2025 Volvo V60

Growing up in the 80s, everyone had a station wagon with that third row of seats that faced out back. As we rolled into the 90s wagons started to disappear and minivans became the family vehicle of choice and then eventually the crossovers and SUVs we see today. As for traditional station wagons like the Volvo V60, the only other automakers that still make wagons are Audi (A4 & A6), Mercedes- Benz (E-class), and Subaru (Outback). Honorable mention to Porsche (Taycan) and Mini (Clubman).  With scarce competition and a deep history of producing wagons, Volvo has mastered this class with the new V60.

For 2025 the V60 is offered as either the Cross Country (Plus or Ultra) mild hybrid or the V60 Polestar Engineered plug-in hybrid. The mild hybrid Cross Country comes with a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder that produces 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The plug-in hybrid pairs the 2.0L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder with an electric motor to deliver a combined 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. Both powertrains pair with an 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive standard.

Pricing for the V60 Cross Country starts at $50,300 and the Polestar Engineered model starts at $71,250. I spent a week in the V60 Polestar Engineered T8 AWD model that checked in at $72,835 with destination and delivery… here’s what stood out.

Performance:
At the heart of the V60 Polestar Engineered is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. Together, they deliver a combined 455 horsepower and 523 lb.-ft of torque, making this one of Volvo's most powerful vehicles. Acceleration is brisk, with a 0-60 mph time of just 4.3 seconds, catering to drivers seeking some performance. The standard all-wheel-drive system ensures confident handling in various conditions, while the adjustable Öhlins dampers provide a refined balance of comfort and sportiness. The front brakes are Polestar Engineered Brembo brakes with 14.6 inches floating discs and six-piston calipers providing plenty of stopping power. The eight-speed automatic transmission never makes itself known, and the blending between gas and electric propulsion is buttery smooth. Brake regeneration can be activated by shifting the wagon into B instead of D, and it's strong enough to bring the whole show to a halt. The V60 may look like a family wagon, but it performs more like a sports sedan with impressive cornering and a well-balanced, refined overall ride.

Drive Modes:
There are multiple driving modes that include hybrid, pure, power, and constant AWD. The different drive modes optimize the car’s steering, brakes, shock absorption, and driver display for each setting. When in hybrid mode, the electric motor and internal combustion engine are used, individually or in parallel, and their use is adapted regarding performance, fuel consumption and comfort. Hybrid is recommended by Volvo for day-to-day driving. In pure mode the electric motor is prioritized  and is available when the hybrid battery has a sufficiently high charge level. If the battery's charge level is too low, the car's characteristics are controlled to provide as low energy consumption as possible. Power adapts the combined power output from the electric motor and internal combustion engine to provide as high performance as possible and response to acceleration. Opt for power mode when you want sportier characteristics and faster response to acceleration.

Efficiency:
The plug-in hybrid powertrain is remarkably efficient. With a pure electric range of up to 40 miles, the V60 can handle most daily commutes without using a drop of fuel. When the battery and gasoline engine work in tandem, fuel economy is impressive at up to 74 MPGe, and charging is quicker thanks to the upgraded 6.4-kW onboard charger. Charging from empty to full will take around five hours under ideal conditions on 240-volt Level 2 charge equipment. I plugged it into a standard 120-volt outlet at home and let it charge overnight and always started the morning with a full charge. The plug-in hybrid option is one of my personal favorites because you get all the benefits of electrification with more power, better fuel economy, improved driving range, and peace of mind knowing you can always fill up at a gas station. When fully charged and with a full 15.9-gallon fuel tank, the V60 has a driving range of around 520 miles.

Exterior Style:
The V60 Polestar Engineered is a pure depiction of  Scandinavian minimalism. Its exterior is sleek and athletic, with subtle gold accents on the brake calipers and seatbelts hinting at its performance credentials.  Up front is easily recognizable as a Volvo with Thor’s Hammer LED headlights and bold front grille which make a striking visual statement, while the low, wide stance emphasizes its sporty character. The side profile is simple and definitively a wagon with a long, but low roofline. It has a lower stance with slimmer windows and clean body lines. Sporty 19” forged alloy wheels wrapped in summer performance tires fill the wheel arches. And around back, LED taillights stretch up the rear window and across the hatch for a distinct lighting signature. Volvo is spelled out across the hatch and minimal spoiler adds a finishing touch. This results in an unassuming vehicle that enthusiasts appreciate, while others may not notice. Overall styling is on point and will age well.

