I absolutely adore this vehicle... in the age of CUVs and other boring vehicles this just stands out as something special and unique. I'd like one in 3 years or so.
Best review of the V60 by far. I am 25 and I always considered Wagons ugly or antique, a statement of the past, but wow. I saw one of these and headed straight to reviews. It looks classy and elegant. My dream car right now, which I'd be able to afford in 3-4 years.
Just bought a used '21 with 15k miles on it (it's our fourth Volvo wagon.) Still working out all of the features like the voice control, but it's a wonderful car. Bought the gas engine rather than the hybrid, since the B5 is overly complicated while the T5 has been around for a while and is pretty reliable.
I’ve got a 2020 and after 3 years I love it more every day! It makes driving around Seattle a comfortable breeze and has saved our butts a couple times, even once when a wrong way driver came right at us around a multi lane roundabout. Still get approached in parking lots with folks asking what it is too.
I think there is hope for wagons. My son, like yours, is a huge fan of wagons and chose a used 2017 V90 Cross Country as his first car and he absolutely loves it. I love how it rides and I’m especially happy with all its safety features.
Volvo seems to be losing interest in making wagons. While demand for SUVs is increasing, and demand in America for Volvo wagons has decreased a lot, I posit that the biggest reason that Volvo can't sell more wagons in America right now is the design -- specifically the Tesla-like move away from physical buttons/dials and very poor computer screens (both the badly designed central infotainment screen and the poorly-attired instrument panel). Volvo doesn't understand just how much people loathe this Tesla-style interior. I'd bet that if they'd make their interiors more like Lucid or Porsche in terms of layout (and at least retaining haptic buttons for climate, audio, drive-mode controls), they'd sell a lot more cars. Not to mention that the infotainment system in Volvos has become notorious for being glitchy, difficult, and failing. The other problem is jacking up the price because of standard "features" that really should be optional only such as glass in the roof, larger-than-18-inch wheels, foot-triggered opening of rear hatch, etc.
This is the most comfortable car I’ve ever had. I also love the Volvo safety-tested dog enclosure accessories for the back. In the video, you accidentally show a V90cross country on one of the insurance courses.
Another fine auto review. We've leased 4 or 5 Volvo wagons over the years, and while we enjoyed driving them, have always been happy to return them when the lease term was up. Two had mechanical issues that portended future major expenses, i.e. excessive oil consumption/loss, the other, rough/hard transmission shifting.
Another enjoyable review; viva le wagon! . I still have happy memories of my 1st car which was a '68 122S wagon followed by a 145S (not to mention a less utilitarian 1800S). All were rock solid, comfortable, and pretty fuel efficient (28-32 mpg). Volvo was so far ahead of other manufacturers back in the 60s and 70s being the 1st widely sold cars to have 3 point safety harnesses, disc brakes, electric Overdrive, fuel injection, and turbos. The brand lost is leadership role for many decades but has retained is handsome, practical, iconic wagon profile. They are still comfortable, safe, with great utility but IMO have sacrificed economy for performance and have become rather pricey. Thankfully I never crash tested any of them as Tom has! Due to Volvo's poor mpg & high prices I have moved on to Subarus but you can't beat the Volvo wagons for looks. Long live the long roof!
Tom, just to let you know. When you say 'hey Google' in your videos, it triggers our devices home. Now I have my ac at 74 and I'm getting recommendations of coffee shop on my phone. 😂
I love wagons. I miss my old Saab 9-3 sport back, Mine had the rare manual too. While I currently drive an elderly Landy and an Abarth 500, I still have soft spot for long and lean wagons.
Great video as always, Tom! I love Volvo! Reminds me of my youth when I was given a ‘package’ to deliver to an immediate care center in a grocery store owners Volvo wagon -it was part of a fellow employees finger she sliced off in the deli. Finger slice reattached / employee fired.
Tom, love, love, love the detailed review on the long roofs! I'm maintaining a unicorn - a 16 year old 3 series wagon with a manual. I'm ok'ish going to an automatic, but not ok with paying 70k out the door for one of these. Even used it's too much - about 39k for a 3 year old version. Nope.
