2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country Review and Mountain Off-Road Test

The Volvo V60 Cross Country is updated for 2023 with an improved powertrain and tech. But can it climb a mountain? Ryan goes in search of an epic view.
CONTENTS
00:00 - Introduction
00:29 - Features
10:56 - Driving Impressions
15:29 - Mountain Road
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[@James-il3tq]

Ryan's upbeat, down to earth, adventurous off-road spirit is my favorite part of this channel 👍

[@colechapman6976]

I love the v60! Swedish styling in America is a wonderful thing. Everyone else is in bulbous SUVS and hulking trucks but I love the simplicity of Volvos. They look so elegant and restrained. They offer great safety ratings and look like a lovely place to spend time in. I would get the V60, but unfortunately, I am on an Outback budget

[@UnderMyPalm]

Jury is still out on the Chinese Volvos. I'm holding on to my old Sweeds for now.

[@05Forenza]

I've had 2 of this generation 60 series Volvo. Love them! 21 V60 Polestar Engineered, and a 22 S60 B5. Both are great in their own right. I'm planning to order a 23/24 V60 Cross Country.

[@fredonyoutube]

Great vehicles - love them! I'm on my 3rd XC70 Cross-Country with 230,000kms and never missed a beat. The Volvo V60 Cross Country will be my next one, for sure!

[@sharonbraselton4302]

twlight use this

[@justaguy6862]

I salute you, sir - for taking that road adventure! What a view at the reveal...!

[@isaiahisbored]

wow your videos are amazing! they’re not too loud and energetic so its not annoying to watch when i have a headache 😆

[@martinburns342]

Great review Ryan. Thanks for the geography lesson. I wasn't in Seattle longer enough to explore in 2013 though I did visit the Boeing factory. Love to see WA on a motorbike. 🦘 🇦🇺

[@famendes9728]

Love everything about your show, Ryan--your auto knowledge is incredible--thank you~

[@rromancunard]

Volvo is the best in security, innovation and luxury. Thanks for share.

[@SterlingSigurdsen]

Such a great looking vehicle. Love Volvos.

[@coltallman854]

Always good to see new videos!

[@ericg9092]

Wow! I've had two XC60 fwd's, and didn't expect the V60 AWD to perform nearly this well on limited traction roads such as this. I bought both of my Volvo's as CPO's with less than 10k miles for 10k+ off sticker - I may need to begin searching for a V60! Thank you very much for this review.

[@thinking500]

awesome video!

[@johngaudet6316]

In my 2020 V60 CC, off road mode is mostly for descending grades. Going up hill it just stays in 1st gear. I've got the Bowers&Wilkins audio aswell it's truly EPIC. Wipers are heated also with wheel and front and back seats. Great winter car especially with winter rubber.

[@marytyra1030]

I was wondering if the Bowers & Wilkins audio was worth it

[@sjs1555]

@@marytyra1030 I was at a dealer the other day and listened to the Bowers and Harmon systems. In my opinion, not enough difference to warrant the extra 2400 for Bowers. Harmon was just as good.

[@phila3884]

@@marytyra1030 I have a 2020 Cross Country. It's a very expensive option. If I had a long commute every day and I wanted to zone out to music, I probably would have sprung for it, but I don't.

[@thedkracing]

I have a 4” lifted Volvo xc70 and love it

[@ljastrong78]

Beautiful view!!!

[@VC30577]

Amazing drone shots!

[@79MBort]

Thanks for the honest reviews, love watching them. Will you review the new Mitsubishi Outlander phev soon? Thank you.

[@Coloradohiker658]

Great review.

[@famendes9728]

Thanks!

[@Kiss__Kiss]

For a Haldex system, Very Impressive, Ryan.. She's a looker too.

[@robervin9107]

I see and hear you Ryan lol singing a bit and looking at the camera. 😂 in a certain way. Also huge shoutout to my best friend nick with the drone shots your so magnificent with that stuff you made Ryan look like he was a angel on a hill. But his angel wings were not out unfortunately 😢 but bro keep it up. #angelnick. 15:56 this look was awesome from you bud. Very photogenic

[@walterreil4001]

I love your driving on Washington logging roads. I grew up driving logging roads on the central coast of Oregon, so certainly understand and enjoy your drive. What tires would you recommend that would do well for off-road and highway driving? Also, what is the story with comfort of the front seats --- many years ago my wife tried sitting in a Cross Country passenger front seat and found it to be too narrow and confining (quasi sports car style) --- is that still the case in the current V60, or is it now adjustable? Thank you.👍

[@AdamJRowen]

what a jack-of-all-trade vehicle!

