2026 Volvo V60 Cross Country Test: Why Auto Journalists Love Wagons

“Lease returns” are the cars that come back to the leasing company when a lease term ends. When many vehicles return at once, it can increase supply in the used market and pressure prices downward.

The “flood of used electric vehicles” refers to a large wave of EVs entering the used-car market, typically as earlier EV leases and purchases reach the end of their terms. That kind of supply surge can change pricing and availability for EV shoppers.

A “road rally” is an organized driving event where participants follow a route and complete activities along the way, often focused on community rather than racing. The segment frames it as a way for Mini to bring owners together around a milestone.

Ford is a major automaker and a corporate actor in partnerships and market strategy. Here, Ford is mentioned as pausing plans for a U.S. partnership with Geely and shifting focus to Europe.

Geely is an automotive company that owns brands including Volvo and has partnered with other manufacturers in various markets. In this segment, Geely is mentioned alongside Ford regarding a paused U.S. partnership plan.

Porsche Cayenne Coupe is a Porsche SUV variant that emphasizes a sportier, coupe-like roofline compared with the standard Cayenne. In this segment, it’s described as an electric model, highlighting Porsche’s push into EV versions of its popular performance-oriented SUV lineup.

Mitsubishi Outlander is a mainstream three-row crossover SUV known for being practical and typically priced more affordably than many competitors. The host calls out a refreshed 2026 model with a starting price under $30,000, framing it as a value-focused update.

The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV famous for its big presence, comfort, and high-end features. In this episode segment, the host says they drove the 2026 Escalade on a long trip to Vermont and back, making it the week’s test vehicle.

The Honda Prologue is Honda’s fully electric SUV, and it’s being used here as an example of an EV lease that will be ending soon. That matters because lease expirations are a major source of used EV inventory.

Cox Automotive is a major automotive data and research company that tracks things like vehicle pricing and sales trends. In this segment, they’re cited as reporting that used EV prices are lower.

Tax credits are government incentives that reduce a buyer’s tax bill, and for EVs they can significantly affect the effective purchase price. If those credits aren’t available (or are reduced), demand can soften and pricing can fall.

Residual value (often shortened to “residuals”) is the estimated worth of a vehicle at the end of a lease term. If the market value drops faster than expected, the lessor or financier can lose money because the car won’t sell for the projected amount.

Home charging means plugging an EV into a charger at your residence, typically overnight. Without it, daily charging becomes harder and can make an EV less convenient—especially if you rely on public chargers.

The segment is about the practical requirement to charge an EV regularly to match daily driving needs. Without convenient charging access, the “range” you expect on paper can become harder to use in real life.

The Buick Century is a mid-size car nameplate that has been used by Buick for decades, typically positioned as a comfortable, mainstream option. In the podcast context, it’s referenced around “quarter century” of modern production under the BMW Group, which suggests the conversation is about the model’s production history and evolution. It’s discussed because it ties into how the Century name has changed over time.

Mini is a British brand known for its compact, go-kart-like driving feel and strong identity. In this episode, they discuss how the modern Mini has grown in size versus the original, and how the brand’s customization culture (like roof accessories) appeals to enthusiasts.

A front-drive, transverse engine layout places the engine sideways across the car and drives the front wheels. This packaging choice frees up space and became common because it’s efficient for compact cars and helps reduce drivetrain complexity.

Smaller wheel and tire diameters can improve packaging by reducing how much space the wheel wells take up. That can translate into more usable interior room, especially in compact cars.

“Electric side” refers to an automaker’s electric-vehicle (EV) strategy and capabilities. The hosts imply Chinese EV brands are stronger in Europe and globally, and that Ford may want to learn from that.

The Porsche Cayenne Coupe Electric is an electric version of Porsche’s Cayenne-based coupe-style SUV. Porsche is known for performance-oriented engineering, and this one is positioned as a high-end EV with very strong acceleration claims.

