2019 Volvo V60 Wagon Delivers Style and Safety
Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site.
The 2019 Volvo V60 station wagon is all-new, offering yet another choice for anyone looking for a well-appointed family hauler that isn't an SUV.
The V60 touts advanced driver-assist features, including self-steering and active cruise control, and it shares the same infotainment system as the rest of the Volvo lineup.
The new wagon stands about 2 inches lower and is 5 inches shorter than its predecessor; it's the same length as the Audi Allroad. Inside, total cargo volume has been increased by about 4 cubic feet. The V60 will compete directly with the Audi A4 Allroad and BMW 3 Series wagons.
Interior
The V60 also shares most of its interior with other new Volvos, including its touch-screen-based infotainment system, and that's not necessarily a good thing. On other Volvo models CR has reviewed, our testers said that performing basic tasks such as changing radio stations or adjusting the cabin temperature required multiple steps that take a driver’s eyes off the road. When we tested the system on the 2018 XC60, we called it “one of the worst control systems we've come across.”
The infotainment system, which Volvo calls Sensus Connect, also offers available WiFi and is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Powertrain
Two powertrains, both with an eight-speed automatic transmission, are available. The T5 model gets a 250-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. The T6 offers all-wheel drive plus a 316-hp turbocharged, supercharged engine. Fuel-economy estimates have yet to be announced.
Safety Features
Standard active safety features include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, which Volvo calls City Safety. Based on experience in other models, our testers say that City Safety is “one of the best systems we have seen on the market.” The automaker claims this feature can prevent collisions entirely up to 30 mph, and it can also detect pedestrians, cyclists, large animals, and oncoming vehicles.
The V60 will also feature an available self-steering and active cruise-control setup, called Pilot Assist II. We tested it in other Volvos and found that it can help ease stress both in stop-and-go traffic and on long highway drives. But Pilot Assist II still requires drivers to pay attention.
Rear cross-traffic warning with rear automatic emergency braking is optional.
Many of the 2019 Volvo V60’s updates may also carry over to the 2019 S60 sedan, which is expected to debut later this year.
The V60 shares the same underlying design as the S90 sedan, V90 wagon, and the XC60 and XC90 crossovers, which share engines, suspension designs, and more.
The V60 will go on sale in the summer and is expected to cost in the $40,000 range. A plug-in hybrid electric version of the V60 will be available in Europe, although it is not yet confirmed for the U.S.
More from Consumer Reports:
Top pick tires for 2016
Best used cars for $25,000 and less
7 best mattresses for couples
Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2018, Consumer Reports, Inc.
