2016 Volvo V60 review

1. Lots of good choices 

The 2016 V60 wagon comes in four trim levels based on powertrains: T5 Drive-E, T5 Drive-E Platinum, T6 R-Design AWD, and T6 R-Design AWD Platinum. The front-wheel-drive V60 T5 models have the Drive-E turbocharged four-cylinder 250-hp engine connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive T5 models have the 250-hp 2.5L turbo engine, while T6 R-Design models have the 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder, good for 325 hp. Standard equipment on base-model V60 wagons includes two-zone automatic climate control and a power glass moonroof.  

2. Advanced driver aids abound 

The 2016 Volvo V60’s list of standard features includes Volvo’s collision avoidance system. It provides a frontal collision warning and can automatically apply the brakes to prevent or minimize a frontal collision. The optional Blind Spot Information System package includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors. For more, the Technology package adds a more advanced forward collision mitigation system, plus lane departure warning and intervention. 

3. Driving experience 

While the 2016 Volvo V60 isn’t a true sport wagon, its performance speaks for itself. Driving the T5 Drive-E turbocharged four-cylinder and eight-speed automatic, you’ll notice the V60 accelerates smoothly without undue noise or strain. Add the Sport package to the T5 Drive-E to sharpen the handling and get bigger wheels. You can flip through the gears with the steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles for more connection to the car. The T6 AWD R-Design (with either the turbocharged inline-six or the supercharged and turbocharged four-cylinder that changed mid-year) offers even more power.  

4. Premium interior 

The 2016 Volvo V60 interior matches the sophisticated exterior styling with first-rate materials with a luxury feel. The front seats are so comfortable you may want to figure out how to take them home. For even better seats, go for the available Sport package with snug seating for spirited driving. The vertical infotainment stack holds the vehicle systems and climate controls, with knobs and buttons to navigate menus.  

5. Storage Space 

The reason you buy a wagon is for the extra cargo space. Let’s see how the 2016 Volvo V60 stacks up. With the rear seats up, you have 20 cu-ft of cargo room for whatever you can carry. Looking for even more room? Here’s where the V60’s 40/20/40-split rear sets come in handy. Folding those rear seats opens up 43.8 cu-ft of cargo space. Optional accessories like the grocery bag holder and pet gate help you make the most of the V60’s versatility.