Wagons may have taken a backseat to SUVs in today’s automotive market, but Volvo continues to keep the long-roof format alive with models like the latest Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 AWD Ultimate. Blending crossover-like utility, refined comfort, and an all-wheel-drive powertrain, this lifted wagon makes a respected choice for those seeking practicality without sacrificing driving enjoyment.

After spending a week behind the wheel of the V60 Cross Country, it’s clear that Volvo knows exactly how to play in the realm of the rare wagon formula without compromise.

Volvo’s V60 Cross Country maintains the timeless look of a proper wagon but literally elevates things with 8.1 inches of ground clearance and rugged design cues, such as the plastic fender cladding. The raised ride height, standard all-wheel drive, and subtle cladding around the wheel arches give it a more commanding presence compared to the standard V60.

Despite the rugged elements, the V60 Cross Country doesn’t stray from Volvo’s traditional Scandinavian elegance. The clean, minimalist lines and signature Thor’s Hammer LED headlights make it an understated yet stylish choice in a sea of mundane crossovers.

The Ultimate trim of my test vehicle ups the ante with larger 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and upscale interior materials. It strikes a sweet spot between luxury and versatility without venturing into excess.

The V60 Cross Country B5 AWD is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. This setup delivers 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic transmission. While it’s less powerful than the plug-in hybrid setup in the V60 Recharge Polestar Engineered, the B5 powertrain provides sufficient grunt for daily driving and light adventures.

The mild hybrid system improves fuel efficiency slightly and ensures smooth transitions during stop-start scenarios, among the smoothest for firing up the engine upon it shutting off at a stoplight. During my test, the V60 Cross Country returned an average of 27 mpg (23 mpg city, 26 mpg combined, 31 mpg highway EPA estimates), making it more efficient than most SUVs in its class.

On the road, the V60 Cross Country feels planted and composed. The suspension is tuned to handle rough road surfaces to exude a respectable level of smoothness followed up with a plush ride without any floaty feel. While it won’t have nearly as much power as the Polestar Engineered version, it excels at providing a confident and comfortable driving experience and decent 0 to 60 mph time of about 7 seconds flat.

For the interior, you’re greeted with a minimalistic cabin that Volvo does best as of late. There are very few controls or buttons where most interaction takes place through the infotainment touchscreen. The seats are some of the most comfortable in the industry, with supportive padding and premium leather upholstery in the Ultimate trim. Heated and ventilated front seats add to the year-round comfort, while the spacious rear seats accommodate adults without much compromise.

The minimalist dashboard design centers around a vertically oriented 9-inch touchscreen running Volvo’s Google-based infotainment system. The system is intuitive, responsive, and packed with features like Google Maps integration, voice controls, and over-the-air updates. However, some functions are still buried in menus, which might frustrate drivers who prefer physical controls, which I again experienced in my test vehicle as I have in previous reviews of Volvo vehicles. One other benefit of the system is that it nicely integrates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but lacks a wireless charging pad.

Cargo space is where the V60 Cross Country shines brightly. With 22.3 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats and up to 60.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, it rivals many compact SUVs. Whether you’re hauling groceries, luggage, or outdoor gear, the V60 Cross Country delivers the versatility spectrum.

Volvo’s reputation for safety is well endowed, and the V60 Cross Country continues that tradition. Standard driver assistance features include adaptive cruise control with pilot assist, blind-spot monitoring with steering assist, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and many of the features will step in even when disabled.

The 2024 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 AWD Ultimate proves that wagons still have a place in today’s SUV-dominated market. Its elevated ride height, standard all-wheel drive, and generous cargo space make it an excellent alternative to crossovers, while its refined design and comfortable interior add a touch of luxury to the equation.

Even though the V60 Cross Country lacks the high-performance thrills of the V60 Recharge Polestar Engineered, it retains a nicely balanced approach that is likely to appeal to buyers who value practicality, comfort, and all-weather capability.

If you’re ready to embrace the charm of a modern wagon with the practicality of an SUV, the V60 Cross Country makes a strong case. Volvo continues to carry the torch for the wagon segment—and with vehicles like this, it’s easy to see why. My nicely loaded-up Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 AWD Ultimate test vehicle comes to a price of $62,075, which includes a destination charge of $1,095.