I had to opportunity to buy one of these 2.5 years ago at the ripe age of 38, youngish I guess.. It was a dream come true. Still can't believe I'm driving it, every time I sit it I feel like I don't deserve it, it's luxury. It's a 2 litre diesel, one of the last ones ever made and it gets to roam the streets of Ankara, Turkey. A true blessing.
I have the previous P3 design and I absolutely love it. I've driven many newer Volvo's as loaners and they are incredible cars. I think I've become a Volvo lifer lol
Currently driving a 2017 V90cc am trying to plan for a replacement next year. Want the mileage of the V60 hybrid but many of the features of the V60cc. To me, it is interesting to note that the mpg rating for the 23 V60cc is what I actually get with the V90cc. Thanks for the review.
Me? Tested drove a Audi Q5 SB, Acura RDX, MB GLB250, Toyota RAV4, Volvo XC60 T6 and Volvo V60 CC with my wife last year and we are a happy V60CC for over a year now. Perfect car as a commuter.
I Currently own a Volvo XC40 (Love it) but my favorite car I've ever owned was a 2008 Volvo XC70....very handsome "classic" Volvo wagon. It was a bit slow with its naturally aspirated V6, but it handles so surefooted and rode like a dream. Many road trips were had. It just ate up the hwy miles. I regret trading it in with 200k mi on it. It was so reliable for me. Also back when Volvo were a premium brand but not luxury....now the price tags are out of control.....hence me currently owning their cheapest model in the US...lol
Totally agree with everything you said. Volvos are special but not special enough at MSRP (i.e. BMW money). My family is driving a 2016 XC70 and 2017 S60, both fully loaded but at 20% off MSRP (i.e. not much more than Subaru money), and both have the same physical buttons layout. Will keep them for as long as possible (so far both have been trouble free), until the trend reverses back to physical bottoms again.
Another solid review. We picked up a 23 XC90 Recharge Ultimate last fall and was curious how this would compare. I agreed on many things, but after living with the Android Automotive interface for 6 months, I'm over it. If you use vice controls, fine... But that's kind of awkward with a car full of people, and the actual on-screen controls are small, laggy, and just not great. Won't buy another volvo for this reason.
Thanks for sharing that experience. I'm on the edge to buy, but mulling over the google infotainment and depreciation. Looks like the google service is free for first 4 years or so. Do you have any idea what happens after that, or how does google service work, when you are in a remote area and ther is no cellular network. I'm concerned about the maintenance charges as well, as I'm a keeper for longer. :)
@@jeevanpanda8177 I think the subscription for the app is $200/year(!) after the first 4 years. At this point, the app leaves a lot to be desired, but it's the only way to remote start the car(which is still a little hit-or-miss), can start it from the key fob. It should be noted that we're Android people, so I thought we'd love the infotainment, but it hasn't panned out well. Luckily they're consistent with monthly OTA software updates, so hopefully it improves. Bottom line: some functions are just better suited to buttons. Touch screen is fine while parked, but not great while in traffic. I like the way the XC90 looks and drives, tho.
@@jeevanpanda8177 I believe the data plan is $200 annually but check with Volvo. While I've not used the Volvo system in a dead zone, I have experienced it with the new Lexus system. I found that map data didn't load (plus isn't stored on board) and voice commands didn't work. Could be problematic if lost. Volvo's reliability score was fairly low but is heading upward. As near as I can tell it's about average in class and cost less to maintain than most luxury vehicles like MB. But do your research to make sure.
We love our V60CC, most comfortable seats, feeling of safety, lots of utility, and just beautiful to look at. I was able to sit in it for 5.5 hours straight without a break on a recent road trip. In fact, my son liked it so much he is buy a V60 Polestar via their Overseas Delivery Program where they fly you out to Gothenburg for free and put you up in a hotel for 3 nights also free of charge. It just takes a leap of faith to own one but once you do you'll be hooked. Just remember to be diligent on the routine maintenance.
Thanks for making a pitch for wagons! I'm still driving a 2000 Saab 9-5 four cylinder turbo with 180K. I get up to 34 mpg on the highway at 75-80 mph. Odd that the Volvo never seem to get better mileage. Since Saab's demise, my next car will probably be a Volvo -- wagon, of course -- but maybe a nice used V70 or XC70.