[@classybluev1139]

This is a badass station wagon

[@llb3690]

Красивый автомобиль и завораживающие виды природы 👍

[@4x4adventure_pl]

Nice car and good test!

[@WesternPaFlyFisher]

I’d love to see your review of a XC40 B5. We traded our 2014 Subaru Forester XT for one and in the few short weeks have really enjoyed every mile.

[@sharonbraselton4302]

buy it

[@yoyi2030]

perfect test for crossovers

[@shawnlister2730]

4:18 wow that door close so solid it's like a bank vault

[@TeodoroArmenteros]

2023 Outback Review PLEASE!!! Thank You

[@nomad753]

You had me at wagon

[@donniegou9522]

my 2020 volvo v60 t5 do not have cc. but I really not care about it, I still love it so much😁

[@Ellis_B]

T5 nice

[@gabrielmillien7439]

It is a nice looking car

[@MarcelloTheBandit]

As much as I like those rims, I would probably get much smaller ones on it. Other than that, I love it!

[@cbatiau2528]

yes, no Cross Country wagon should have wheels larger than 18 inches...

[@privateuser3725]

probably some of the best 360 degree cameras...better than my jeep trail cam

[@sharonbraselton4302]

jeep need viiper móter v10 jeep v10 neveervteuñ only v8

[@dansmith6243]

Hi watched your videos for year years....do you have the GPS of that mountain you drove up? or at least a hint and I can figure it out

[@atmartens]

I’ve always had a special place in my heart for Volvo since the 850 was my first car. I like the looks of it and I’ve always liked how simple they were. What makes me nervous is that I tend to purchase used and Volvos with those infotainment systems make me nervous. Sure, quick to get to ac/heat now but what about 5 years? Eight? Ten? I just worry how long those things would last.

[@BokiXI]

You worry too much.

[@assarstromblad3280]

I understand the worry but it is the same for basically every modern car.

[@atmartens]

@@assarstromblad3280 Volvo’s have horrible reliability records right now.

[@assarstromblad3280]

@@atmartens Not that I know. They had problems a couple of years ago, but you have to look at what things failed it was mostly the inforainment they had reliability issues with. Our new volvo has been very reliable, much more so than the 5 series BMW we had before, but sure, that is only one sample.

[@Ellis_B]

Electronic horrorshows

[@TheKingPrawn114]

Any FS roads you recommend for adventuring over there? I've run around the Hamma Hamma and Dungeness areas a little, but I'd love to run my Bronco Sport up that road you were on in this video.

[@drivingsports]

Hamma Hamma has a lot of great forest roads 😉

[@clearcut6818]

Looking forward to the EX90.

[@sharonbraselton4302]

biybit

[@panameradan6860]

Interesting and useful review. I just wish that Volvo would make the Cross Country wagon (whether V60 or V90) in Extended Range PHEV form. These "mild hybrids" interest me not in the least. But otherwise a great car.

[@stevensnow4112]

I couldn't have said it better.

[@lolzz457]

Nobody wants electric, they're NOT safe and certainly NOT green ❤

[@sharonbraselton4302]

buy hybred8ie

[@rightlanehog3151]

Ryan, Is this the first wagon on your channel since you were driving in The Most Stolen Car in Kenya® aka Toyota Fielder? 🤔 I hope against hope that the new Toyota Crown Estate joins the uncrowded station wagon field. Otherwise, the 'sensible' choice has to be the...Outback . In the meantime I will be looking for a mint condition, manual 240 or 740 wagon from Volvo 😁

[@keshav4778]

I guess you should try out the new mazda cx 60 for offroading.... It has pretty good specs on it

[@tritchie6272]

Pretty wagon, but it seems over complicated. Also from what I've seen of your video's I think the Subaru does better on those type of roads. While I think the Volvo is more fancy and perhaps more luxurious,it would probably be comfortable enough and do better on that type of road. I do like the looks of those seats though.

[@stevekeith4914]

I wonder if you use google maps through car play if it would display on the instrument cluster. I use google maps on car play with my Passat and the map appears. Just a thought.

[@justaddafan]

The touch controls are aggravating in every way. But IMO the biggest issue is that lack of ability to use them with gloves. The first thing you want to do when you get into a car on a cold day is adjust the temperature controls and having to take your gloves off to do it is ridiculous. How a Swedish company can screw that up is sad.

