“The V60 Polestar is an amazing piece of engineering. It's blisteringly fast and handles like a sportscar even though it is a wagon. Additionally, it's one of the quietest vehicles I've owned (interior noise is very low) and it's one of the most luxurious vehicles I have owned. Overall quality and finish is superb.”
2016 Volvo V60: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2016 Volvo V60 is the expansion of the Drive-E lineup, including new T5 versions and a 302-hp T6 Drive-E R-Design. Otherwise, this is a light-update year rather than a redesign.
About the 2016 Volvo V60
1st-generation V60 (P3-based), second US model year after the 2015.5 launch; pre-redesign year. The V60 Cross Country is in its first full US model year.
Volvo positions the V60 as a sporty luxury wagon that gives buyers sedan-like shape and road manners without giving up cargo flexibility. The core appeal is Scandinavian design, family-friendly practicality, and Volvo’s long-standing safety focus, wrapped in a lower, more car-like package than an SUV. In 2016, the V60 family stretches from efficient Drive-E wagons to rugged Cross Country models and all the way to serious factory performance in the Polestar.
The 2016 V60 ranges from efficiency-focused Drive-E wagons to AWD T5 models, the raised Cross Country, and sportier R-Design versions. Premier trims emphasize leather and navigation, Platinum models add features such as adaptive cruise control and premium audio, and the limited-run Polestar stands out with a 345-hp six-cylinder engine, upgraded brakes, and specialized suspension tuning.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The Drive-E range expands with T5 Drive-E, T5 Drive-E Premier, and T5 Drive-E Platinum trims using a 240-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic. New T6 Drive-E R-Design and R-Design Platinum trims use a 302-hp turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic.
Styling
Alloy wheels move from optional to standard on the T6 R-Design and T6 R-Design Platinum. Other appearance updates are limited to minor trim and wheel details, with no body redesign.
Tech
Proximity keyless entry moves from standard to optional on the T5 Cross Country and T5 Premier. The touchscreen system and broader technology offerings otherwise carry over.
2016 Volvo V60 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drive-E. 2.0T | 5-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 5-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 5-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drive-E. 2.0T | 4-Cyl, Drive-E. 2.0T | 4-Cyl Drive-E Sprchg 2.0T | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 5-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl Drive-E Sprchg 2.0T |
| Transmission | Auto 6-Spd Gtrnc AdptShft | Auto 8-Spd Gtrnc AdptShft | Auto 6-Spd Gtrnc AdptShft | Auto 6-Spd Gtrnc AdptShft | Auto, 6-Spd Gtrnc QckShft | Auto, 6-Spd Gtrnc QckShft | Auto, 6-Spd Gtrnc Adpshft | Auto 8-Spd Gtrnc AdptShft | Auto 8-Spd Gtrnc AdptShft | Auto 8-Spd Gtrnc AdptShft | Auto, 6-Spd Gtrnc QckShft | Auto, 6-Spd Gtrnc Adpshft | Auto, 8-Spd Geartronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 25 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 20 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 22 mpg | 19 mpg | 20 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 37 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 37 mpg | 37 mpg | 31 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 250 hp | 240 hp | 250 hp | 250 hp | 325 hp | 325 hp | 250 hp | 240 hp | 240 hp | 302 hp | 325 hp | 250 hp | 302 hp |
| Torque | 266 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft | 354 lb-ft | 354 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 354 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 43.8 cu-ft | 43.8 cu-ft | 43.8 cu-ft | 43.8 cu-ft | 43.8 cu-ft | 43.8 cu-ft | 43.8 cu-ft | 43.8 cu-ft | 43.8 cu-ft | 43.8 cu-ft | 43.8 cu-ft | 43.8 cu-ft | 43.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||||||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||||||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||||||||
| HID Headlights | |||||||||||||
| Heated Windshield | |||||||||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||||||||
| Roof Rails | |||||||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | |||||||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||||||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | |||||||||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||||||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest difference between the 2016 Volvo V60 and the 2015 model?
The biggest difference is the broader Drive-E lineup. For 2016, Volvo adds three T5 Drive-E trims and two T6 Drive-E R-Design trims, while most of the V60’s design, safety features, and cabin technology carry over.
Was the 2016 Volvo V60 redesigned?
No, the 2016 Volvo V60 was not redesigned. It remains part of the first-generation V60 family and receives new Drive-E trims plus a few small equipment changes.
What is different about the 2016 V60 T6 Drive-E R-Design?
The 2016 T6 Drive-E R-Design uses a 302-hp turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic, AWD, sport suspension tuning, and R-Design body details. It is the newer-engine alternative to the six-cylinder T6 R-Design.
Did the 2016 Volvo V60 get new safety technology?
No, the 2016 V60 did not receive a new lineup-wide safety suite. City Safety low-speed collision avoidance remains a core feature, while adaptive cruise control and forward collision braking remain tied to higher trims or equipment packages.
Is every 2016 Volvo V60 all-wheel drive?
No, not every 2016 V60 is all-wheel drive. The efficiency-focused T5 Drive-E models use a 240-hp four-cylinder setup without AWD listed among their key equipment, while the five-cylinder T5, Cross Country, T6 R-Design, T6 Drive-E R-Design, and Polestar versions have AWD.
2016 Volvo V60 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Volvo V60.
4.3
2016 Volvo V60
(117 reviews)
“I feel like I have very good control of the vehicle. I enjoy the driving assistance technology. The at handles very well.”
“Concern with turning engine off without key. No signal when leaving vehicle if motor is still running.”