Not making the cross country wagon available as a PHEV version (7:05) is sad … this wagon isn’t good with a “mild hybrid” drivetrain … also, using voice commands (8:35) is not a good excuse for deleting physical buttons/dials! Voice commands are hit-or-miss (more miss than hit), and nobody wants to interrupt passenger conversation or phone calls or listening to music/radio to change the temperature or fan speed!
I agree that voice command sucks when it doesn't work well, but this nailed my commands nearly every time. It's actually quite good. At least that's my experience.
I'm in that minority of folks who love wagons. I have a 10-year-old Outback that has been terrific and flawless. Its eventual replacement will either be another Subaru, or an A4 Allroad or V60.
Their new run-off road protection really can help save your spine, that is a new feature in this generation. Also glad the WHIPS did its job when you got rear-ended by the semi. Volvo. For Life.
I'm glad you called out how safe voice commands are. People complain about Tesla's giant screen controlling the cars functions being unsafe, but completely forget that Tesla voice commands are superb. Much better than my Kia Telluride, for example (one of my few complaints for that car)
I just got a gently used (certified) 2020 V60 xc. Orr family has owned an Outback since 2005. While I’ve appreciated it’s practicality, I’ve never “loved” it like my Volvo C30. So, my daughter is getting the Subaru and we get the Volvo!
I initially wanted a V90 - I've had a C250 and A4 in wagon before and loved the form factor. I ended up with an XC90 just because it was the best deal at the time. I get why people like SUVs, sitting that high up you do feel like you're the King of the road. There is also noticably more space in the back of the XC90 than the V90 which is great for road trip or rolling out an inflatable matress in the back and sleeping in there on particularly long drives through Australia. But I do miss the lower fuel consumption and handling of the wagons.
53 and will never be able to afford this but damn it's sweet! Love wagons and volvo especially (amg merc would be fine lol) Thanks for the great footage and information, Tom!
Great review; however! At 6:00 minutes when you talk about ground clearance and Water capability, the vehicle shown is NOT a V60, it’s actually it’s larger brother the V90. I’m sure this editing error was not intentional but none the less worth mentioning since it’s not the same car.
My 2018 Buick Regal TourX with 2.0T and 295 lb-ft of torque torque vectoring AWD would see 30 mpg using it for Lyft. It was seeing 36 mpg at highway speeds.
I'm moving to Southeast Michigan for work. A subaru it's the default 4WD or must-have during winter for faculty in that area. Until I watched your video, I was definitely going to buy a Subaru Outback. V60 Cross Country is a such an interesting alternative. I never thought of Volvo as an emotional car, b/c I only know its reputation for safety. Since I will be spending 6~7 hr commuting weekly in and out of Detrioit area, I want to spend those time well.
I recently bought one and this is NOT anything like the wagons we grew up with riding in as kids. Easily my favorite car after the S80 I bought 10 years ago.
A huge Lexus LX570 hit our Volvo S80 (II) in the back, twice at a good speed the first time and while already stopped the second time... not much damage to Volvo, and Lexus driver and passengers could not even open their doors, the wrinkles went all along the body of their SUV and the engine was much damaged. Amazing! The driver's seat in a Volvo collapsed as designed saving the driver's neck (mine). Truly safe cars!!!
People buy suv's because that's all they see and the American auto makers stop producing cars. So glad the rest of the world still offers them. Wagons have always been cool. My grandfather had a 78 Buick and I loved sitting in the way back rumble seat. I learned how to drive on a 82 Chevy Malibu wagon.
@@cbatiau2528 to my knowledge Europeans don’t tool around in 3/4 ton crew cab pickups either. Their cities are are hundreds of years old with narrow streets. That may have something to do with what they purchase.
Great review, as always. Long live (please..) the long-roof. preferably in a manual. i used to say diesel but with its price in the U.S. these days...why? BTW, I have a v60, its strong attributes are as you describe.
Fantastic interior. I test drove a 2022 model, but the touch screen for everything was so cumbersome and distracting. I ended up getting a KIA Stinger sportsback.
@@goostrey4210 for sure! Not worth it at all... I wouldn't pay $40k for the bottom-scraping wagon. I'd pay $70k for the Cross Country wagon with a robust PHEV drivetrain if they provided an all-metal roof, a better instrument panel, buttons/dials for drive mode, climate, and audio controls, and a better-designed horizontal infotainment screen. But that ain't gonna happen; Volvo doesn't understand that it's their design that's killing off their wagons, not their wagons being wagons.
