Used 2017 Volvo V60

If you need proof that a station wagon can be sexy, the Volvo V60 is Exhibit A. This is Swedish elegance and execution at its best, with a slightly sloped roof that suggests a shooting-brake design, yet all the carrying capability, innovative safety features and premium appeal expected from a Volvo. If you need proof that a European station wagon can be Americanized, look no further than the V60 Cross Country, a higher-riding, more rugged all-wheel-drive variant. And if you want to haul more than just gear, 300-plus-horsepower variants are ready and willing. Whichever you go with, you’ll get a satisfying luxury wagon that makes a tempting alternative to the Audi Allroad and BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo.

Part of the 2017 Volvo V60 wagon’s allure is that it feels at home on a variety of roads and in various settings, from long highway stretches to mountain roads. With 7.9 inches of ground clearance — more than that of its Audi Allroad rival — the V60 Cross Country can even do some light off-highway roaming. Although not as precise as a BMW 3 Series, the V60’s steering, brakes and acceleration are all what we’d consider performance-oriented, and certainly make it much more fun to drive than a Subaru Outback. Tying it all together are the V60’s glorious engines, which are among our favorite 4-cylinders. Their power output feels far more than the 2.0-liter displacement would suggest. Standard variants make a commendable 240 horsepower, while R-Design and the limited-edition Polestar variants make 302 and 362 horsepower, respectively. All models now use a smooth-shifting 8-speed Geartronic automatic.

Not surprisingly, the 2017 V60 has all the Swedish refinement and simplicity associated long associated with Volvo cars. While we’ll likely have to wait for next-gen versions before getting the astoundingly beautiful interior treatment and the latest tech upgrades of Volvo’s new crop of cars like the XC90 and V90, that of the V60 is still quite attractive. All models seat five passengers and have intuitive controls — just look at the human-figure ventilation directives! And because this is a wagon, there’s ample cargo room in back, and even more if you fold the rear seats.

This may be the best-looking of Volvo’s "60" series of cars, which includes the S60 sedan and XC60 SUV. The V60’s profile is graceful and elegant, with a sloping roofline that extends the cargo area, but without making it look like a sedan wearing a backpack. In fact, some of us prefer it over the stubby-trunk look of the S60, and still others like its sleek, low-to-the-ground stance compared to the XC60. The Volvo V60 Cross Country sits a bit higher than the standard model, but the result is rugged, not awkward.

DRIVE-E
While its name may be confusing — and has nothing to do with electric propulsion — the Drive-E engine family offers up surprisingly impressive fuel economy and even more impressive performance. It’s one of the smoothest, most refined 4-cylinder turbos on the market.

CROSS COUNTRY
The Cross Country adds an additional 2.6 inches of ground clearance and standard Haldex all-wheel drive (AWD), allowing the V60 to venture lightly off-road as well as tackle deeper snow drifts.

The standard 2017 Volvo V60 is available across a half-dozen trims, while the V60 Cross Country is offered in two. Even a base model is nicely equipped with 8-way-power front seats, moonroof, heated exterior mirrors and dual-zone climate control. The infotainment system is aging but has a 7-inch command screen with HD Radio tuner, Bluetooth connectivity, USB/auxiliary inputs and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Volvo furthers its safety reputation by making its City Safety low-speed automatic-braking system standard. The 2017 V60 also comes with three years/36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. V60 Cross Country models have all-wheel drive, navigation, 18-inch wheels and skidplates.

Climb trims and you’ll get a better and better equipped European wagon. Additional amenities include full leather interior, harman/kardon premium audio system, heated front and rear seats, and universal garage remote. Among the optional safety and driving aids are adaptive cruise control, collision-warning system with full auto brake and pedestrian/cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist and parking sensors. A sport chassis and integrated roof rails are also offered. All-wheel drive (AWD) can be had in lieu of front-drive (FWD) for lower models and is standard on the V60 Cross Country.

Volvo has streamlined its engine offerings in the 2017 V60 lineup, with all using a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. But we’ll say it again: These are phenomenal engines that punch above their weight. At the very least, a turbocharged T5 version makes 240 horsepower and can move this mover from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. T6 versions are turbocharged and supercharged. Yes, they use both kinds of forced induction, making 302 horsepower in T6 R-Design models and a whopping 362 horsepower in the V60 Polestar, which enables it to hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Note that V60 Cross Country models are available only with the 240-horsepower engine. All models are connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The V60 is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (T5)
240 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/36 mpg (FWD), 23/31 mpg (AWD), 22/30 mpg (V60 Cross Country AWD)

2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged inline-4 (T6 AWD R-Design)
302 horsepower @ 5,700 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 2,100-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/32 mpg

2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged inline-4 (V60 Polestar)
362 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
347 lb-ft of torque @3,100-5,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27 mpg

Note: Due to changes in EPA testing to more effectively reflect real-world conditions, some 2017 models show slightly lower fuel-economy scores than their 2016 versions.