Volvo has long been admired for its Scandinavian design, luxurious interiors, and understated elegance. For many, Volvo represented the intelligent choice, blending style with substance. However, recent experiences, including this review of the 2025 Volvo V60 Cross Country, reveal a troubling trend of recurring electronic problems that detract from the overall ownership experience. This review dives into the specifics of these issues and other aspects of the V60 Cross Country to provide a comprehensive perspective for potential buyers.
During the test week, the 2025 Volvo V60 Cross Country presented a significant electronic malfunction. Shortly after receiving an over-the-air software update notification, the vehicle’s center display indicated a lengthy 90-minute installation time, rendering it unusable during the process. While software updates are common and often beneficial, the extended downtime was inconvenient. Unfortunately, this update didn’t resolve the underlying electronic gremlins.
The following day, the dreaded “Volvo curse” struck. While driving on the freeway during an afternoon commute, the center display completely froze. This wasn’t a minor glitch; the entire system became unresponsive, including both digital and physical controls, even the volume knob. Imagine driving in 100-degree weather and being unable to adjust climate controls because the system is frozen – a situation previously encountered in another Volvo test vehicle. While restarting the car eventually resolved the issue, the reboot process took an unacceptably long minute, a considerable duration in such situations. This incident isn’t isolated; it’s part of a pattern of electronic failures experienced across multiple Volvo models in recent years.
The frequency of these electronic issues is alarming. Out of over 200 new cars tested over four years, six instances of frozen screens occurred in Volvos. This consistent failure rate raises serious concerns about the reliability of Volvo’s electronic systems. Just as persistent freezing issues on a smartphone often signal the need for a replacement, these recurring problems in new Volvos are simply unacceptable for a luxury brand in 2024. Potential buyers should be aware of this potential inconvenience and consider if they are willing to risk such disruptions.
Beyond the critical electronic failures, the Volvo V60 Cross Country exhibits other shortcomings. The backup camera’s low-light performance is poor, a recurring issue in Volvo vehicles. To improve visibility at night, drivers must apply the brakes to activate the brake lights for additional illumination. Furthermore, despite the expansive size of the center display screen, it lacks the ability to simultaneously show both rear-view and top-view camera perspectives, a feature readily available even in mainstream vehicles like the Toyota RAV4. Small annoyances also include an overly loud clicking volume knob and unusually slow power windows. The climate control system, with its five fan speed settings, also disappoints, offering only three distinct levels: barely on, slightly on, and full blast, with no discernible difference between levels three, four, and five.
However, the Volvo V60 Cross Country retains many of the positive attributes Volvo is known for. The exterior design embodies Nordic minimalism, remaining stylish and handsome. The interior is beautifully crafted with premium materials, including lush leather and metal accents, creating a luxurious ambiance, although the volume knob detracts slightly from this premium feel. The seats are exceptionally comfortable and supportive, and Volvo continues to excel in areas like headlight performance and seat/steering wheel heating. The cabin’s overall luxury execution is commendable, making it even more disappointing that electronic issues persist.
In terms of performance, the V60 Cross Country’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine achieved an average fuel economy of 23 MPG during a week of commuting. This is unimpressive, especially considering similar fuel economy from larger SUVs with more powerful six-cylinder engines. While the 247-horsepower V60 isn’t slow, it’s not particularly quick either. The engine is smooth under throttle, and the eight-speed automatic transmission shifts seamlessly. However, throttle response at low speeds or from a standstill can be jerky and difficult to modulate, making smooth starts challenging. While there’s some improvement over previous V60 models, possibly due to the 48V mild-hybrid system, the throttle response still lags behind competitors in user-friendliness.
The ride quality and comfort are notable strengths, as expected in a luxury vehicle. The Cross Country variant, with its raised and softer suspension, further enhances ride comfort. However, the V60 Cross Country isn’t designed for sporty driving. Canyon carving is not its forte, which aligns with its intended purpose. The steering, even in its firmest setting, lacks feedback and feels muted and vague. The Cross Country model offers an additional two inches of ground clearance and an off-road mode, but with less than eight inches of total clearance, its off-road capabilities are limited to gravel and pebble surfaces, not serious rock crawling.
Despite its attractive pricing for a well-equipped model, the persistent electronic issues overshadow the 2025 Volvo V60 Cross Country’s positive attributes. For a new luxury vehicle in today’s market, such malfunctions are unacceptable. These aren’t isolated incidents; electronic problems have plagued Volvo vehicles for several years across various models. Therefore, a recommendation against the V60, and potentially all new Volvos, is warranted until consistent improvements in electronic reliability are demonstrated.
2025 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 AWD Ultra Specs:
- As-tested price: $64,135
- Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with mild hybrid system
- Horsepower: 247 hp
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Fuel Economy (observed): 23 MPG
Pros:
- Classic Volvo exterior and interior styling
- Comfortable and luxurious cabin
Cons:
- Unreliable electronics and infotainment system
- Unimpressive fuel economy
- Jerky throttle response
- Muted steering feel