The Porsche Taycan is an all-electric performance sedan from Porsche, designed to deliver quick acceleration and strong everyday usability. Your excerpt notes that people liked the Taycan, and it frames the vehicle as a “more traditional” type of car, suggesting it’s being evaluated against expectations for electric vehicles. It’s discussed because it represents Porsche’s move into electric power while still aiming for a performance-focused driving feel.

Zero to 60 time is how many seconds it takes a car to accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph. It’s a common performance metric because it reflects launch power and traction.

A turbocharged engine uses a turbocharger to force more air into the cylinders, allowing the engine to make more power without needing a larger displacement. It’s commonly used to improve performance and efficiency, especially in smaller engines.

A 48-volt mild hybrid system uses a small electric motor and battery to assist the engine, typically for smoother starts, improved efficiency, and reduced load on the gasoline engine. It’s “mild” because it doesn’t usually drive the car by itself like a full hybrid or EV.

Nissan is referenced here as a partner company in a shared development/ownership relationship. The speaker says Mitsubishi benefits from that partnership by borrowing technology, which can affect how the Outlander is engineered and packaged.

Infotainment is the car’s integrated system for media and information—things like the touchscreen, navigation, phone connectivity, and audio controls. When someone says “infotainment tech,” they’re usually talking about how modern and responsive that whole interface feels.

A V8 is an engine with eight cylinders arranged in a “V” shape. It’s commonly used in larger vehicles because it can deliver strong torque for towing and effortless highway passing.

Torque is the engine’s twisting force that strongly influences how quickly a vehicle can accelerate, especially from low speeds. For heavy vehicles like the Escalade, torque is often what makes it feel responsive even if it isn’t a sports car.

A 10-speed automatic transmission is a gearbox with ten forward gears that automatically selects the right ratio for speed and driving conditions. More gears can help keep the engine in a better efficiency or power range.

Four-wheel drive (4WD) means power can be sent to all four wheels, improving traction on slippery or uneven surfaces. It’s often offered on large SUVs so they can handle rain, snow, and rough roads more confidently.

Magnetic ride control is an adaptive suspension system that uses electronically controlled dampers to change ride stiffness. The goal is to make the car feel more comfortable on rough roads while tightening up when you’re driving more aggressively or in different drive modes.

Body-on-frame is a vehicle construction method where the body sits on a separate ladder-like frame. This layout is common in large SUVs and trucks because it can handle heavy loads and towing well, but it often feels less “car-like” than unibody construction.

The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck, and the host uses it as a reference point for how the Escalade’s body-on-frame layout feels. The comparison highlights that the Escalade’s construction is truck-like rather than compact-car-like.

Apple CarPlay is a smartphone-integration system that mirrors compatible iPhone apps onto the car’s infotainment screen. It lets you use navigation, music, calls, and certain apps through the vehicle’s interface.

Android Auto is a smartphone-integration system that brings compatible Android phone features to the car’s infotainment display. It typically supports navigation, media, messaging/calling (depending on region and phone), and voice control.

XM radio refers to satellite radio service, which delivers music and talk programming via satellites rather than relying on local broadcast towers. It’s commonly bundled into factory infotainment systems as an option for broader station coverage.

A touchscreen is the main control interface where climate, media, and vehicle settings are adjusted by touching the screen. In this segment, the host specifically criticizes the touchscreen-based climate controls for being annoying to use.

A panoramic sunroof is a large glass roof section that lets in more light and can make the cabin feel more open. It’s typically wider than a standard sunroof and often spans a bigger portion of the roof.

AKG is a well-known audio brand, and in this Volvo V60 Cross Country it’s used for the premium speaker system. The host calls out an “AKG 38 speaker” setup as an expensive option that boosts the vehicle’s price.

A blind spot camera system uses cameras (often near the mirrors) to show what’s beside or behind the car. It can improve visibility compared with mirrors alone and can be tied into driver-assist alerts.

Blind spot monitoring uses sensors to detect vehicles in areas you can’t easily see in the mirrors. It typically alerts you when there’s traffic in your blind spot, helping reduce lane-change mistakes.

Super Cruise is a hands-free driver-assistance system designed to steer the car on compatible roads while the driver monitors the situation. The host says it works well on highways but struggles with curvy roads and high winds, where lane-centering becomes less confident.

