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# 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country - Re-Driven in Key of B5 Review
- URL: https://www.roadblazing.com/2023-volvo-v60-cross-country-re-driven-in-key-of-b5-review/
- Published: 2023-02-24T19:24:00.000Z
- Updated: 2025-12-28T20:58:05.000Z
- Author: George Straton
- Tags: Station Wagons

### *LIGHT HYBRID VAGN EARLY ELECTRIFICATION PLEDGE*: Only the most solemn promise comprises a pledge. This year Volvo is keeping a solemn promise, a first for legacy carmakers: all model T vehicle designations have been replaced with either B (light hybrid 48V battery), Recharge (plug-in hybrid) or Recharge EV. Like it or not, both brick and mortar or virtual showrooms for the Swedish luxury automaker now exclusively display electrified new product, but with various degrees of electrification.

### **Roadblazing.com** , in declining order of wattage, has already filed thorough impressions of both the Scandinavians' first pure zero tailpipe emissions [**Volvo C40 Recharge Twin EV**](https://www.roadblazing.com/2022-volvo-c40-recharge-twin-ev-bottom-line-review/) crossover and the cordable [**S60 T8 Recharge PHEV**](https://www.roadblazing.com/2021-volvo-s60-recharge-t8-phev-bottom-line-review/) sport sedan. Rounding out the lower end of the brand's battery voltage, the **2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 AWD Ultimate** compact off-road *Svensk Vagn* arrives for a *Re-Drive Review*.

### 

### **2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 AWD* Driving Hits:* (vs. [**2020 Volvo V60 T5 Cross Country**](https://www.roadblazing.com/2020-volvo-v60-t5-cross-country-bottom-line-review/) in parentheses)

### 

- **New for '23 Power ratings**:  
  - 247 horsepower @ 6500 r.p.m. redline B420T2 with start/ stop idle
  - 258 pound-feet torque @ 1800 r.p.m.
  - 48V, 10Ah, 18 cell, 0.5 kWh, 20 kW regenerative charge speed Li-Ion battery
  - Mild Hybrid electric Integrated Starter Generator Motor = +13 hp, +30 lb-ft
  - Net hybrid power / torque: **260 hp** / **288 lb-ft**
  - Very composed and adequately fleet outdoor active lifestyle wagon

![2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 Ultimate AWD: turbo four gas engine picks up 13 hp from 48V electric motor mated to 8-spd automatic + Haldex style AWD w/ off-road mode](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2023/02/RB-2023-Volvo-V60-Cross-Country-B5-AWD-Ultimate-engine-P2500836-abc.jpg)

2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 Ultimate AWD: turbo four gas engine picks up 13 hp from 48V electric motor mated to 8-spd automatic + Haldex style AWD w/ off-road mode

- On demand viscous clutch differential all-wheel drive, 90:10% nominal to 10:90% maximum F:R torque split w/ torque vectoring
- Off road drive mode (activated in infotainment menu)
- **8**\-speed automatic planetary transaxle; 3.20:1 final drive ratio
- **25** combined **m**iles **p**er **g**allon, 420 miles highway range on 18.8 gallons of 91 AKI premium unleaded fuel

![2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 Ultimate AWD: 8.3" road clearance w/ compliant full independent suspension ride despite 20" 40 series rubber](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2023/02/RB-2023-Volvo-V60-Cross-Country-B5-AWD-Ultimate-wheels-fr-l-P2500867-bc.jpg)

2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 Ultimate AWD: 8.3" road clearance w/ compliant full independent suspension ride despite 20" 40 series rubber

- Fully independent suspension
  - F: double wishbone; R: multi-link axle w/ lower A arm + transverse leaf spring
  - well composed, jostle-free, buttoned down ride
- Off-Road: 17.0° approach/ 22.4° departure/ 18.4° break-over angles, 8.0" ground clearance, 11.8" water fording
- Astounding build quality w/ tomb-like cabin silence

[2020 Volvo V60 T5 Cross Country - Bottom Line ReviewA 1919 cross country military convoy journey, which then Lieutenant Colonel Dwight D. Eisenhower participated in, required 2 months. The long harrowing journey nearly foretold how thirty-seven years later, Eisenhower as President of the United States, would sign into law the 1956 Federal Aid Highway Act. After completion of the![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/size/w256h256/2024/05/rb-wheel500.png)RoadBlazingGeorge Straton![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/size/w1200/2024/05/RB-2020-Volvo-V60-T5-Cross-Country-ext-fr-P1600224-abc.jpg)](https://www.roadblazing.com/2020-volvo-v60-t5-cross-country-bottom-line-review/)