I think it is smarter looking than all the other SUVs that are so overstyled. It is luxurious, while not shouting it from the rooftop. It is not trying to be something that it isn't. Volvo's are honest. They are about safety and providing a relaxing ride. I think the subtlety of their cars is what I like most. Nowadays even Lexus is becoming obnoxious, and it's great to see a company like Volvo creat minimalistic, simple luxury wagons.
I really like these Volvo wagon/SUVs. The new price is too much for my budget, but thankfully, they depreciate wickedly. So in 2 to 3 years, they are within my budget. Not that Volvo is a bad quality vehicle, they just don't get respect.
As handsome and tempting as it is. The corolla cross hybrid will be the future of this segment. It brings understated subaru looks, Bullet proof Toyota hybrid reliability, and just enough offroad/snow capability for the PNW. With more and more aspects of driving being automated, I seean appliance-ification of motoring in general. What's a Maytag? Whats a Whirlpool? What an Amana? Should you care? At the Home Depot, most folks don't even look at it at the machine. They stare at the little card with the price and the list of gimmicky features and ask the Apron Man if it can be stacked. On the bright side, they aren't considering a Laundry subscription service....... yet.
Really upset that the dropped the regular V60 in our market for the Cross Country version only... The V60 is the most beautiful car on the roads right now imo
@@DrivenCarReviews Interesting, they must have brought it back for this model year, but only as the plug-in hybrid model. I would love to buy one, but unfortunately that version is far too expensive for me. I am currently in the market for used T5/T6 models. It's a shame we can't get the sleeker bodystyle with these lower powertrain options anymore. Some of us want a wagon, but really don't want the cladding and extra ride height.
Fine review, thanks. Volvo's not really been on my radar but this review has turned my head - especially the epilogue testament to Volvo's safety credibility. I'm curious as to how Volvo sources its batteries/manufacturing process, the environmental impact of which is something rising in importance of factors to me. For example, I know that BMW has made a particularly strong effort to source/manufacture its batteries as eco-consciously as possible and has even developed - and is already implementing - an electric motor that doesn't use a magnet, so no rare earth minerals need be mined! What's Volvo doing in that regard, I'd like to know.
I can't speak to the details because I'm slammed getting the next video out. But Volvo has always been responsible when it comes to sourcing and ecological responsibility. They've been ahead of the curve on that.
I’m struggling to decide between this v60 cc and a crv hybrid touring- both 2024 It’s a $9k difference to start and the Honda is more efficient. How much is the Volvo safety worth the difference, if at all? Thanks!!
In that price range? Buying new, you could go with an Audi allroad/Q5, more power/performance, and still have some $$$ left over. Dare I say, you could also go for an SQ5 (Premium Plus) with a 350 HP V6. a ton of amenities.. Either way, I understand the love for wagons, as I love my allroad.
1:21 “ABBA never sounded better”. I’d seriously consider this as a a replacement to my Forester, not sure about $63k, but the serenity mentioned later in the video could easily push me there. I don’t want to believe $48k is the average price of a new car, but I get it.
@@DrivenCarReviews I lived in FL back in 2017 and the warning sign was when my barber said he had 2 houses and was working on buying a 3rd to flip. That was 6 months before the whole market tanked and 1/3 of homes all went through foreclosure and sat vacant for 3-5 years. The current car market for new cars given the prices and interest rates has a similar feeling; a ticking time bomb of repos if you will.
the only negatives which are pretty big for this price range are: the pointless "hybrid" and the infotainment even in the 2024s, how is there no wireless charger and CarPlay!?
Beautiful car Tom, thanks for this review, its very well done. Keep up the great work! I am chomping at the bit for the EX60 (EX90 is too large for my needs). It may be a year or two away, but I think that with the B&W option ticked I will be a very happy camper for may years.
I had a pre gm saab. It was totaled by a drunk driver. I really liked that car. I wish SAAB would return as an e.v. only company with the same styling heritage
Are you sure theres no wireless charger.. my 2022 charges my iPhone when I place it down in the flat space next to the gear shifter. Agree on the rest of the points.. love the sportiness of the car and get a lot of compliments on how "cool" it looks in denim blue.
