2020 Volvo V60

Is the Volvo V60 a Good Car?

The V60 is an OK wagon. Like many Volvos, it boasts a sharp interior design that’s rife with upscale materials. It comes standard with many driver assistance features, it has roomy seating for adults, and a useful cargo hold makes it easy to transport lots of stuff. However, while the infotainment system looks high-tech, it can be tricky to use while driving.

When it comes to performance, the V60 merely gets the job done. Its standard engine has sufficient power, and the V60’s handling is more muted than athletic.

Should I Buy the Volvo V60?

You should buy the Volvo V60 if you want something practical that isn’t another run-of-the-mill SUV or crossover. A starting price of under $40,000 is pretty good for the luxury and features you'll get in a V60, but there are other compelling options.

The Audi Allroad is a well-rounded wagon, and worth consideration from anyone looking to spend $45,000 to $50,000 on a new vehicle. On the other hand, the V60 is a better choice and value than the Volvo V90, which offers few advantages over its less-expensive sibling.

Compare the V60, Allroad, and V90 »

Should I Buy a New or Used Volvo V60?

Volvo fully redesigned the V60 for the 2019 model year, and the 2020 model sees some significant changes as well. Two new trims debut: the V60 Cross Country and the V60 Polestar Engineered. The Cross Country is an adventure-focused model, with enhancements including standard all-wheel drive, a raised suspension, hill descent control, and slightly more rugged exterior styling. We stop short of calling it an off-road-oriented model though.

Another option for an all-wheel-drive V60 is the plug-in-hybrid V60 Polestar Engineered. This all-new model puts out 415 horsepower, but starting at more than $67,000, is it worth the price?

If you don't care about these new trims, you're probably better off shopping for a 2019 V60, which is likely less expensive than, but otherwise very similar to, the new V60. You could also consider a 2018-or-older V60, but as part of the previous generation, these models will be very different from more recent ones.

Be sure to read our 2018 V60 and 2019 V60 reviews to help make your decision. Also, check out our Used Car Deals page to learn about savings and discounts on used vehicles.

Compare the 2018, 2019, and 2020 V60 »

We Did the Research for You: 9 Reviews Analyzed

We analyzed nine Volvo V60 reviews – along with performance specs, fuel economy estimates, and more – to help you decide if the 2020 V60 is the right new car for you. This 2020 Volvo V60 review incorporates applicable research for all model years in this generation, which includes the 2019 and 2020 model years.

Why You Can Trust Us

U.S. News & World Report has been ranking cars, trucks, and SUVs since 2007, and our team has more than 75 years of combined automotive industry experience. To remain objective, we don't accept expensive gifts or trips from car companies, and an outside team manages the advertising on our site.

How Much Does the Volvo V60 Cost?

The 2020 Volvo V60 starts at $39,650, which is above average for a wagon. The R-Design and Inscription trims both start at $45,400, and you can option them up to about $52,000.

The all-new V60 Cross Country model retails for $45,100, and it can cost more than $57,500 with options. The V60 Polestar Engineered is an all-new plug-in-hybrid variant that starts at $67,300.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great deals at your local Volvo dealer.

Volvo V60 Versus the Competition

Which Is Better: Volvo V60 or Audi Allroad?

The Audi Allroad is one of our highest-ranking wagons, and it's a better buy than the V60. Based on the Audi A4 sedan, the Allroad delivers engaging handling, it has a similarly capable powertrain to the V60, and it benefits from standard all-wheel drive. Both of these cars have a spacious back seat, but you'll get more cargo room in the Allroad. Also, Audi's infotainment system is more user-friendly than Volvo's. The Allroad starts at $45,700, which is about $6,000 more than a base V60. Lower trims of the V60 can cost up to about $52,000, which is comparable to the Allroad's top trim that retails for just under $54,000.

Which Is Better: Volvo V60 or Volvo V90?

The Volvo V90 has a lot in common with the V60. These siblings both have top-notch interiors, plenty of cabin space, and a similar list of features. The V90, though, comes standard with Pilot Assist (an option in the V60), which controls your speed relative to other vehicles around you and provides steering inputs to keep you centered in your lane. Both cars have the same standard T5 powertrain, but the V90 offers the T6 twincharged engine that used to be available in the V60, and it starts at over $51,000. You're better off going with the V60, and you’ll likely spend less.

Compare the V60, Allroad, and V90 »

V60 Interior

How Many People Does the V60 Seat?

