Volvo V60 Cross Country review - MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

Though not as cheap to run as its front-wheel drive counterpart with the same engine, the V60 Cross Country offers decent economy and acceptable emissions for a car of this type. Volvo quotes an average economy figure of 42.8-47.9mpg, measured on the latest WLTP test cycle that more accurately reflects real-world driving. By contrast, the same engine and gearbox combination in the standard V60 manages 47.9-55.4mpg.

The V60 Cross Country clearly beats its Subaru Outback rival in this department, whose 2.5-litre petrol engine only returns 33mpg on average (WLTP). In top-spec 2.0-litre BiTurbo D trim, the Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer returns 36.2mp, or between 41.5 and 42.2mpg in the lower-powered Turbo D. Until the Volkswagen Group models return to their respective ranges (Audi A4 Allroad, Skoda Octavia Scout and Volkswagen Passat Alltrack), the V60 Cross Country is most economical car of its type.

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Emissions are good for a four-wheel drive estate car, with an official NEDC equivalent figure of 135g/km quoted. For company car users this means a Benefit in Kind percentage charge of 32% in 2018/19, 35% in 2019/20 and 36% in 2020/21. By contrast, the petrol-only Subaru Outback brings a 34% charge in 2018/19, climbing to the maximum 37% thereafter.

Road tax is £205 in the first year, followed by the standard yearly payment of £140. Once you’ve ticked a few options boxes you’ll easily push your V60 Cross Country over the government’s £40,000 threshold and incur a £310 surcharge on in years two to six of ownership, making for a total annual bill of £450. Rivals like the Insignia Country Tourer start around the £30,000 mark and so should avoid this.

Insurance groups

The Volvo V60 Cross Country sits in insurance group 31 – considerably higher than the groups 17 to 20 of the Subaru Outback. The Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer sits in group 20 or 24 depending on which engine is fitted.

Currently discontinued but available through dealer stock, the Audi A4 Allroad sits in insurance groups 26 to 39 depending on engine and specification.

All Volvo V60 models are fitted with an anti-theft alarm with an immobiliser, volume sensor and a level sensor. Volvo’s On Call system can also be used to track the vehicle if it is stolen.

Depreciation

Our experts predict that the V60 Cross Country will hold onto a shade over 41% of its original value come trade-in time after three years and 36,000 miles. An equivalent Audi A4 Allroad is predicted to retain around 48-50% by contrast, though the Subaru Outback falls behind both with a predicted 39% after three years.