2022 Volvo V60 Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

The iconic station wagon is alive and well, thanks to Volvo's 2022 V60. Station wagons fell out of favor in North America as large SUVs and trucks became increasingly popular. In a lot of ways, however, they never entirely disappeared. Some might even consider crossover SUVs as the natural evolution of the station wagon. After all, they're built with the same purpose of carting around family members, friends, and cargo.

Once upon a time, the station wagon was considered uncool. It was strictly a family vehicle that your mother used for grocery runs. It might be fondly remembered as the vehicle your family used for long road trips too. Slowly, automakers started to transform the station wagon into something more sporty and versatile. While some crossover SUVs are given the "wagon," classification, the Volvo V60 is the real, genuine article.

Unlike the giant station wagons of last year, the V60 is modern, fresh, and sleek. Moreover, it is an attractive vehicle. It has an aggressive appearance and the performance stats to match. The interior is practical and luxurious, with plenty of benefits and tech features. It is even a good off-road performer with ground clearance than typically on an SUV.

The front seats are particularly comfortable. The interior benefits from great sound-proofing by the Volvo engineers too. It's quiet inside of the V60 and the ride quality is smooth and comfortable thanks to a solid suspension system. The 2022 Volvo V60 is a great example of Scandinavian quality and craftsmanship. For 2022, Volvo will offer the V60 wagon in only two different trim levels.

Both versions of this vehicle offer different features. Like, Volvo calls the base model the Cross Country. There is also the Polestar Engineered, a model designed with better performance in mind. Here is a closer look at the similarities and differences between these two versions of the V60. After the comparison, there will examine which trim level may be the best.

Compare the Cross Country vs the Polestar Engineered Trim. What Is the Difference?

The base model of the 2022 Volvo V60 comes equipped with a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine. This powertrain makes 250 hp (horsepower) at 5,000 rpm (revolutions per minute) and 258 pound-feet of torque. This 4-cylinder is a turbocharged, direct-injection engine for more power and efficiency. Both the Cross Country and Polestar Engineered models come stock with all-wheel drive.

The standard all-wheel makes the Volvo V60 a great performer no matter what the weather is like outside. It maintains excellent traction everywhere. Handling and steering dynamics are incredible. The Volvo V60 even offers excellent off-road capabilities too. Moreover to the all-wheel drive, both models of the V60 also have 8.3-inches of ground clearance to get this wagon over debris and rough terrain.

The Cross Country trim should get around 22 mpg (miles per gallon) in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. That makes for a combined fuel-economy rating of 25 mpg. Cross Country has a fuel capacity of 15.9 gallons. Both trim levels come in at 188.3-inches long, 80.3 inches broad, and 50.9 inches high. The Volvo V60 has a wheelbase of 113.2 inches.

While not primarily meant to tow like a truck or a large SUV, the Cross Country V60 can still pull up to 2,000 pounds. That's enough for a light trailer or a small boat. This is a remarkable ability to have in a wagon that also has off-road capabilities. It makes the Volvo V60 great for road trips, camping, fishing, or adventures.

On the inside, both models of the Volvo V60 have room for five people, including the driver. There's around 23.2 cubic-feet of storage space in the back when all of the seats are filled with passengers. With the rear seats folded down, the cargo space can be expanded up to a volume of 60.5 cubic feet. The V60 has around 37.4-inches of head space and 42.3-inches of legroom up front.

The rear passengers also get plenty of room to stretch out in. There's 38.1-inches of head room and 35.2-inches of legroom in the back. Both trims have 8-way power seats up front with available premium cloth and leather trim. The driver's seat also has power-adjustable lumbar support. The two front seats have multi-level heating in both trim levels.

The two powertrains and various mechanical characteristics are the primary dissimilarities between the Cross Country and Polestar Engineered trims. Polestar Engineered uses a hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, turbocharged, and supercharged direct-injection engine. It is paired with an 87-hp electric motor for 415 hp and 472 pound-feet of torque. So, acceleration in this model of the V60 is rapid.

The hybrid powertrain of the Polestar Engineered has a fuel-economy rating of 69 MPGe (miles per gallon plus electric). This trim has a range of 22 miles on electric-only power. Both models of the V60 have an 8-speed automatic transmission that can be manually shifted if the driver so wishes. The two trims come with a four-wheel independent suspension with stabilizer bars up front and in back.