#### **2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 AWD* Driving Misses:*

- Off Road drive mode and steering resistance adjustment accessed from infotainment menu
- Center console toggle transaxle shift lever lacks manumatic capability,
- Transaxle resists downshifts absent mashing pedal to floor
- Steering wheel feedback numbed
- Engine sounds strangled
- Premium unleaded gasoline recommended
- Light hybrids don't help fuel economy a lot on the highway
- No B6 variant and the 455 hp Polestar Engineered Recharge PHEV only available on the non CC V60
- 112 miles per hour governed maximum speed (applies to all Volvos)

#### *What the *2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 AWD* Has Got:*

- Pricing: *from* **$55,185** (incl. destination) for an 8-speed automatic **2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5** all-wheel drive. As tested top-trim **2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 AWD Ultimate** all-wheel drive trim priced at **$63,585**.

![2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 Ultimate AWD: full body & wheel arch cladding, F&R skid plates and a 2+" lift fulfills active outdoor lifestyle agenda](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2023/02/RB-2023-Volvo-V60-Cross-Country-B5-AWD-Ultimate-ext-fr-rr-005c.jpg)

2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 Ultimate AWD: full body & wheel arch cladding, F&R skid plates and a 2+" lift fulfills active outdoor lifestyle agenda

- Style: Subtly lifted low profile rising tapered greenhouse body slight Kammback sport wagon, adorned by the tell tale wide slim hexagon striated grille, Thor's Hammer lateral front DRLs & directionals, upright boomerang taillamps, darkened pillars, full body & wheel arch lower cladding and front + rear aluminum bash plates.
- Space: Compact executive class wagon takes on 4.75 grown adults but pales in Row 2 knee-room

![2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 Ultimate AWD](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2023/02/RB-2023-Volvo-V60-Cross-Country-B5-AWD-Ultimate-seats-driver-Row-2-005c.jpg)

2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 Ultimate AWD

- Utility: Can gulp a home office's worth of Swedish furnishings - i.e. IKEA run
  - Low load floor cargo bay grows from 23 to 51 cubic feet
  - 60/40% split folding 2nd Row seatbacks w/ center pass-through, chrome tie down anchors, cargo roll shade, load brush plate

![2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 Ultimate AWD: Svensk Sport Vagn cargo bay can fit full home office pickup from Svensk home furnishings store](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2023/02/RB-2023-Volvo-V60-Cross-Country-B5-AWD-Ultimate-cargo-IKEA-WI-004c.jpg)

2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 Ultimate AWD: Svensk Sport Vagn cargo bay can fit full home office pickup from Svensk home furnishings store

- Fit & Finish: Aluminum cabin & door bezels and audio speaker covers, piano black soft touch switchgear & housings, beige Scandinavian ash wood panels w/ split rolling center console storage lids, tightly pebbled soft plastics, tight webbed headliner & pillar covers, felt lined door pockets and glove-box, minimized premium acting switches, retaining single oversized knurled audio volume and selection advance knob below infotainment screen, hammered aluminum edged center console twist keyless ignition knob.
- Standard Feature Set:
  - **√** Keyless approach entry, push button ignition; **√** 4-zone automatic climate control w/ Row 2 digital touch control screen
  - **√** LED headlights & taillights, **√** Rain sensing windshield wipers
  - **√** Auto dimming rear view mirror, **√** Power folding side mirrors; **√** Full express power windows x 4
  - **√** Nappa Leather 12-way heated power front seats; **√** Leather tilt + telescoping steering wheel w/ integrated controls; **√** Power moonroof
- Infotaiment Technology:
  - **New for '23**: STD. **√** 12.3" TFT twin dial Progressive Digital Driver Display w/ dual mode Calm & Navi map projection

![2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 Ultimate AWD: cockpit now operates on Android Automotive for 12.3" TFT progressive instrument cluster & 9.0" portrait touch LCD infotainment screen featuring Google Assistant voice control](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2023/02/RB-2023-Volvo-V60-Cross-Country-B5-AWD-Ultimate-cockpit-nav-P2500656-bc.jpg)

2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 Ultimate AWD: cockpit now operates on Android Automotive for 12.3" TFT progressive instrument cluster & 9.0" portrait touch LCD infotainment screen featuring Google Assistant voice control

  - **√** Android Automotive 9.0" portrait swipe and touch LCD media display w/ voice command + guidance Google Maps, Google Assistant & Google Automotive Apps via Play Store; **√** wireless App-Connect; **√** USB-C x 2; **√** Bluetooth and smart phone messaging
  - **+1** Excellent base 8-speaker, 320 W streaming audio with HD-radio
  - **√** wireless Apple CarPlay; **√** Qi Wireless charging tray
- By Subscription:
  - **New for '23**: **√** via Digital Services Package = Google Automotive Services: Maps, Assistant + Play Store, Remote Services: Climate pre-conditioning, vehicle lock + unlock, Wi-Fi (4 years trial); **√** SiriusXM satellite radio ( 90 days incl.)

