climate control system with a rear seat control panel.
The Ultimate features Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated and massaging front seats, and a crystal gear shift lever by Orrefors, a Swedish glassworks.
The front seats get upgraded with 4-way power lumbar support, power side bolsters, and power extendable seat cushions. The passenger seat gains a 2-position memory setting.
Optional equipment for the Ultimate includes the Climate Package, a hands-free power liftgate, and a 1,460-watt 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins high-end audio system.
With the $1,045 destination fee, the 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country Ultimate costs $55,145. On a 60-month loan with 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to approximately $992. See 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country Ultimate Plus models for sale
2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country Ultimate includes:
- Ventilated front seats – Help keep you cool and dry on hot summer days.
- Head-up display – Projects essential information onto the back of the windshield. Drivers can see it without taking their eyes off the road.
- Passenger seat memory – Allows up to two passengers to save their exact seat position with a 2-position memory setting.
2023 Volvo V60 Polestar Engineered (starting at $70,550)
The V60 Polestar Engineered is a standard wagon that lacks the Cross Country’s higher ride height and body cladding but comes standard with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain.
Under the hood resides a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and electric motor good for 455 hp. This combo can launch the V60 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds or permit it to travel about 40 miles in pure EV mode.
The V60 Polestar Engineered builds off the V60 Cross Country Ultimate’s standard equipment list, then adds more luxury and Polestar-specific features.
The mix includes an electric heating and cooling unit, the Bowers & Wilkins audio system, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and headlight washers. A 120/240-volt portable charge cable also is standard.
The V60 Polestar Engineered features a Polestar-designed chassis with stiffer springs and dampers, Brembo brakes, a Polestar Engineered front strut bar, and unique bump stops.
The only options for the V60 Polestar Engineered are a power liftgate and metallic paint.
With the $1,045 destination fee, the 2023 Volvo V60 Polestar Engineered costs $71,645. On a 60-month loan with 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to approximately $1,287. See 2023 Volvo V60 Polestar Engineered models for sale
2023 Volvo V60 Polestar Engineered includes:
- Plug-in hybrid powertrain – Produces more power than the standard 2.0-liter gas engine, gets better fuel economy, and can travel about 40 miles solely on electric power.
- Bowers & Wilkins audio – With 1,460 watts flowing through 15 strategically placed speakers, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better in-car sound system.
- Polestar Engineered suspension – Designed to make the V60 more fun in the curves, enhancements include stiffer springs and shocks, a lower ride height, and performance brakes for improved stopping power.