The Volvo V60 wagon seats five people. It lives up to the standards set by the rest of the Volvo stable with some of the most comfortable seats on the market. The driver and passenger have plenty of room, and the second row serves up lots of space for taller adults to stretch out and ride in comfort.

The front seats hold you tightly in place when driving with enthusiasm, and optional front sport seats have better side bolstering for more support. You can spring for niceties like ventilated and massaging front seats, as well as smaller accents like power-adjustable side bolsters, power front-seat thigh extensions, and power lumbar support.

V60 and Child Car Seats

There are two complete sets of LATCH car-seat connectors on the V60's rear outboard seats, as well as an upper tether on the rear middle seat. You'll find the lower anchors behind plastic flaps at the bottom of the seatbacks, and it's easy to attach the car-seat straps. The tether anchors are clearly marked and easy to use.

V60 Interior Quality

The interior of the V60 is full of high-quality materials, and the cabin features a sleek design. Wood trim accents befit a car at this price point, and amenities like standard leather upholstery bolster the V60's luxury appeal. Interestingly, you can eschew the leather for a quirky plaid cloth upholstery pattern. Some critics say it’s nice and fits the car well.

V60 Cargo Space

The Volvo V60 offers about 23 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seats, and it expands to nearly 51 cubic feet with the back row folded down. Those figures are about average for a wagon. It's easy to load heavy items into the V60 because of its low cargo floor, and the hatch opening is big and wide. Also, the V60’s boxy shape lets you haul larger items easily.

V60 Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation

The V60 comes standard with Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system. It looks cool, with a 9-inch vertical touch screen that takes up most of the center stack, but it’ll likely take some time to get used to. Simple commands require several steps, and even common controls like climate adjustment are made through the touch screen.

Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration provide a familiar alternative to the V60’s native infotainment interface. Standard amenities include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10-speaker stereo, satellite radio, a panoramic sunroof, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Options include quad-zone automatic climate control, navigation, a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo, and a 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium stereo.

Read more about interior »

V60 Performance

V60 Engine: Opposite Choices

The 2020 V60 is available with one of two powertrains. The base T5 setup is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 250 horsepower. This is the same engine you'll find in many other base Volvo models, and it powers most of the V60 lineup. It delivers fine acceleration, so most shoppers should be satisfied with it.

An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, and critics are split on its performance. Some say it helps with smooth and swift power delivery, while others argue that it hesitates to downshift when you need that extra boost. The V60 has four selectable driving modes: Comfort, Dynamic, Eco, and Individual. You’ll get the best throttle response in Dynamic mode.

The V60 is also available as a plug-in hybrid. The V60 Polestar Engineered, new for 2020, provides 415 horsepower and comes with a host of additional performance upgrades. These include a sport-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, and strut bars.

V60 Gas Mileage: Average

The 2020 V60 earns an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. That’s in line with what most other wagons offer. When equipped with all-wheel drive, fuel efficiency drops to 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The EPA has not yet provided fuel economy ratings for the Polestar Engineered plug-in hybrid.

V60 Ride and Handling: Could Use a Little More Pep

This wagon feels composed and stable from behind the wheel, if a little uninspiring. It lacks the agility of sportier cars, despite a somewhat stiff suspension. If you're looking for an engaging drive, this Volvo probably isn't for you. But as a competent cruiser, it’s just fine.

Read more about performance »

V60 Reliability

Is the Volvo V60 Reliable?

The 2020 Volvo V60 has a below-average predicted reliability rating of 2.5 out of five from J.D. Power.

Volvo V60 Warranty

Volvo covers the V60 with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty.

Read more about reliability »

V60 Safety

V60 Crash Test Results

At the time of writing, neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crash tested the 2020 Volvo V60.

V60 Safety Features

The V60 boasts a large complement of standard active safety technologies. All 2020 V60s come with lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, oncoming collision mitigation, traffic sign recognition, and a rearview camera.

Optional features include front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, a head-up display, a surround-view parking camera, adaptive headlights, automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, and automatic parking assist.

Like most Volvo models, you can equip the V60 with Pilot Assist. This driver assistance system controls your speed relative to other vehicles around you, and it provides steering inputs to keep you centered in your lane. Despite its name, Pilot Assist is not a semi- or fully autonomous driving mode. The driver is always fully responsible for safe operation of the vehicle.