[@neergewleinad]

I agree totally... Touchscreens are fine and good on smartphones and cameras, but in cars they are generally a disaster, and a huge safety liability (because drivers have to take their eyes off the road for much too long to use them). I'm surprised that the US DoT has not banned touchscreen use by drivers for audio, phone, climate controls, etc., the way that governments have banned accessing the touch screens on smartphones.

[@nomad753]

First of all , love the review brother . But I just don't get the whole hybrid movement. If your hybrid system messes up in any way , you're done . It would be nice for the manufacturer to think about the long term user and allow the gas engine to still work if the electric part stops working . All of this BS to save a gallon or two . Cars in the 80's were getting just as good of mileage. Not all , but some . And they did it better

[@zm4242]

I love it , mild hybrid works for me ... I would buy Gas only version , if there was one ... screw electric , I want to drive a car not a Ipad , Volvo is so luxurious and safe makes me feel rich !

[@adrianm.1910]

You can get an older V60 with the T5 motor. Mine is 2021. If I remember correctly, 2022s are also gas-only but with the Google system.

[@phila3884]

Apparently the Haldex system works best in low traction situations when you step on the gas and get the driveshaft spinning to pressurize the sensors and couplings- backing off on the throttle doesn't help. According to a Volvo technician.

[@markdoe6118]

Looks like they may have increased leg room in the second row. Realistically it should have more than the S60 but for some reason all the wagons are about 7-10 inches less of leg room in the back.

[@9Xavier1]

I wanted this when I was car shopping last year, but they really weren’t available in my area. I got an XC40 instead.

[@DavGreg]

When I was car shopping in the Winter of 2021 I wanted one of these (before the parts shortage kicked in) but they were scarce as hen’s teeth - same for the Audi A4 Allroad. I went with the Subaru Outback Onyx.

[@9Xavier1]

@@DavGreg We also looked at the Outback Onyx, but the infotainment was too busy and confusing. Not like Volvo is winning any awards with theirs since it’s also just a big screen, but I find it simpler to use than Subaru’s large screen. It was a nice car otherwise.

[@kpcasey]

It would be so, SO hot if they did the Black Pkg to this like the S60. *swoon*

[@chrisridebike8]

Love the channel. I don’t get the concept of “off road mode” in these AWD systems. Why would you NOT want power to go to the wheels with traction? Like “I’m on pavement so it’s ok to just spin a wheel uselessly.” Seems that the AWD systems should always be doing the “off road mode” stuff 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@shmarr7218]

Firstly remember this is a FWD car with a clutch-based reactive/‘proactive’ AWD system. Much of having an off road mode is about providing low-speed braking assistance to a spinning wheel which simply isn’t necessary on normal tarmac. Some cars have multiple terrain modes which allow for varying amounts of slip for different conditions (e.g. to allow more spin to clear tyre tread in mud). Normal ‘road’ mode will have a greater propensity to default to FWD on good surfaces or straight roads. Off-road mode in road scenarios is pointless as it’ll just increase wear and tear.

[@jnmaher1967]

Please review the V90

[@natehowe7975]

Great video, thanks for your coverage of Volvo. I think I would take it with the 18” or 19” base wheels to increase the chances of road comfort. The 20” looks better, however. I was surprised that you liked the ride with the bigger wheels. Not too firm? I would like the comfort of the Outback with the amenities of Volvo. Was there any annoyance from Auto Stop, or does the mild hybrid hide that? These used to have exposed exhaust tips, but now they hide exhaust under the bumper. Can you confirm, does it have dual exhaust under the bumper?

[@user-wn9pn5uf5q]

Подтверждаю. Двойной вихлоп.

[@martinnotland7982]

In my 2020 V60 CC the original map stays in the middle when i enable carplay maps. This is strange that you just get the black spot.

[@jaybou007]

Nice review as usual, Mr Douthit. And very stunning drone shot. Congrats. :) Problem with the Cross Country: materials in the car are way, way, way too fancy. I live in the country and, boy, I can't describe how everything would be scratched in an instant in that Volvo. I'd like the Cross Country model to be more rugged, with more durable material that you're not scared to scratch just by looking at it. It's supposed to be the one model that's designed to be a "go anywhere" little thing. But I don't see myself investing that kind of money to end up being scared of using it. Oh, and please Volvo: bring back the sidewalls. 20 inches for a Cross Country model ain't going to cut it. Oh well, a Wilderness Outback is still at the top of the food chain for me.