Hands-free driving refers to driver-assistance systems that can steer and manage parts of the driving task without the driver holding the wheel. The host evaluates how well it performs in real-world conditions like curvy roads and high winds.

The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV that the host brings up as an alternative to the Volvo V60 Cross Country. The comparison is about value and practicality—Tahoe-style vehicles cost less than the Volvo’s heavily optioned price, while still offering family-friendly features.

The GMC Yukon is a full-size SUV mentioned as a lower-cost alternative to the Volvo V60 Cross Country. The host’s point is that big SUVs can offer many of the same convenience features, but typically for less money than a heavily optioned wagon.

The Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV that the host compares against the Volvo V60 Cross Country. The comparison is about spending: for the Volvo’s high optioned price, the host would consider a Suburban instead for similar family utility.

Power side steps are motorized running boards that deploy when you open the door and retract when you’re done. If they break, they can stay stuck down or fail to deploy, which is why the host is concerned about them being left deployed.

The Volvo V60 Cross Country is a wagon built with SUV-like styling cues, including a lifted stance and rugged exterior accents. It’s notable because it blends the practicality of a station wagon with the higher ride height and all-weather positioning buyers associate with crossovers.

A turbocharged four-cylinder engine uses a turbocharger to force more air into the cylinders, allowing more power from a smaller engine. Compared with a naturally aspirated engine of the same size, it typically delivers stronger acceleration and torque, especially at lower RPMs.

An eight-speed automatic transmission is a gearbox with eight forward ratios that automatically selects the best gear for speed and load. More gears can help keep the engine in its efficient power band, improving smoothness and responsiveness.

All-wheel drive (AWD) sends power to both the front and rear axles, improving traction when roads are slippery or uneven. It can also help the car put power down more effectively during acceleration compared with front- or rear-wheel drive.

An integrated starter generator (ISG) is a motor-generator that can start the engine and also provide electrical assist. In a mild hybrid, it helps deliver torque quickly and can recapture energy during deceleration.

0-to-60 time is a common performance metric measuring how many seconds it takes a car to accelerate from 0 mph to 60 mph. It’s a simple way to compare real-world acceleration feel between vehicles, though it doesn’t capture everything like handling or braking.

Stop-start operation is an engine system that automatically shuts the engine off when the vehicle is stopped (like at a light) and restarts it when you’re ready to move. The hosts say it used to be a problem on similar systems, but this one feels smooth now.

Multi-zone climate control lets different passengers set different temperature settings for their side of the cabin. The hosts mention it as part of the Ultra trim’s comfort-focused interior setup.

A trim level (like “Ultra”) is a specific equipment package that determines features such as upholstery, seat adjustments, climate control, and infotainment. The hosts connect the Ultra trim to the comfort features they listed and to the starting price.

Perforated nappa leather seating uses a soft, high-quality leather with small holes to improve airflow and reduce heat buildup. In this segment it’s called out as part of the Ultra trim’s upscale, comfort-oriented interior.

Power adjustable seats use electric motors to move the seat and often the steering/seat position without manual effort. “Memory” stores preset positions so the seat can return to a driver’s preferred setup with a button.

Cargo capacity is measured in cubic feet, representing the volume of space available for luggage and gear. The hosts quote figures behind the rear seats and with them folded to show how practical the wagon layout is.

The Volvo XC90 is a midsize luxury SUV known for family-friendly space and comfort. In your excerpt, it’s mentioned in connection with taking a dog along and test-driving vehicles, which highlights its practical everyday role. It’s a common topic because it blends passenger comfort with features aimed at real-world family use.

Out-the-door (OTD) price is the total amount you pay to take the car home, including taxes, registration, and dealer fees. The segment mentions the “as-tested price” after quoting the trim’s starting price, which is the kind of number shoppers compare.

A retractable trailer hitch is a hitch receiver that can be hidden when not in use, usually by folding or sliding it out of sight. It’s meant to keep the rear of the vehicle looking cleaner while still allowing towing when needed.

