Volvo has long been synonymous with Scandinavian design, understated luxury, and a commitment to safety. For years, models like the V60 have embodied these traits, offering a unique blend of practicality and premium feel that appealed to discerning buyers. However, recent experiences, including this review of the 2025 Volvo V60 Cross Country, reveal a concerning trend that potential owners should be aware of: persistent electronic glitches. While the V60 Cross Country retains the attractive aesthetics and comfortable interior Volvo is known for, a recurring issue with its infotainment system casts a shadow over the entire driving experience. This review dives into the details, exploring both the appealing aspects and the frustrating flaws of the latest Volvo V60 Cross Country.
Electronic Gremlins Plague the Driving Experience
The test drive of the 2025 Volvo V60 Cross Country began promisingly. The vehicle’s elegant design and plush interior immediately made a positive impression. However, this initial enthusiasm was quickly dampened by a familiar Volvo ailment: electronic malfunctions. Just a day into the evaluation, a notification appeared for an over-the-air software update. While such updates are common and often beneficial, the estimated installation time was an alarming 90 minutes, during which the car’s central display would be completely inaccessible. This significant downtime for a software update in a modern vehicle is already a point of concern.
Unfortunately, the software update did not resolve the underlying issues. The very next day, while merging onto the freeway during an afternoon commute, the V60 Cross Country’s center display froze completely. This wasn’t a minor glitch; the entire system became unresponsive, rendering essential controls inaccessible. Even the physical volume knob, a seemingly foolproof mechanical control, failed to function. Fortunately, the air conditioning had been activated prior to the system failure, a lesson learned from previous Volvo experiences where climate control became inaccessible due to similar freezes.
The only way to temporarily resolve the issue was to pull over and restart the car. While this did eventually reboot the system, the process took an excessively long minute – a significant delay in a situation where quick responses are often needed. This incident raises serious questions about the reliability of Volvo’s electronic systems, especially in critical driving situations.
A Pattern of Unreliability
This isolated incident might be dismissed as a rare occurrence, but unfortunately, it appears to be part of a troubling pattern. Out of hundreds of new cars tested over the past four years, a disproportionate number of Volvos have exhibited frozen and inoperable screens. Specifically, six out of eight cars with such issues were Volvos. This statistic is alarming and suggests a systemic problem within the brand’s electronic architecture or software. Such consistent unreliability makes it difficult to recommend a new Volvo with confidence. For consumers seeking dependable transportation, these electronic gremlins present a significant deterrent. Just as persistent freezing issues with a smartphone signal it’s time for an upgrade, these recurring problems in Volvo vehicles raise concerns about their long-term reliability and user experience.
Beyond Infotainment: Other Minor Annoyances
While the frozen infotainment screen is the most significant issue, the 2025 Volvo V60 Cross Country suffers from other, albeit less critical, shortcomings. The backup camera’s poor nighttime visibility is a recurring complaint with Volvo vehicles. Drivers often need to apply the brakes to illuminate the brake lights and gain sufficient visibility when reversing in the dark. Furthermore, despite the expansive widescreen display, the system doesn’t allow simultaneous viewing of the rear and top-view cameras – a feature readily available in many mainstream vehicles, even models like the Toyota RAV4.
Minor ergonomic quirks also detract from the overall experience. The volume knob, while physically present, produces an excessively loud clicking sound with each increment, audible even at highway speeds. This is a common trait across the Volvo range and is considered one of the least refined volume controls in the current automotive market. Additionally, the power windows operate with an unusually slow, almost glacial pace. The climate control fan, with its five settings, also presents inconsistencies. Fan speeds three through five offer virtually no discernible difference in airflow or noise level, effectively reducing the usable fan settings to just two distinct levels: barely on, slightly on, and then full blast.
Lingering Volvo Charm: Design and Comfort
Despite these electronic and ergonomic drawbacks, the Volvo V60 Cross Country retains the core characteristics that have made Volvos desirable. The exterior design embodies Scandinavian minimalism, presenting a handsome and sophisticated aesthetic. The interior continues this theme, offering a beautifully crafted space with high-quality materials, including lush leather and tasteful metal accents. While the volume knob stands out as a minor tactile disappointment, the overall cabin ambiance is undeniably premium. The seats are exceptionally comfortable and supportive, ideal for long journeys. Volvo also excels in lighting and climate comfort, offering some of the best headlights and seat/steering wheel warming systems available. It is this inherent luxury and thoughtful design that makes the persistent electronic issues so disappointing; the V60 Cross Country has significant potential, but is let down by its technological shortcomings.
Driving Dynamics: Competent but Uninspiring
Fuel economy for the V60 Cross Country averaged around 23 MPG during a week of mixed driving. This is unremarkable for a small turbocharged four-cylinder engine with modest power output, especially when compared to larger, more powerful vehicles with similar fuel consumption. The 247-horsepower engine provides adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. While not slow, the V60 Cross Country lacks the brisk acceleration expected in the luxury segment. The engine operates smoothly under throttle, and the eight-speed automatic transmission shifts seamlessly. However, some throttle response issues persist, particularly at low speeds and from a standstill. Modulating the throttle for smooth starts can be challenging, often resulting in either sluggish acceleration or abrupt jolts. While Volvo has seemingly improved this aspect compared to previous V60 models, possibly due to the mild-hybrid system, the throttle response still lacks the user-friendliness of competitors.
Ride quality and comfort are strong suits, as expected in a luxury-oriented vehicle. The Cross Country variant, with its raised ride height and softer suspension, further enhances ride comfort. However, driving enthusiasts seeking dynamic handling will find the V60 Cross Country uninspiring. It exhibits little aptitude for spirited driving, which aligns with its intended purpose as a comfortable cruiser rather than a performance wagon. The steering feel is muted and lacks feedback, even in the “firm” setting, and the steering weight feels somewhat artificial and vague. The Cross Country designation includes an off-road mode and increased ground clearance, but with less than eight inches of clearance (lower than a Toyota Highlander), its off-road capabilities are limited to light-duty tasks like gravel roads and uneven terrain, not serious rock crawling.
Verdict: Style and Substance Compromised by Electronics
The 2025 Volvo V60 Cross Country presents an appealing package with its stylish design, luxurious interior, and comfortable ride. The as-tested price, while significant, is competitive within the luxury wagon segment for the level of features offered. However, the persistent and recurring electronic issues are a major drawback. In a brand new luxury vehicle in 2024, experiencing a complete infotainment system freeze is simply unacceptable. This is not an isolated incident but part of a pattern of electronic gremlins that have plagued Volvo vehicles across multiple models in recent years. Until Volvo demonstrates a consistent improvement in electronic reliability, it is difficult to recommend the V60 Cross Country, or any new Volvo, to prospective buyers. The allure of Scandinavian design and luxury is overshadowed by the frustrating reality of unreliable technology.
2025 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 AWD Ultra
As-tested price: $64,135
Pros:
- Distinctive Volvo exterior and interior styling
- Luxurious and comfortable cabin
Cons:
- Unreliable electronic systems
- Recurring infotainment screen freezes