Read more about safety »

V60 Dimensions and Weight

The Volvo V60 is 15.6 feet long. It has a curb weight of 4,202 pounds.

Where Is the 2020 Volvo V60 Built?

Volvo builds the V60 in Sweden and Belgium.

Which Volvo V60 Model Is Right for Me?

The 2020 Volvo V60 is available in five trims. The Momentum (base), R-Design, and Inscription trims all come with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. The new-for-2020 V60 Cross Country features the same engine and all-wheel drive. The V60 Polestar Engineered is another all-new trim, and it has a plug-in-hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive.

The base model is well-equipped with standard leather upholstery, most of the infotainment features available throughout the lineup, and a competitive list of driver assistance features. Several options and packages are available, so you don't have to commit to a higher trim level just to get more features. Your best bet is to stick with the base model and pick the additional amenities you want based on your budget.

Volvo V60 Momentum

The V60 Momentum starts at $39,650. Standard features include a panoramic sunroof, LED headlights and taillights, leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The standard 9-inch touch-screen infotainment system includes Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a 10-speaker stereo, satellite radio, and two USB ports.

Standard advanced safety features include a rearview camera, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, oncoming collision mitigation, traffic sign recognition, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and forward automatic emergency braking.

Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are optional for $750. Unique cloth upholstery is available with certain premium paint colors.

The Multimedia package costs $1,850 and adds navigation and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo. The Premium package retails for $2,050 and includes auto-dimming mirrors, a hands-free power liftgate, a universal garage door opener, front and rear parking sensors, power-folding outside mirrors, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and reverse automatic emergency braking.

For $2,500, the Advanced package comes with a head-up display, LED fog lights, a surround-view parking camera, adaptive headlights, automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, and the Pilot Assist driver assistance system.

Volvo V60 R-Design

The V60 R-Design retails for $45,400, and it comes with unique interior and exterior design elements, Nappa leather upholstery, front sport seats, quad-zone automatic climate control, and all the features from the Momentum trim's Multimedia and Premium packages.

Additional options include a lowered sport suspension ($200) and a 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium stereo. If you add the $2,500 Advanced package, you can get automatic parking assist for $200.

Volvo V60 Inscription

The V60 Inscription has the same $45,400 price tag as the R-Design and is nearly identical in convenience features and options. These trims differ mainly in interior and exterior appearance.

Volvo V60 Cross Country

The V60 Cross Country starts at $45,100 and boasts upgrades such as all-wheel drive, hill descent control, a raised suspension, and unique body details. In addition to the base model's standard features, it comes with navigation and heated front seats.

Heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel are optional for $750. The $2,200 Luxury package adds Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated and massaging front seats, and power-adjustable side bolsters. The Cross Country Pro package costs $2,800 and comes with passenger seat memory settings, power front-seat thigh extenders, four-way power front-seat lumbar support, and quad-zone automatic climate control.

Volvo V60 Polestar Engineered

The Volvo V60 Polestar Engineered starts at $67,300. In addition to its hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive, the V60 Polestar comes loaded with pretty much every feature you can get in the car.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Volvo dealer.

See 2020 Volvo V60 specs and trims »

The Final Call

The Volvo V60 boasts a luxurious interior and a long list of features, but some rivals offer those advantages along with better handling or more intuitive technology. The V60 is an OK buy, but we recommend checking out other wagons or even some crossovers.

Don’t just take our word for it. Check out comments from some of the reviews that drive our rankings and analysis.

• "Forget about crossovers and SUVs -- the 2020 Volvo V60 premium compact wagon makes more sense. … Sharing a foundation with the outstanding S60 sedan, the V60 wagon offers all-wheel drive (AWD), a couple of excellent drivetrains, and the special design approach that applies to all contemporary Volvo vehicles." -- Autotrader
• "Having driven the new XC60, I believe the V60 has it beat in terms of both looks and driving dynamics. In fact, I think it's one of Volvo's best implementations of its parts catalog to date, and if buyers are willing to forego ride height in favor of something more carlike, the V60 is worth more than just a look." -- CNET (2019)
• "The redesigned Volvo V60 makes a compelling case as an urbane yet practical premium vehicle for those who don't want to follow the herd. It may not be the ultimate driving machine, but it handles better and uses less fuel than many high-riding SUVs or crossovers, while offering a similarly configurable and capacious interior." -- Motor Trend (2019)