![2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 Ultimate AWD: Android Automotive powered infotainment w/ Google Assistant & apps by 4 year trial followed by subscription](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2023/02/RB-2023-Volvo-V60-Cross-Country-B5-AWD-Ultimate-infotainment-settings-SMS-004.jpg)

2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 Ultimate AWD: Android Automotive powered infotainment w/ Google Assistant & apps by 4 year trial followed by subscription

- Safety: **+1** **IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus**,; 9 airbags; Rear backup camera w/ predictive grid + sonar park assist
- Driver Assist Technology:
  - STD: Pedestrian, cyclist, large animal forward traffic and oncoming traffic turn vehicle collision avoidance braking; Blind spot & rear cross traffic warning & avoidance braking; Post collision brake lock; Auto high beam lights; Swiveling headlamps; Park distance warning, fore and aft; Rain sensing windshield wipers; PILOT ASSIST: Adaptive cruise control; Lane Keep Assist w Travel Assist; Road sign recognition
  - OPT: (Ultimate Pkg.) 360° Surround camera; Side park assist; HUD display

![2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 Ultimate AWD: driving w/ Pro Pilot ADAS & Google Maps navigation + HUD](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2023/02/RB-2023-Volvo-V60-Cross-Country-B5-AWD-Ultimate-driving-nav-IKEA-WI-005c.jpg)

2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 Ultimate AWD: driving w/ Pro Pilot ADAS & Google Maps navigation + HUD

- Warranty: 4 year / 50,000 miles bumper to bumper warranty includes 3 years maintenance

#### *What the *2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 AWD* Has Not (or Not Preferred):*  

- Baked in Android Automotive by subscription excludes Android Auto projection
- Android Automotive Google Play Store limits apps
- While comprehensive the new Progressive Digital Display instrument cluster varies only by map inclusion
- Climate temperature settings are managed through the touch infotainment screen
- Scant center console storage
- Steering wheel limited telescoping range
- No USB-A port
- Media display remains glare prone & finger print showcase
- Merely one color of cabin ambient illumination
- Liftgate is heavy, power assist included only on pricey Ultimate model

#### *Standout Feature(s) on *2023 VOLVO V60 CROSS COUNTRY B5 AWD ULTIMATE** :

- Heated steering wheel; headlight spray washers, heated Row 2 seats
- Panorama moonroof, soft swipe controlled power shade

![2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 Ultimate AWD: Row 2 entry w/ door privacy glass](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2023/02/RB-2023-Volvo-V60-Cross-Country-B5-AWD-Ultimate-entry-Row-2-r-004c.jpg)

2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 Ultimate AWD: Row 2 entry w/ door privacy glass

- Bowers & Wilkins reference streaming audio
  - Few premium mobile sound systems rival the B&W, capable of varying the effect of hometown Gothenburg's symphony concert hall, and boasting a trademark center dashtop aluminum bullet tweeter for enhanced dispersion
- ♦ Nappa leather seating, front heated & cooled, 12 -way power adjust w/ knee extenders; ♦ 2-position driver's & front passenger seat & mirror memory

![2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 Ultimate AWD: driver entry done up in restrained Scandinavian flash](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2023/02/RB-2023-Volvo-V60-Cross-Country-B5-AWD-Ultimate-entry-driver-004c.jpg)

2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 Ultimate AWD: driver entry done up in restrained Scandinavian flash

- Homelink remote garage transmitter
- Tailored dashboard
- Power folding outboard 2nd Row seat headrests
- Ambient cabin illumination (white)
- Orrefors of Sweden Crystal transmission shift lever handle, illuminated through multiple facets at night

![2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 Ultimate AWD: center console w/ Orrefors crystal shift handle & Row 2 split touch digital climate and outboard seat heat controls](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2023/02/RB-2023-Volvo-V60-Cross-Country-B5-AWD-Ultimate-center-console-storage-climate-004c.jpg)

2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 Ultimate AWD: center console w/ Orrefors crystal shift handle & Row 2 split touch digital climate and outboard seat heat controls

#### **Roadblazing.com** Says: The SVENSK VAGN of compact luxury sport Wagons technically fulfills a pledge of full product portfolio electrification*.*  

Contributing Editor: S. Frissell