Volvo V60 Cross Country Review

2019-2023

The Volvo V60 Cross Country (SPA Platform) is the ultimate crossover wagon for Kenyan road conditions. Combining the elevated 210 mm ground clearance of an SUV with the sleek handling and fuel efficiency of an executive estate, it is uniquely suited for unpaved upcountry tracks, estate speed bumps, and heavy rain downpours. Equipped with standard BorgWarner / Haldex AWD, Off-Road drive mode, Hill Descent Control, and protective wheel arch cladding, the V60 Cross Country is powered by sub-2,000 cc 2.0L Drive-E powertrains (T5, B5 Mild-Hybrid, and D4 Clean Diesel) that qualify for Kenya's standard 25% excise tax bracket.

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mandai score 8.5/10

*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car

What’s good

  • SUV-rivaling 210 mm ground clearance: Easily clears deep potholes, tall speed bumps, and rough upcountry murram tracks without scraping.
  • Standard BorgWarner AWD & Off-Road Mode: Delivers instant torque vectoring and hill descent control on wet clay and unpaved mud roads.
  • Sub-2,000 cc KRA tax advantage: 1,969 cc engine qualifies for the 25% excise tax bracket, avoiding 35% luxury tax tiers.
  • Versatile 529 L boot & roof rails: Perfect for family safaris, sports equipment, or corporate cargo hauling.

What’s not so good

  • Slightly firmer ride than standard V60: Heavy-duty long-travel suspension is calibrated for rough terrain resilience.
  • Premium import CRSP valuation: Sits at a higher baseline price than standard V60 wagons due to all-terrain equipment.

5 doorsPetrol, Diesel, HybridAutomatic

At a glance

Model
Volvo V60 Cross Country (SPA Series)
Production years
2019–2023
Body type
5-Door Lifted All-Terrain Station Wagon
Seating capacity
5
Fuel types
Petrol (T5), Mild-Hybrid (B5), Clean Diesel (D4)
Engine sizes
1,969 cc (2.0L Drive-E)
Transmission
8-Speed Geartronic Automatic
Drivetrain
BorgWarner / Haldex Intelligent AWD
Ground clearance
210 mm
Source market
UK / Japan (RHD)

Trims & variants

Cross Country Core / Cross Country Plus / Cross Country Ultimate

Setup

2.0L turbo petrol (250 hp / 350 Nm) with 48V mild-hybrid assist on B5 models, 8-speed Geartronic, Haldex AWD, returning 14.8–16.5 km/L combined.

Why it gets shipped

Combines 250 hp climbing power with 210 mm ground clearance and refined petrol acceleration.

Fuel consumption

16.5 km/L6.1 L/100km combined
Combined16.5 km/L
City12.8 km/L
Highway19.5 km/L

Figures for the 2.0L T5 / B5 AWD Petrol & Mild-Hybrid (1,969 cc). Tank: 60 L (about 990 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.

Running cost

KES 1,376 per 100 kmKES 14 per km
City driving
KES 1,770 / 100 km
Highway driving
KES 1,163 / 100 km
1,000 km a month
KES 13,755
Full tank (60 L)
KES 13,618

Based on petrol at KES 226.96/L, 15-10-2026 to 14-11-2026. Combined economy unless stated.

Work out a trip cost

Package tiers

V60 Cross Country tiers range from well-equipped Plus models to flagship Ultimate editions with protective body armor.

PackageLevelKey features
Core / PlusAll-terrain luxury210 mm lifted chassis, charcoal body cladding, LED headlights, leather seats, Sensus 9-inch screen, 18-inch alloys.
UltimateFlagship executiveNappa leather, Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins audio, panoramic glass sunroof, 360 camera, 19-inch 5-double spoke wheels.

About the Volvo V60 Cross Country

Kenya strictly enforces an 8-year age limit from manufacture month and right-hand drive regulations. In 2026, 2019 to 2023 V60 Cross Country models sit comfortably inside the legal import window.

Crucially, the 2.0L (1,969 cc) engine stays under 2,000 cc across all variants, saving over KSh 1,100,000 in import duties compared to 3.0L 6-cylinder crossover competitors.

Buying tips for Kenyan importers

  1. Inspect Haldex AWD coupling fluid

    Confirm AWD rear differential and Haldex pump operate without binding during full-lock parking maneuvers.

  2. Check protective underbody skid plates

    Verify aluminum engine skid plate shows no major impact damage from off-road use.

Disclaimer

Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.

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