Interior:
Inside, the cabin is a blend of luxury and practicality, featuring premium materials such as leather, carbon fiber, and brushed aluminum. Drivers face a traditional set up with a 12” digital gauge cluster set back behind the leather wrapped steering wheel. At the center of the dashboard is a 9” vertical touchscreen flanked by vertical vents. Below the screen is a row of quick access buttons for hazards, defrost, and a volume knob while the rest of the controls are within the screen. The center console features a handcrafted crystal gear shifter in genuine Swedish crystal made exclusively for Volvo by Orrefors, it’s a nice touch and adds to the premium feel. Up above is an available panoramic roof that lets light flood in and has a significant sized opening for added fresh air. Storage space is minimal upfront other than the center console bin.  Overall, this meticulously crafted interior feels very cozy and premium.

Technology:
The V60 is equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that integrates Google services, including Google Maps and Google Assistant, that is fairly easy to use once you get the hang of it, as many of its functions are buried deep within menus. Input response times are generally good, however. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. Higher trims offer advanced audio systems, such as the 14-speaker Harman Kardon or the 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins setup. As always, Volvo’s sound systems continue to impress me with various settings that are crisp and fill the cabin like you’re in an actual theater, truly one of the best on the market. Unique ‘Room Transformation’ technology recreates the acoustics of a specific room with choices like studio, individual stage, concert hall, and jazz club.

Also available is a head-up display that allows you to watch your speed, follow turn-by-turn navigation, and more. All without losing focus on the road. The brightness of the head-up display adapts automatically to the light conditions, and you can set the system to suit your own personal preferences.

Seating:
Up to five people can sit inside the V60. It comes standard with leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats and driver's seat memory settings. Nappa leather upholstery, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats are available. The seats are ergonomically designed, ensuring long-distance comfort. Space for the driver and passenger feels cozy, but not overly spacious. There is ample head and leg room, but it does feel tighter overall. Rear seats offer enough space for three adults with decent head and legroom. All the seats are comfortable and supportive, making it an ideal vehicle for a longer drive.  The heated seats warm up quickly and my kids appreciated the rear heated seats on a cold morning.  A unique added touch inside were gold colored seat belts that added to the interior aesthetic.

Cargo:
The V60 has a decent amount of cargo space for a wagon of its size. You'll find 18.3 cubic feet of room behind the back row and 60.5 cubic feet behind the first row with the second row folded down. A power liftgate comes standard, and loading heavier items is made easy with the low, lipless load floor.

Safety:
Safety remains a cornerstone for Volvo. The V60 comes equipped with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and the Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system. These features contribute to the V60's five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Standard safety features include:
•    Adaptive cruise control
•    Blind-spot monitoring
•    Forward collision warning
•    Forward and reverse automatic emergency braking
•    Front and rear parking sensors
•    Lane-departure warning
•    Lane-keep assistance
•    Oncoming lane mitigation
•    Rear cross-traffic alert
•    Rearview camera
•    Road-departure mitigation (assists the vehicle from driving off the road)
•    Surround-view camera system
•    Traffic-sign recognition

Final Statement:
The 2025 Volvo V60 offers a compelling mix of luxury, performance, and safety. This is a great vehicle for a road trip with ample cargo, comfortable seats, and an engaging drive. The plug-in hybrid powertrain offers the best of both worlds with efficiency for around town and the security for a long trip. The V60 is a nice alternative to the plethora of crossovers available on the market and worth a look. I’d still like to see the return of a third row jump seat just for nostalgia sake.

Test Vehicle: 2025 Volvo V60 T8 AWD Polestar Engineered
Exterior Color: Crystal White
Interior Color: Charcoal Nappa
Notable Options: Luggage Cover ($390)
Price as tested: $72,835 (with destination charge)

Pros: High-quality interior, comfortable seats, engaging drive, efficient PHEV,  standard safety
Cons: Infotainment learning curve, higher maintenance costs, price