2019 Volvo V60 Review

Can a wagon be so attractive it gets buyers to reconsider their addiction to SUVs? In the case of the new V60, it’s possible.

Rarely has a modern car had such perfect proportions. Properly “stanced” as the kids call it, hunkered down over gorgeous 19-inch wheels and highlighted by groovy detailing like the Thor’s Hammer LED lighting, the Volvo exposes most crossovers for the frauds they are.

The V60’s interior is equally compelling, with nice materials, good architecture and the most comfy seats in the business; you can even get hip retro “City Weave” fabric upholstery, a wonderful antidote to the faux cowhide most competitors fob off on buyers. The vertical, tablet-like interface is logical and fast (except for boot time) and the Volvo active and passive safety systems are first rate.

In T6 form this is a wagon that’s as fast as its svelte wrapper would have you think, 316hp firing it down the road with vigor; 0-60 should take just over 5 seconds. Body control is fine, steering decent and ride quality, if not cosseting, is less plagued by vertical motions than high riding SUVs.

With 23 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats in use, there’s decent room for pursuing an active lifestyle, and this wagon is low enough that a roof box can be accessed without standing on the door sills. While current Volvos lack that final bit of dynamic polish served up by Mercedes and BMW, the V60 is certainly better than most vehicles with its level of real-world practicality. Capping its allure, this Volvo is a rolling sculpture with decades of heritage behind it.

EPA MPG Ratings: 21/31/25
0-60 MPH: 5.2sec
MSRP: $53,445

Volvo Evolves

During the 1970s and into the ’80s, Volvo used to outsell Audi, BMW, Mercedes and most every other European import. But mismanagement under Ford left the venerable Swedish firm with decade-old hardware and no compelling products. By 2010, worldwide sales had sunk to just over 300,000. Rescued from oblivion by the Chinese firm Geely, Volvo has revitalized its entire line into first-rate offerings that are just different enough from the excellent German cars and crossovers to hit 624,253 sales worldwide last year.

Contact CAG Automotive Editor Isaac Bouchard at [email protected] to save time money and hassle when buying or leasing a vehicle.

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Colorado AvidGolfer Magazine is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it, publishing eight issues annually and proudly delivering daily content via coloradoavidgolfer.com.

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