The Volvo V60 Recharge is One of the Best New Wagons You Can Buy, But it Won’t Come Cheap
While there aren’t many new wagons available these days, one of the best comes from Sweden. The Volvo V60 Recharge is one of three new wagons in the Volvo lineup, and it may be the best option available. However, a base price of over $70,000 makes this plug-in hybrid wagon a spendy proposition, even if it is an excellent choice.
A powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain
One of the most enticing features of the Volvo V60 Recharge sits under the hood. The plug-in hybrid setup of this Swedish wagon offers a delicious amount of power with plenty of flexibility.
Combined, the 2.0-liter twincharged (yes, turbo AND supercharged) four-cylinder engine and electric motor pump out 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. The combustion component delivers 316 ponies and 295 pound-feet on its own, while the electric motor helps bring out some extra punch. Zero to 60 acceleration takes just 4.3 seconds, as intelligent all-wheel drive reliably gets that power to the ground.
Electrify your drives with one of the best new wagons of 2023
On electric power alone, the V60 Recharge will take you 41 miles, according to Motortrend. That’s enough to handle the average daily commute in both directions before needing to plug in. Combined overall fuel economy rates at 74 MPGe, but most drivers won’t need to burn any gas until the weekend road trip comes around. And when the electric power runs out, the combustion engine is still good for 31 mpg combined.
The Volvo V60 Recharge is a supremely comfortable new wagon
The joy of the V60 Recharge doesn’t end with what pulls it down the highway. Both driver and passengers will enjoy an incredibly comfortable driving experience in this new Volvo wagon.
Heated and ventilated seats make even the most extreme hot and cold weather days more enjoyable. And with three-zone automatic climate control, both front and rear-seat riders have control over their own comfort.
The enhanced electric battery also allows for pre-heating or cooling of the cabin, regardless of whether or not the vehicle is plugged in. That alone makes it one of the best new wagons around, but the V60 Recharge isn’t done showing off just yet.
Polestar Engineered performance in the Volvo V60 Recharge
With the Polestar Engineered package in the Volvo V60 Recharge, upgrades to both braking and handling match the improved performance. Adaptive Ohlins dampers allow for both sporty and comfort-focused drive modes. Softer settings are perfect for cruising, while sharper options make carving through curves a joy. Meanwhile, 14.6-inch Brembo brakes get the hefty Volvo wagon slowed down with remarkable efficiency. That said, the improved brakes can make regenerative braking feel a bit harsh, and the adaptive suspension still leaves a bit on the table for drivers who want outright performance.
Standard safety makes the Volvo V60 Recharge wagon one of the best
There is no secret that Volvo’s commitment to safety goes back generations. The latest Volvo V60 Recharge is simply the latest example. Advanced driver assistance features allow for hands-free driving on marked roads and highways. Unlike some other systems, it will also track driver attention and bring the vehicle to a stop if necessary.
The best new wagon comes at a price
There is a lot to love about the Volvo V60 Recharge, but there is one thing that isn’t great: the price. The base MSRP sits just above $70,000, and that feels a bit steep despite how much we love this thing. By the time taxes and destination fees are dealt with, the price rises to over $80,000, and that is a difficult pill to swallow.
If it had more focused handling or a more refined ride, we may understand that hefty price tag. But overall it feels like this plug-in hybrid wagon costs about $10,000 more than it should. While it’s hard to deny the overall quality, the price is certainly enough to make us think twice.