[@assarstromblad3280]

You do not need to get the big rims, and I think there are options for non leather interior etc that is way cheaper than this car. This car has the fancy inscription package I am pretty sure.

[@familytriate]

Hi, do you have any idea when the Crosstrek 2024 hybrid would be available? and would you replace your wife Crosstrek for the new one?

[@davidpierson6686]

Hey Ryan, Please, Please, Please do a comparison between this: the Volvo XC 60 vs. the Genesis GV 70.

[@sharonbraselton4302]

buy geñisis g70 or tgis biy bith

[@Doc1855]

One of my bro and sis in-law own a Volvo SUV as well as an older Outback. They haven’t had any problems with their Volvo. It is a very comfortable suv with a ton of power. Their thinking of replacing their Outback with another Outback, as the Volvo is too expensive. Their Outback now has just over 300K miles.

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

And hence, the Volvo problem. That V60 was a looker, but I'm not sure it's $63,000 worth, when you can get a fully loaded Outback for around $45,000.

[@Doc1855]

@@ragweedmakesmesneeze They have the money to buy what they want

[@sharonbraselton4302]

buy eltruc h6bred outback

[@natecurrier]

Drove this back-to-back to an Outback Touring XT and while this definitely feels more premium (and the Bowers & Wilkins is AMAZING), I couldn’t justify paying $20,000+ more. Also, an oddity - Volvo Ultimate trim, the rear seats aren’t perforated, like the fronts are.

[@jinnythomas9815]

Please do similar off-road review for Pajero sport

[@merimasmajlovic4544]

Please review new Volvo XC90 T8 with bigger electric engine to see if they made it better than previous edition. Thanks in advance

[@Indianajamesvr]

Can you please make a test whit Mercedes E class All Terrain? 🙏

[@SenorGato237]

I mean, other than the 20" wheels it's pretty sweet.

[@adrianm.1910]

That's a press car-most V60s are on 19". You can have an 18" set for winter and off-road.

[@goodgamar8652]

Please try out the mazda cx60 🙏

[@sharonbraselton4302]

biy ót

[@mcdcjc1350]

Does the google maps come back on if you use google maps on apple carplay?

[@drivingsports]

Yes, it does.

[@burningmanmike]

I'd swap out for 17" Method Wheels and Nokian WRG4 tyres.

[@neergewleinad]

"registration card holder" (10:45) -- really a holder for parking permits is what most people use this for, I think...

[@hyjazloudin2467]

Can you let us know how is the decibel levels in this car? Are below 40, 60, or 70 decibels?

[@user-wn9pn5uf5q]

Maximum 50 decibels

[@Neberheim]

I’m kind of disappointed that more people in the comments don’t have a thought about a company whose business is to sell you to the highest bidder is fully integrated and running the cars infotainment system. Especially with Volvo rolling out its suite of occupant monitoring. It’s a non-starter for me, despite the otherwise nice car.

[@adrianm.1910]

I own the same car without the Google system, and privacy was a concern not to get the 2022.

[@Lolquake]

The apple maps things really isn't an issue. I have an iphone as well, but I would NEVER use apple maps over google, if google is available.

[@pvc8749]

I found a man that uses apple maps !

[@patricksk]

Only seeing the B5 option for the V60 CC which is a bit disappointing

[@axelwallenberg6167]

I dont understand why use google maps in carplay when you already have it?

[@0HOON0]

How is it that a lower profile wagon can't match the fuel effiency of most small SUVs?

[@ALMX5DP]

What SUVs were you thinking of?

[@0HOON0]

@@ALMX5DP Rav4, Forester, CRV, Rogue. The larger non-hybrid Subaru Outback Turbo even matches the epa numbers.

[@ALMX5DP]

@@0HOON0 those are quite different vehicles unless they have engines similar to this Volvo. I think the turbocharged Subaru Outback is very similar if not a bit worse.

[@jjack2684]

What if I use google map from CarPlay?

[@dogbsas]

I wonder how u got this car to test here in Wa. There is no availability at all if u want to get one.

[@drivingsports]

All the vehicles we test are provided by the manufactures. Not dealers.

[@Traumatree]

Apple Maps, although better then they were, are still subpar vs Google Maps that can be tailored to whatever you like.

[@charlesnickell7257]

Where iscthis area at

[@jake_80]

😬Watching you drive down that gravel road with 20's!

[@ronjoberts79]

Seems comparable to the CX50 as well.

