The automotive landscape is constantly evolving, and with it, the fate of beloved models. Volvo, a brand long synonymous with safety and practical elegance, is preparing to bid a final farewell to its last station wagon in the United States, the V60 Cross Country. This discontinuation, slated for April, represents a significant moment for car enthusiasts and highlights a shifting consumer preference away from wagons, leaving a notable gap in the accessible, versatile vehicle segment.
The Last Ride: A Detailed Look at the Volvo V60 Cross Country's Departure
The story of Volvo wagons in the American market traces back to the early 1950s with the utilitarian Duett, a vehicle designed for dual purposes as both a commercial van and a family car. Over the decades, Volvo wagons, like the iconic 200-series, cemented their reputation for durability and family-friendly design, becoming a fixture in many households. These models evolved, gaining refinement and modern aesthetics while retaining their core identity. The turn of the century saw the introduction of the "Cross Country" designation, adding increased ride height and rugged styling, transforming wagons like the V70 Cross Country into more adventurous offerings. This lineage continued with the V60 and V90 Cross Country models, which briefly embraced performance variants under the Polestar badge.
However, consumer trends gradually favored SUVs, leading to a steady decline in wagon sales. By 2021, Volvo had already retired the standard V60 and V90 wagons from its U.S. lineup, leaving only their Cross Country iterations. The plug-in hybrid Polestar-badged V60 followed suit in early 2025, and the V90 Cross Country's cancellation was announced for late 2025. Now, the 2026 V60 Cross Country, the "Last Wagon Standing," faces its final curtain call, with production ending in April. This model, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, delivers a respectable 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds. Despite its 4167-pound curb weight, it demonstrates competent handling with 0.86 g on the skidpad and a 70-0 mph braking distance of 172 feet. Its fuel efficiency stands at an EPA-estimated 31 mpg on the highway, comparable to its Polestar sibling's 34 mpg. Priced at $53,595 for the base model and up to $68,785 for the fully optioned Ultra trim, the V60 Cross Country represented one of the most affordable options in a luxury wagon market now dominated by significantly more expensive choices like the Audi A6 Allroad and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, often exceeding $70,000.
The departure of the Volvo V60 Cross Country from the American market is more than just the end of a car model; it symbolizes the diminishing availability of reasonably priced, versatile station wagons for the average consumer. This trend forces a significant portion of the car-buying public to look at more expensive alternatives or shift towards SUV segments, potentially sacrificing the unique blend of practicality and driving dynamics that wagons offer. While the market's preferences dictate production, the discontinuation of such a capable and accessible vehicle leaves a regrettable void. It encourages a reflection on whether mainstream automotive diversity is truly being served when models like the V60 Cross Country are phased out. For those who appreciate its enduring qualities, these final months offer a last chance to embrace a piece of automotive heritage.