The Volvo S60 Cross Country, a unique blend of sedan practicality and crossover capability, has carved a niche for itself in the automotive world. For those considering purchasing a used S60 Cross Country, understanding the model years with the best reliability and features, as well as those with potential issues, is crucial. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview to help you make an informed decision.
Volvo S60 Cross Country: Model Year Overview
| Model Year | Notable Features/Improvements | Potential Issues/Concerns |
|---|---|---|
| 2015.5 (Late 2015) | Introduction of the S60 Cross Country; Standard all-wheel drive; Increased ride height; Unique exterior styling. | Early production models may have minor software glitches. |
| 2016 | Refined infotainment system; Addition of available safety features like lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. | Potential for oil consumption issues in some T5 engines (though less prevalent than in other Volvo models). |
| 2017 | Minor cosmetic updates; Continued focus on safety technology; Improved fuel efficiency in some trims. | Some reports of infotainment system freezes. |
| 2018 | Final year of production; Limited availability; Generally considered a reliable year as most initial issues were addressed. | Spare parts may become increasingly scarce in the future. |
Detailed Explanations
2015.5 (Late 2015) - Introduction of the S60 Cross Country
The late 2015 (often referred to as 2015.5) model year marked the debut of the Volvo S60 Cross Country. This vehicle was based on the standard S60 sedan but featured a significantly increased ride height (2.5 inches higher), standard all-wheel drive, and unique exterior styling cues like black fender extensions and skid plates. This was designed to offer a more rugged appearance and improved capability on unpaved roads. It came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (T5). This model year is significant because it's the origin of the Cross Country variant, offering a different driving experience compared to other S60 models.
Standard All-Wheel Drive
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a key feature of the S60 Cross Country. It provides enhanced traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions like snow, rain, or on loose surfaces. The AWD system automatically distributes power between the front and rear wheels as needed, improving grip and control. This is a significant advantage over front-wheel drive vehicles, especially for those living in regions with challenging weather.
Increased Ride Height
The S60 Cross Country's raised ride height is a defining characteristic. It not only contributes to the vehicle's rugged appearance but also provides practical benefits. The increased ground clearance allows the car to navigate uneven terrain and obstacles more easily, reducing the risk of underbody damage. It also improves visibility for the driver, providing a better view of the road ahead.
Unique Exterior Styling
The S60 Cross Country stands out from the standard S60 with its distinctive exterior styling. This includes black fender extensions that protect the body from debris, front and rear skid plates that add a rugged touch and protect the bumpers, and unique alloy wheel designs. These elements combine to create a vehicle that looks both stylish and capable.
Early Production Models - Minor Software Glitches
As with any new model, early production 2015.5 S60 Cross Country models may experience minor software glitches. These can sometimes manifest as issues with the infotainment system, driver assistance features, or other electronic components. While not necessarily widespread, it's advisable to check for any reported software issues and ensure that the vehicle has received the latest software updates from Volvo.
2016 - Refined Infotainment System
The 2016 model year saw refinements to the S60 Cross Country's infotainment system. Volvo's infotainment systems have been known for complexity, so improvements in responsiveness and user-friendliness were welcome. This could involve faster processing speeds, improved menu layouts, and better integration with smartphone connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (depending on the specific trim and options).
Addition of Available Safety Features
Volvo has always been a leader in automotive safety, and the 2016 S60 Cross Country continued this tradition with the addition of available safety features. These might include lane keeping assist, which helps prevent unintentional lane departures; adaptive cruise control, which maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead; and blind spot monitoring, which alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots. These features enhance driver awareness and help prevent accidents.
Potential for Oil Consumption Issues in Some T5 Engines
While the S60 Cross Country is generally reliable, some T5 engines (the standard engine) have been reported to exhibit oil consumption issues. This means that the engine may burn more oil than normal, requiring more frequent oil top-ups. This issue is less prevalent in the S60 Cross Country than in some other Volvo models using the same engine, but it's still worth being aware of. Regularly checking the oil level and following the recommended maintenance schedule can help mitigate this issue.
2017 - Minor Cosmetic Updates
The 2017 S60 Cross Country received minor cosmetic updates. These changes were subtle and mainly focused on refreshing the vehicle's appearance. They might include new wheel designs, updated exterior color options, or minor changes to the interior trim. While these updates don't significantly alter the vehicle's functionality, they can contribute to a more modern and appealing look.
Continued Focus on Safety Technology
The 2017 model year continued Volvo's emphasis on safety technology. Existing safety features were refined, and new ones may have been added. This could include improvements to the car's collision avoidance system, enhanced pedestrian detection capabilities, or the addition of new driver assistance features.
Improved Fuel Efficiency in Some Trims
Volvo made efforts to improve the fuel efficiency of the S60 Cross Country in some trims for the 2017 model year. This might involve optimizing engine performance, reducing weight, or improving aerodynamics. While the S60 Cross Country is not known for exceptional fuel economy, any improvements in this area are a welcome benefit for drivers.
Some Reports of Infotainment System Freezes
Despite refinements to the infotainment system in previous years, some owners of the 2017 S60 Cross Country have reported occasional system freezes. This can be frustrating for drivers, as it can disrupt navigation, audio playback, and other functions. While not a widespread issue, it's worth considering when evaluating a used 2017 model.
2018 - Final Year of Production
The 2018 model year marked the end of production for the Volvo S60 Cross Country. This means that it's the most recent model year available, and therefore likely to have the lowest mileage and best overall condition.
Limited Availability
Since 2018 was the final year of production, the availability of used S60 Cross Country models from this year may be limited. This can make it more challenging to find the specific trim, color, and options that you're looking for.
Generally Considered a Reliable Year
The 2018 S60 Cross Country is generally considered a reliable year. By this point, Volvo had addressed many of the initial issues that may have affected earlier models. This means that you're less likely to encounter common problems with a 2018 model compared to a 2015.5 or 2016 model.
Spare Parts May Become Increasingly Scarce
As the S60 Cross Country is no longer in production, spare parts may become increasingly scarce in the future. This could potentially make repairs more difficult and expensive, especially for less common components. While this is a long-term consideration, it's something to keep in mind when evaluating a used S60 Cross Country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most reliable year for the Volvo S60 Cross Country?
The 2018 model year is generally considered the most reliable, as it's the final year of production and most initial issues were addressed.
Are there any common problems with the S60 Cross Country?
Some T5 engines may exhibit oil consumption, and some infotainment systems may experience freezes, particularly in earlier model years.
Is the S60 Cross Country a good car for winter driving?
Yes, its standard all-wheel drive and increased ride height make it well-suited for winter driving conditions.
What is the fuel economy like on the S60 Cross Country?
Fuel economy is average for its class, typically ranging from 22-25 MPG combined, depending on the engine and driving conditions.
Is the S60 Cross Country expensive to maintain?
Maintenance costs are generally comparable to other European luxury vehicles.
Conclusion
Choosing the best year for a used Volvo S60 Cross Country involves weighing the features, potential issues, and availability of each model year. While the 2018 model is generally considered the most reliable, earlier years can offer good value if properly maintained. Consider your individual needs and priorities when making your decision, and be sure to have any potential purchase inspected by a qualified mechanic.