The North American Car of the Year program is an annual award where a jury of automotive journalists evaluates new vehicles. Being a jury president or vice president indicates a leadership role in the judging process.

Kelly Blue Book (KBB) is a well-known automotive pricing and research brand in the U.S., best known for helping shoppers estimate vehicle values. The guest mentions working with KBB as part of his automotive journalism career.

Depreciation is how much a car’s value drops over time, especially right after purchase. The host’s point is that buying a nearly new car (about a year old) lets someone else absorb the biggest early value loss.

The Ford Thunderbird is a classic American personal luxury car that became especially well known through its mid-century styling and status as a “company car” type of vehicle. In the podcast context, the mention of a 1960 Thunderbird points to how memorable the model is to the speaker’s experience. It’s often discussed because it represents a distinctive era of American automotive design.

The speaker mentions a 1957 Ford convertible. In enthusiast circles, the 1957 Ford is known for its distinctive late-’50s styling and as a classic American cruiser.

The speaker’s dad bought a Lloyd, described as a “stupid little German car.” Lloyd was a small German automaker known for compact vehicles, and it’s a rare name in modern North American car conversations.

An electrical short is when electricity takes an unintended low-resistance path, which can cause overheating, melting, and smoke. In cars, shorts often come from damaged wiring, failed components, or incorrect connections.

Some older cars used multiple 6-volt batteries to power the electrical system. Using two 6-volt batteries in series can create a 12-volt system, but the layout and wiring are different from the single 12-volt battery most people expect today.

The Chevrolet Corvette is a long-running American sports car known for its performance and iconic styling. In the context you shared, the discussion about looking at older “54/55” Corvettes highlights how early models are often treated as desirable classics. It’s a common topic in car podcasts because people compare what makes vintage Corvettes special versus newer ones.

Racing stripes are bold, usually contrasting paint or decal stripes applied to the body to create a motorsport-inspired look. They’re mostly an aesthetic modification, but they’re also a common way to visually emphasize the car’s shape and stance.

A grille is the front opening (and its surrounding structure) that helps manage airflow to the engine and cooling system. Swapping a grille is a common styling modification that can also change how the car’s front end looks.

A three-speed manual transmission is a gearbox where the driver selects gears using a clutch and gear lever, with three forward gear ratios. Converting a car to a manual changes how it accelerates and how the driver controls engine speed.

Dual exhaust means the car routes exhaust gases through two separate exhaust pipes (typically one on each side). It can change how the car sounds and can be part of an exhaust setup that affects flow and performance.

Lifter seals (often discussed as valve stem seals or related oil-control seals) are meant to keep engine oil from leaking into the combustion chambers. When they wear or fail, oil can burn and produce blue smoke, especially under hard acceleration.

The Nürburgring is Germany’s famous motorsport circuit complex, best known to enthusiasts for its long, challenging track layout. In this segment, the narrator describes driving laps there after watching a race, and later racing at the same venue.

This segment is structured around taking questions from listeners and answering them using the hosts’ experience. It’s a recurring format that typically focuses on practical buying and ownership advice.

“Certified pre-owned” (CPO) is a program where a used car is inspected and then backed by the automaker or dealer with extra coverage. The goal is to reduce the risk and uncertainty of buying a used car compared with buying a random non-certified used vehicle.

An extended warranty is coverage that lasts longer than the standard factory warranty. In the used-car world, it’s often sold alongside certified pre-owned programs to reduce the risk of expensive repairs after purchase.

In a certified pre-owned program, the inspection process is the standardized checklist the vehicle must pass before it can be sold as CPO. That inspection is part of what buyers pay for when they choose CPO over a regular used car.

The Honda Passport is a midsize SUV built for family use, combining comfortable seating with practical cargo space. In your podcast context, it’s being bought as a replacement vehicle for the in-laws, which is typical of how the Passport is discussed—focused on day-to-day usability. It also comes up because it’s meant to handle regular driving and occasional trips with people and gear.

A powertrain warranty covers the major components that make the car move—typically the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. It’s one of the most valuable warranty types because repairs to those systems can be expensive.