[@jonathanjones691]

nobody seems to mention any problems with getting into the car, i got a 2020 v60. At just over 6foot i can barely get into the thing. Also have to have the seat slammed to the floor,

[@Cal94]

i just wish they'd find a way to shoehorn the T8 into the CC. they upped the power of the rear motor now.

[@deejayimm]

I'm sorry, but expecting a vehicle that's integrated with Google to interface with your Apple device is like asking for a Pepsi out of a Coke machine.

[@adit1001able]

Both taste the same actually.

[@LugsyTL]

@@adit1001able actually they don’t.

[@deejayimm]

@@LugsyTL not even close.... But some people have really dull taste. There are people who see no difference between garlic and onion.

[@DavGreg]

This is not Android - it is Google Auto and should work with any system. QNX works well with both. A good reason to not use Gaggle SW.

[@deejayimm]

@@DavGreg Android is Google. I'm just saying, it's not surprising that it works with android but not with Apple.

[@frebnewman6403]

Can you see Chaz?

[@elizabethescher5445]

Why do these auto makers insist on 20+ wheels? They're useless on dirt roads. I used to drive my 5-speed Toyota Corolla station wagon on Forest Service Roads. It was fine on everything short of dedicated 4x4 trails. We also had a Volvo wagon years ago and took it camping.

[@James-il3tq]

People like the looks. Most offroad styled SUVs these days are appearance packages only. Very few go off pavement!

[@rightlanehog3151]

Those are great questions and even greater choices of cars.

[@Kurre.]

Volvo actually offers 18 inch wheels in Europe but I think they assume that Americans won't want that so they simply don't offer it there

[@edwardlaw797]

Do all Volvos still ride like a truck (passenger fly off in the 2nd row) and loud like a truck? XC90 especially looks like $100K rides like $10K? Almost bought me 2 yrs ago until my wife laughed out loud when she flew into the air. :)

[@elizabethescher5445]

Olympic Peninsula...

[@mottipaa8909]

tämähän on kina volvo viimeeset hyvät volvot oli takavetoosia

[@philipc239]

My rusty old honda civic can take this mountain road no sweat piece of cake

[@donniegou9522]

🤣 agree - any cars can drive to those roads in the video without any issue. if want to buy v60, need think if the extra money for the "cross country" is really necessary

[@Cornetto616]

I know you don't change tires as a rule but can't you ask the manufacturers to get the cars with something more appropriate to your channel? 😅

[@joshsmith2045]

I really want to like a subaru outback because they are affordable, safe, awesome all wheel drive, great mpg but it just doesn’t satisfy me or inspire me. A vehicle has to speak to me before I buy it and I can say i would take this Volvo over a Subaru if I wanted a wagon type car and I would take a 4runner over a Subaru if I wanted an offroad vehicle. That being said I drive a Suburban Z71 which scratches most itches I have.

[@sixpotshot]

Very important point and soooo surprising that Volvo did overlook Apple systems...no, nooo, no Volvo that is a big No! Re Mode Settings: generally I hate them, even more so when all defaults to whatever is the basic setup when you switch off the engine... 🤮 Now on my V90 you only get the auto box disengage on accelerator lift off when on "eco" mode...being Polestar mode the opposite where the engine doesn't switch off (at traffic lights for example). Why can't manufacturers allow us to chose our preferred default set and keep it on for every single time we switch the car on?!

[@neergewleinad]

Yes, many other automakers are much more liberal in letting the driver have the flexibility to set driving modes and "remember" them... Not sure why Volvo is so poor at this...

[@jasper_north]

No dual xhaust anymore…terrible

[@adrianm.1910]

Hey, but it pollutes less if you hide the pipes!

[@asw2005]

Over $70k 2023 Volvo car has a steering wheel vibration very bad when driving 65 mph, making it quite annoying and UNSAFE to drive, especially at high speeds. 5 times the dealership visited, a Volvo engineer came and replaced AXLE ordered from Sweden and other parts, but the problem still not solve. contacting Volvo case was opened over 2 months still no solution or update.

[@sharonbraselton4302]

wroñg

[@TheNewAlexProject]

Gosh those chinese volvos are awful I will keep my 2005 Xc70

[@andrzej4469]

nice view cuz...there is no trees :/

[@sanamakbar3663]

The intro song is a copy of pakwheels

[@aldof.2966]

I would much rather buy a subaru and save some money.

[@bezputink]

передняя панель с монитором просто ужасна