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The new-for-’15 V60 Cross Country ($41,940, including transportation) is an elevated variant of Volvo’s compact, five-passenger V60 station wagon ($36,890). Along with its most natural competitor, Audi’s allroad quattro, it reworks ground first tilled by Subaru’s Outback.
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The Cross Country rides 2.6 inches higher than the V60 and Volvo’s quick-acting all-wheel-drive system is standard.
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The Cross Country embodies Volvo’s Scandinavian aesthetic. More Euro-wagon, less hiking boot. Instead of body-cladding, badges and bulging wheels, expect blacked-out window- and mirror-trim, dark-tint windows and a honeycomb grille.
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Inside, low-pile sisal-type floor mats share space with contrast-stitched leather. Volvo’s up-level Contour seats, standard on Cross Country, are unusually supportive and comfortable.
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Integrated child booster seats are available.
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Navigation, a sunroof and Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity are standard. The infotainment user-interface is dated and button-heavy, but relatively intuitive. Standard kit includes Bluetooth phone and audio, a 7-inch central display, smartphone-app integration and an eight-speaker audio system with CD player, satellite and HD radio, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB/iPod interface.