2016 Volvo V60 CC

We’re long familiar with Volvo’s Cross Country approach to their vehicles: jack up the ride height, and add some skid plates. Well, that might be an oversimplification of it…but we get why they do it. And the latest to get the “CC” treatment is the V60 wagon.

Anything to make it more like an SUV helps in today’s market, and the V60 Cross Country does a good job of looking the part. Ride height is increased just over two and a half inches, bringing overall ground clearance to 7.9 inches.

Should you choose to test the limits of that 7.9 inches, the front and rear skid plates are pretty serious, as are the rocker panel scuff plates. The fender extensions are more for show though, but good for that tough-guy look.

The look inside is much more relaxed; and like every recent Volvo, a good mix of top-notch materials and unparalleled comfort. Cargo room, like the V60 wagon, totals a reasonable 43.8 cubic feet.

Power comes as a “T5” only, which means Volvo’s 2.5 liter turbo I4. In the V60 Cross Country, it delivers 250 horsepower mated to a six speed automatic. All-wheel drive, and hill descent control are both standard, providing all-weather, and even some all-terrain capabilities. Of course, we had to give that a try…

Safety is a Volvo staple, and the V60’s standard City Safe system brings low speed auto braking assist with forward collision warnings. Full auto braking is available on higher trims.

On sale now, the 2016 Volvo V60 Cross Country starts around $42,000.