Little has changed for the 2016 model year. A cargo net is no longer standard. The formerly standard digital compact has been deleted from Platinum trim and the Convenience Package. New 19-inch matte black alloy wheels are optional.

Even though it has practical limitations, the Cross Country isn’t all rural-ready looks. Compared to a regular V60 wagon, it adds 2.6 inches of extra ground clearance (7.9 inches total), which can make a difference when leaving the pavement. In addition to all-wheel drive with Hill Descent Control, standard features include front and rear underbody skid plates, bold black fender extensions, side scuff plates, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Volvo’s 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine sends 250 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque to a six-speed automatic transmission, which includes Sport mode.

Two trim levels are offered, along with several option groups:

T5

Starting at $41,000, the basic V60 Cross Country (previously called Premier) is upholstered in leather with contrasting stitching. Standard equipment includes power front seats and driver’s memory, a 40/20/40-split back seat, automatic wipers and headlights, a sunroof, rear parking assist, power-folding rear headrests, Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming, and an eight-speaker sound system with satellite and HD radio. You also get roof rails, configurable gauges, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power-folding side mirrors and a pop-up cargo organizer. Aluminum interior trim is standard, or you can choose genuine wood or piano black trim instead.

• An optional Climate package includes heated front and rear seats, heated wiper washer nozzles, a heated steering wheel and windshield, plus an even more advanced cabin air filtration system.
• The available Blind Spot Information System provides blind -spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front parking assist, and a lane-change merging aid.
• The Technology package (included with Platinum trim) adds adaptive cruise control, collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, distance alert, a driver alertness monitor, and lane-departure warning.
• Included in the optional Convenience package (standard with Platinum trim) are a rear parking-assist camera, a universal garage door opener, keyless access and ignition, power-retractable mirrors, and a digital compass.

T5 Platinum

Another $3,650 buys the Platinum trim level, adding such features as a navigation system, auto-dimming side mirrors, active dual-xenon headlights, flat-folding rear seat, keyless drive, interior accent lighting, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. Contents of the Technology and Convenience packages are also standard.

Some of the Platinum features, such as navigation and the upgraded sound system, can be added individually to the base T5 model. Optional on both models are a rear entertainment system and two-stage child booster seats.

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