The wheels add style to the overall look of the SUV.  For this reason, the Cross Country has 18-inch, painted alloy wheels. When compared, the Polestar Engineered has a big set of 19-inch, painted alloy wheels. Both are shielded with a set of performance tires. Both models of the V60 get adaptive LED headlights, taillights, and cornering lights. The exterior mirrors propose a heating feature for quick and easy defrosting in the winter.

On the inside, both trim levels have Volvo's Sensus Infotainment System with nine-inch touchscreen display. The display features have HD, full-color graphics. Bluetooth is in for easy music streaming from smartphones and other devices. Smartphones can also be connected and charged through multiple USB ports. Google Assistant and Voice Recognition Technology are also built into the system for convenience and ease of use.

Music buffs will especially relish the audio flank of the infotainment system. Equipped with a captivating 1,400 watts AM/FM stereo. The 15 premium speakers by Bowers & Wilkins- contain one subwoofer for deep and rich bass effects. In addition to the USB ports, the stereo has an auxiliary input jack to connect various music players and other devices.

New buyers will get three free months of satellite-radio services provided by Volvo. This also includes real-time traffic reports and updates. Many of the audio controls are mounted on the steering wheel for convenience, in addition to being accessible through the infotainment system's large touchscreen. Both models have the same instrument and gauge cluster. There are some interesting things here such as a compass, a tachometer and an exterior-temperature display.

Both models of the V60 are equipped with power windows and door locks. The windows have a touch feature. The V60 also possesses convenient no-touch entry. The four-zone climate-control system proves comfortable in all weather. The air-filtration system will ensure everyone gets clean, healthy air to breathe.

There are dual, illuminated vanity mirrors for both visors in every model of the V60. Both models get plenty of cup holders, pockets behind the front seats and other small-item storage spaces throughout the cabin and rear-seat area. A leatherette, heated steering wheel is also optional for the Cross Country and for the Polestar Engineered. Keyless entry, a keyless ignition and adaptive cruise control are all standard features.

The tilting and telescoping column allow the drivers to adjust the steering wheel. The Universal Remote Transmitter permit them to access home security systems along with garage door openers. Load bars, a stainless-steel bumper cover, and a hands-free tailgate are all optional features.

Safety features and driver-assist technology are perhaps the most important features to consider when looking to buy a new vehicle. Fortunately, Volvo has everyone covered here with plenty of such features for both the Cross Country and Polestar Engineered models of the V60. There are front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger. There are also side curtain airbags for the front and rear passengers. The Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation system automatically disables the airbags that aren't needed.

Daytime running lamps make the V60 more visible to oncoming traffic. There are two headrests up front and three in the rear for neck comfort. The V60 has ABS brakes to control brake lockups. Traction Control and Stability Control make the vehicle secure in multiple driving circumstances. Every model gets child safety seat anchors.

The V60 features both Lane-Departure and Blind-Spot Warnings as part of its Accident Avoidance System. The V60 also has Pre-Collision and Post-Collision Safety Systems. Emergency Braking Assist kicks in automatically when some extra stopping power is needed during emergency maneuvers. Dusk Sensing Headlamps turn on automatically when needed to ensure the driver always has a good view of the road ahead.

The rear-seat area has child safety locks and windows. A rear-view camera makes backing up and parking a little bit easier and a whole lot safer. There are available sensors to help out with parking as well. The electrochromatic, rear-view mirror dims automatically to help negate bright lights reflecting into the driver's eyes. Every model of the V60 also has a Tire-Pressure Monitor to make sure the tires are never under- or over-inflated.

The Volvo V60 has a Protection Package that can be added to the Cross Country or the Polestar Engineered models. This package protects the car's interior and exterior elements from damage. These packages possess bumper covers, locking wheel bolts, and shaped plastic mats for passenger comfort and cargo area. There is also a security system to deter would-be thieves.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of which model of the 2022 Volvo V60 is chosen, the buyer will get a fantastic wagon. It's a great looking car both inside and out. It's also extremely comfortable to drive or ride around in. The high number of standard features and the excellent sound system make the V60 a great bargain. This is a luxury vehicle that's also practical to own and simply a blast to drive.

While both models of the 2022 Volvo V60 are fun to drive, the Polestar Engineered is different level compared to the Cross Country. The extra horsepower and torque can be felt. This luxury wagon is downright sporty and handles like a dream. The Polestar Engineered will prove great fun if you're a performance enthusiast. Cross Country is cheaper for everyone else and still has the same convenience and safety features.