We’re keen on the racier Recharge T8 Polestar Engineered mannequin, which forgoes the Cross Nation’s lifted suspension and SUV styling cues for a extra performance-oriented look. Its journey is on the stiff aspect, however that is a compromise we’re keen to make for the T8 powertrain’s additional energy and electric-only driving mode. If the Polestar’s efficiency is not for you, we cannot choose you for choosing the Cross Nation. They’re each good decisions.

Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency

The Cross Nation mannequin is powered by a 247-hp turbocharged four-cylinder and comes with all-wheel drive. Once we examined the V60 Cross Nation, we recorded a 60-mph time of seven.1 seconds. So long as you are not pushing it too laborious, the V60 Cross Nation feels agile and responsive by corners. The souped-up Recharge T8 Polestar comes with a plug-in-hybrid powertrain that pairs a turbo-and-supercharged four-cylinder with electrical motors for a complete of 455 horsepower. It additionally comes customary with all-wheel drive. This association makes it far faster than the Cross Nation mannequin, because the earlier 415-hp model leaped to 60 mph in simply 4.4 seconds in our testing. Volvo has since upgraded that powertrain for an additional 40 hp so we predict the brand new model will probably be faster nonetheless, and we look ahead to testing it once we get the prospect. The Recharge T8 Polestar additionally comes with a manually adjustable suspension—one thing driving fans may assume is cool—so the proprietor can dial within the automobile’s using conduct to their choice.

Gasoline Economic system and Actual-World MPG

The Cross Nation mannequin earns scores of 24 mpg metropolis, 31 mpg freeway, and 27 mpg mixed. Regardless of being the lineup’s performance-oriented mannequin, the V60 Recharge T8 Polestar’s plug-in-hybrid powertrain is pretty environment friendly, incomes a fuel-economy ranking of 74 MPGe, or 31 mpg mixed when working in hybrid mode, with as much as 41 miles of claimed electric-only driving vary. On our 75-mph freeway fuel-economy take a look at route, a V60 Cross Nation B5 achieved 29 mpg. For extra details about the V60’s gas financial system, go to the EPA’s web site.

Inside, Consolation, and Cargo

Volvo designs some nice interiors, and the V60’s cabin is much like the luxurious environs within the S60 sedan and the XC60 SUV. The wagon’s cabin is spacious, the seats are snug, and the design is undeniably upscale. However Volvo’s minimalist strategy signifies that many controls are hidden away contained in the infotainment display screen. Good supplies comparable to steel trim, actual wooden, and delicate leather-based make the inside feel and look dearer than it’s. Cargo capability is nice, too, one thing we anticipate from a station wagon. In our testing, we match eight carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats and a complete of twenty-two with the seats folded. For reference, the Audi A4 Allroad match two fewer carry-ons in each assessments.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The V60 and V60 Cross Nation come customary with Volvo’s Google-based infotainment system. The brand new interface runs on the identical vertically oriented 9.0-inch touchscreen because the previous Sensus Join system, however it responds to inputs extra rapidly. Nevertheless, it isn’t flawless, because the interface options on-screen icons which are too small for simple use whereas driving. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are each customary, as is Bluetooth connectivity and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot powered by a 4G LTE information connection.

Security and Driver-Help Options

Volvo’s safety-focused ethos means driver-assistance options comparable to lane-keeping help, automated emergency braking, and different collision-avoidance applied sciences are customary. For extra details about the V60’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embody:

• Normal automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Normal lane-departure warning with lane-keeping help
• Out there adaptive cruise management with semi-autonomous driving mode

Guarantee and Upkeep Protection

Volvo’s customary safety plan would not break from the luxury-brand norm, providing 4 years or 50,000 miles for each powertrain and restricted guarantee protection, however it does add some worth within the type of a three-year complimentary scheduled upkeep plan.

• Restricted guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary upkeep is lined for 3 years or 36,000 miles

Extra Characteristic and Specs