We’re a fan of 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 trip 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 decide 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 arduous, the V60 Cross Nation feels agile and responsive by means of 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 expect the brand new model shall be faster nonetheless, and we sit up for testing it once we get the prospect. The Recharge T8 Polestar additionally comes with a manually adjustable suspension—one thing driving lovers would possibly suppose is cool—so the proprietor can dial within the automotive’s driving habits to their choice.

Gasoline Financial system and Actual-World MPG

The Cross Nation mannequin earns rankings 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 score 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 check route, a V60 Cross Nation B5 achieved 29 mpg. For extra details about the V60’s gasoline economic system, go to the EPA’s web site.

Inside, Consolation, and Cargo

Volvo designs some nice interiors, and the V60’s cabin is just 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. Good supplies corresponding to steel trim, actual wooden, and gentle leather-based make the inside appear and feel dearer than it’s. Cargo capability is nice, too, one thing we count on 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 checks.

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 outdated Sensus Join system, nevertheless it responds to inputs extra shortly. Nevertheless, it isn’t flawless, because the interface options on-screen icons which might be too small for straightforward 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 corresponding 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 Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embrace:

• Customary automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Customary lane-departure warning with lane-keeping help
• Accessible 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, nevertheless 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 coated for 3 years or 36,000 miles

Extra Function and Specs